The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-05-13
THE JONAH OF THE KORAN.
MOsIem Version of the Adventure, of
the IsrneIitish Prophet. !

MOsIem Version of the Adventure, Of
the IsraeIitish Prophet.
The Koran tells us that "Yu JUS
(Jonas) was of those who were sent,
when he fled into the loaded ship, and
they cast lots am0ng themselves, and
he was condemned, and the fish swal-
lowed him, for ne was worthy of
blame. Chapter Xxxvii.
The NIoslems have their ancient scrip
lures, giving history of the world
from Adam down through their great
prophet, Ibraham (Abraham).
According 10 the Moslem scriptures
Jonas, a prophet of the children of
lSreal, was sent to city of the terri
tory of Moussoul, which embraced
Antioch and several other towns, all
given to idolatry. The people refused
to believe, and Allah threatened chas-
tisement should they not repent. On
the day appointed Jonas departed, and
Allah sent red cloud filled with fire,
which lowered over the city in the
night. The king and the people gath
cred together. The king said: Seek
for Jonas, that we may believe Allah,
for what he has told us is the truth"
When Jonas heard that they sought
him he said in his anger: "Why do they
not believe this day." SO he would not
return.
The king caused all the people to go
forth out of their city, with tneF
quadrupeds and birds. There they
cpvara1 +ba,DsaI,-os with duet opd ~
king said: "Oh, Lord, though Jonas,
thy prophet, be gone. we lose not CON
fidence in thee. We believe on thee, AL
lah, and thy prophet" The prayers
and sobs of the multitude made the
angels in Heaven weep, and Allah par
doned the city.
But Jonas was not there. He had
embarked on a passing vessel and was
far out at sea. Allah caused big fish
to stop the vessel. The crew prayed
and wept and prepared for death. Then
Jonas knew that he had committed Il
sin and he said to the sailors: SIT is
! whom the fish desires; cast me to ~
When they knew he was a prophet of
Allah they refused to do it, but they
cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonas
Then he cast himself into the sea and
was swallowed by the fish. This spe-
cies of fish" says the Koran, "has a
raised back like the roof house. and
TO this day is held sacred from pursuit. =
The Greek word both in Matthew and
the Septuagint is ketOs, properly trans
lated 'Whale," but there are only two
or three small species of cetaceans in
the Mediterranean sea. The descrip-
ton in the Koran answers to porpoise.
After 40 days Jonas was inspired with
the thought of prayer Allah sent an
angel 20 lead the fish ashore at the
point whore Jonas had embarked.
Then he was cast up. as weak as new
born child. Allah inspired doe to
come and give him milk. The sun
scorched his body and Allah inspired "A
gourd TO spring up around a dry trunk
ard put forth leaves, which gave shade
10 Jonas. For 40 days was he sucked
by the doe. until he was able to rise and
pray.
Al last the gourd withered and Jonas
was NS Z lC'Vb' IICII +AlIdl
him for not being grieved for the many
thousands of the people he had de-
serted.
Jonas was sent anew TO the now re-
pentant people He met shepherd who
told him they were seeking him. He
babe the shepherd go and tell them he
was here. Where shalt thou be?''
said the shepherd. "In this mountain -
answered Jonas. "Who will show me
the road to thee?" said the shepherd
This she goat" answered Jonas. "Who
will bear witness that I have seen
thee?" said the shepherd Thy dog"
answered Jonas. Then the shepherd
departed and Jonas entered the noun
tain.
The shepherd went and told the king
and people and they came forth to find
Jonas. Bear witness for me-" said
the shepherd to his dog, "as the prophet
commanded" The dog responded dis
tinctly. saying: Jonas, son of Natal,
prophet of Allah, was here" Then the
shepherd said to the goat: BE our
guide and she led them to Jonas, who
was found deep in prayer. He rose and
went with them to the city and there
remained until his death.-Washingt
Times.