Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1897-05-13
JONAH or Il KORAN.
The Moslem Version OF tho Famous o.
Testament Narrative,

The Moslem Version OF the Famous ola
Testament Narrative.
The Koran tells us that "Yunus
(Ionas) was of those who were sent
when he fed into the loaded ship,
and they cast lots among them
selves, and he was condemned, and
the fish swallowed him, for he was
worthy of blame. Chapter xxxvii.
The Moslems have their ancient
Scriptures, giving q history of the
world from Adam down through
their great prophet Ibrahim (Abra.
ham). Professor Edwin johnson of
London undertakes to prove in his
Rise of Christendom," 1892, that
the Hebrew Bible is leo. years youn.
ger than the Moslem chronicle of Al
Tabani, which was redacted about
A. d. 800, and that the New Tesla
ment was composed after A. d. 12C6.
According to the Moslem Scrip.
lures Jonas, a prophet of the chill
dren of Israel, was sent to a city of
the territory of Moussoul, which
embraced Antioch and several other
towns, all given to idolatry. The
people refused to believe, and Allah
threatened a chastisement should
they not repent. On the day ap-
pointed Jonas departed, and Allah
sent a red cloud filled with fire,
which lowered owe the city in the
night. The king and the people
gathered together and 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 anger, why
do they not believe this dayR" So
he would not return.
The king caused all the people to
go forth out of the city, with their
quadrupeds and birds. There they
covered themselves with dust, and
the king said: 20 Lord, though
Jonas, thy prophet, be gone, we
lose not confidence in thee. We be.
lieve on thee, Allah, and thy proph-
et." The ~rayers and sobs of the
multitude made the angels in heav.
en- weep, and Allah pardoned the
city.
But Jonas was not there. He had
embarked on a passing vessel and
was far out at sea. Allah caused a
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: ut is / 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 species
Of fish," says the Koran, "has q
raised back like the roof Of a house
and to this day is held sacred from
pursuit" The Greek word both in
Matthew and the Septuagint is Ike
tos, properly translated whale
but there are only two or three
small species of c%etaceans in the
Mediterranean sea. The description
in the Koran answers to a porpoisu
After 40 days Jonas was inspired
with the thought of prayer. Allah
sent al angel to lead the fish ashore
at the place where Jonas had en-
barked. Then he was cast up, ss
weak as a newborn child. Allah
inspired a doeto come and give hil.
milk. The I'LL scorched his body
and Allah inspired gourd to spring
up around a dry trunk and pu
forth leaves, which gave shade tt
Jonas. Fo. 10 days was he sucked
by the doe until he was able to ris.
and pray.
At last the gourd withered, ant
Jonas was aggrieved. Then Allal
reproved him for not being grievet
for the many thousands of peopl,
he had deserted.
Jonas was sent anew to the nov
repentant people. He met a shep
herd, who told him they were seek
: ing him. He babe the shepherd g
: and tell them he was here. "Wher,
shalt thou be2'' said the shepherd
t I'm this mountain" answered 10
mas. "Who will show me the roat
] to theea" said the shepherd. "Thil
: she goat" answered Jonas. "Wh,
4 will bear witness that I have seer
> thee3" said the shepherd. 9Th,
dog" answered Jonas. Then til,
shepherd departed, and Jonas enter
ed the mountain.
The shepherd went and told tn,
: king and people, and they cam
forth to find Jonas. Bear witnes
= : for me-" said the shepherd to hi
: dog, "as the prophet commanded
!. The dog responded distinctly, say
: ing. "Jonas, son Of MMatai, prophe
: of Allah, was hhsfe." Thenthe shep
! herd said to the goat, BE our guide
: and she led them to Jonas, who wa
found deep in prayer. He ros an,
!. went with thento the city and ther
semained until his death