Repentance | Dua for Hardship
Inspired by the story of Yunus AS
Dua for relief during hardship
This is a print of an Islamic painting by Saleha
Calligraphy: laaa ilaaha illaaa Anta Subhaanaka innee kuntu minaz zaalimeen
Meaning: “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.” [21:87]
The Story
Repentance: Allah loves those who turn to Him.
The story of Yunus (A.S.) was sent down to comfort the Prophet (PBUH) during his most difficult moment. Like the other prophets, the people of Yunus (A.S.) rejected his message despite his continual efforts. Facing this, Yunus (A.S.) lost hope and left his people without being granted Allah’s permission leave.
As he left, storm clouds gathered and darkness ensued all around. Fearing Allah's punishment, his people accepted his message repented. By this time, Yunus A.S. was caught in the storm at sea, and chosen to be sacrificed to save his fellow travelers. Allah then commanded a whale to swallow him, but preserves his life. Descending to the bottom of the ocean, he is in total darkness and despair. At this time, in the deafening silence, he hears pebbles on the ocean bed supplicating to Allah.
Understanding his error, Yunus (A.S.) makes sujood and recites a special dua. This dua highlights his acknowledgment of Allah's perfection, and of his own imperfections. The Prophet (PBUH) said, no one calls upon Allah with this dua, except that Allah grants him refuge and relieves him of the hardship he is in. Yunus (A.S.) did not ask to be saved from the whale, or relief from his pains. He only made tauba for his action.
As his body washed up on the shore, he makes the dua again. Allah nurtures him back to health and allows him to return to his people. It is then he discovers that thousands have embraced his message. When we turn to Allah, He elevates us.
