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1286<br />

swallowed by a big Fish (or Whale), but in the depth of the darkness, he cried to Allah and confessed his weakness.<br />

The "darkness" may be interpreted both physically and spiritually; physically, as the darkness of the night and the<br />

storm and the Fish's body; spiritually as the darkness in his soul, his extreme distress in the situation which he had<br />

brought on himself. Allah Most Gracious forgave him. He was cast out ashore; he was given the shelter of a plant in<br />

his state of mental and physical lassitude. He was refreshed and strengthened, and the work of his mission<br />

prospered. Thus he overcame all his disappointment by repentance and Faith, and Allah accepted him. (21.87)<br />

68:48 - So wait with patience for the command of thy Lord and be not like the Companion of the<br />

Fish when he cried out in agony. 5629<br />

5629 This was Zun-Nun, or Jonah, for whom see n. 2744 to xxi. 87-88. Cf. also xxxvii. 139-148 and the notes there. Jonah<br />

was asked to preach to the people of Nineveh, a wicked city. He met with hostility and persecution, fled from his<br />

enemies, and took a boat. He was caught in a storm and thrown into the sea. He was swallowed by a fish or whale,<br />

but he repented in his living prison, and was forgiven. But the people of Nineveh were also forgiven, for they, too,<br />

repented. Here is a double allegory of Allah's mercy and forgiveness, and a command to patience, and complete and<br />

joyful submission to the Will of Allah. (68.48)<br />

YUSUF: (Joseph) See Introduction to Surah 12.<br />

12:3 - We do relate unto thee the most beautiful of stories in that We reveal to thee this (portion of<br />

the) Qur'an: before this thou too wast among those who knew it not. 1631<br />

1631 Most beautiful of stories: see Introduction to this Sura. Eloquence consists in conveying by a word or hint many<br />

meanings for those who can understand and wish to learn wisdom. Not only is Joseph's story "beautiful" in that sense,<br />

Joseph himself was renowned for manly beauty; the women of Egypt, called him a noble angel (xii. 31), and the<br />

beauty of his exterior form was a symbol of the beauty of his soul. (12.3)<br />

12:4 - Behold Joseph said to his father: "O my father! I did see eleven stars and the sun and the<br />

moon: I saw them prostrate themselves to me!" 16321633<br />

1631 Most beautiful of stories: see Introduction to this Sura. Eloquence consists in conveying by a word or hint many<br />

meanings for those who can understand and wish to learn wisdom. Not only is Joseph's story "beautiful" in that sense,<br />

Joseph himself was renowned for manly beauty; the women of Egypt, called him a noble angel (xii. 31), and the<br />

beauty of his exterior form was a symbol of the beauty of his soul. (12.3)<br />

1797 A story like that of Joseph is not a purely imaginary fable. The People of the Book have it in their sacred literature. It is<br />

confirmed here in its main outline, but here there is a detailed spiritual exposition that will be found nowhere in earlier<br />

literature. The exposition covers all sides of human life. If properly understood it gives valuable lessons to guide<br />

our conduct,-an instance of Allah's grace and mercy to people who will go to Him in faith and put their affairs<br />

in His hands. (12.111)<br />

See Surah 12.<br />

ZAKARIYA: ( Zachariya)<br />

See Surah 19<br />

19:2 - (This is) a recital of the Mercy of thy Lord to His Servant Zakariya. 2456<br />

2456 The Mercy of Allah to Zakriya was shown in many ways: (1) in the acceptance of his prayer; (2) in bestowing a son<br />

like Yahya; and (3) in the love between father and son, in addition to the work which Yahya did as Allah's Messenger<br />

for the world. Cf. iii. 38-41 and notes. There the public ministry was the point stressed; here the beautiful relations<br />

between the son and the father. (19.2)<br />

ZUL KIFL:<br />

See 21:85; 38:48 etc<br />

PROSPER:<br />

2:5 - They are on (true) guidance from their Lord and it is these who will prosper. 29<br />

29 Prosperity must be taken as referring to all the kinds of bounty which we discussed in the note to ii. 3 above. The right<br />

use of one kind leads to an increase in that and other kinds, and that is prosperity. (2.5)<br />

2:189 - They ask thee concerning the new moons. Say: they are but signs to mark fixed periods of<br />

time in (the affairs of) men and for pilgrimage. It is no virtue if ye enter your houses from the<br />

Go to UP<br />

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