Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1897-07-22
THE JONAH OF THE KORAN.
MosIem Version of the Adventure OF
the IsraeIifish Prophet.

the Israelftish Prophet.
The Koran tells us that "Yunus
(Ionasl was Of those who were sent
when he fed 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. Chapter xxxvii.
The Moslems have their ancientscrip-
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
/ Isreal, was sent to a city of the terri
/ tory of Moussoul, which embraced
Antioch and several other towns, oil
given to idolatry. The people refused
to believe. and Allah threatened chas-
tisement should they not repent. On
the lay appointed Jonas departed. and
| Allah sent red cloud filed 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: "Whv 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 q emselves with dust, and the
king said: "Oh. Lord, though Jonas.
thv 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. lie 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
sin and he said TO the sailors: 1T is
I whom the fish desires; cast me 10 it"
When they knew he was a prophet Of
Allah they refused to do il, 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
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 a porpoise.
After 40 days Jonaswas inspired with
the thought of prayer. Allah sent an
angel to lead the fish ashore ut the
point where Jonas had embarked.
Then he was cast up, as weak rs a new
born child. Allah inspired a doe 70
come and give him milk. The sun
scorched his body and Allah inspired
gourd to spring up around dry trunk
and put forth leaves, which gave shade |
TO Jonas. For 40 days was he sucked |
by the doe. until he was able to 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. lie met a shepherd who
told him they We're seeking him. He |
bafe the shepherd 60 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 |
viii bear witness that l 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.-Washingto
Times