Yunus is the 10th sura of the Qur’an, named after Prophet Yunus (Jonah [peace be upon him]) and belongs to the late Meccan period. Although it takes its name from verse 98, there are still more details about Yunus in Sura al-Saffat than in Sura Yunus. This sura comprises 109 verses, 1,499 words, 7,065 letters, and 11 segments. It is the 51st sura in chronological order, revealed after Sura al-Isra’ (The Night Journey) and before Sura Hud. It begins with three Mysterious Letters of the Qur’an and emphasises the great wisdom of God’s revelation. In this chapter, the main focus is responding to the allegations of idolaters of Mecca and refuting pagan claims against the Holy Qur’an. This sura categorically denies the allegations of the disbelievers that the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) is a magician and a fabricator and instead affirms the belief that the Qur’an is divine revelation and the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) played no part in its composition.

This chapter describes that even disbelievers express their faith in God when some terrible disaster afflicts them, and they do not find anyone among their false gods to avert it. But they forget God and return to their polytheistic life when delivered from this situation. This chapter reminds us that the ultimate return of all creatures is to God, the One, just as He originated their creation. This chapter further shows that meeting with God after death is an inevitable reality that no one can escape. The righteous will be rewarded in Paradise, while the sinful will suffer in Hell forever.

Furthermore, the disbelievers are challenged to produce a sura like anyone of those in the Qur’an. This sura also refers to the accounts of the people of Noah, Moses, the people of Pharaoh and the Meccan disbelievers. This chapter also urges believers to exercise patience while facing denial by saying: ‘We are responsible for our deeds, and you are responsible for yours. You are absolved from what we do, and we are absolved from what you do.’ This statement of the chapter provides a foundation for tolerance and forbearance to those preaching and propagating Islam.