Evening journal., 1897-06-01
TAG JONAH oF rHE KoRAN.
MosIem Version of the Adventure of
the ISrncIifinh Prnnhcf.


(Jonas) was Of those who were sent |
when he fled into the loaded ship, and |
they cast lots among themselves, and
he was condemned. and the fish swal-
lowed him, for he was worthy Of
blame. e."-Chapter xxxvii.
The Moslems have their ancient scrip
tures, giving history Of the world
from Adam down through their great
prophet, Ibraham (Abraham).
According TO the Moslem scriptures
Jonas, a prophet of the children of
1sreal, was sent to a 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 a chas-
tisement should they not repent. On
the day appointed Jonas departed, and
Allah sent a red cloud filed with fire,
which hovered 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 their
quadrupeds and birds. There they
covered themselves with dust, and the
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
nnd 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 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 a
sin and he said to the sailors: 1T is
I whom the fish desires; cast me to it,"
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 a house, and
TO this day is held sacred from pursuit"
The Greek word both in Matthew and
the Septuagint is l1etos, 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 aporpoise.
After 40 days Jonaswas inspired with
the thought of prayer. Allah cent an
angel to lead the fish ashore at the
point where Jonas had embarked.
Then he was cast up, as weak rs a new
born child. Allah inspired doe tC
como and give him milk. The sur
scorched his body and Allah inspired q
gourd to spring up around a dry trunk
and put forth leaves, which gave shade
to Jonas. For 40 days was he sucked
by the doc, until he was able 10 rise and
pray.
At last the gourd withered and Jonas
was aggrieved. Then Allah reproved
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
| lOlu MN lueY were seeking nun. h'
bade the shepherd go and tell them he
was here. "Where shalt thou be?'
said the shepherd. "In this mountain,
answered Jonas. "Who will show m'
the road to thee?" said the shepherd
'This she goat" answered Jonas. "Wh'
will bear witness that I have seer
thee?" said the shepherd. 'gThy dog,
answered Jonas. Then the shepherC
departed and Jonas entered the noun
tain.
The shepherd went and told the kinl
and people and they came forth to fin'
Jonas. "Bear witness for me-" sai'
the shepherd to his dog, "as the prophe
commanded" The dog responded dis
tinctly, saying: "Jonas, son of Matai
prophet of Allah, was here" Then tn
shepherd said to the goat: "Be on
guide" and she led them to Jonas, VIII
was found deep in prayer. He rose ant
went with them TO the city and ther
remained until his death.-WashiRgtoi
Times.