Yunus - Jonas
Arabic Name: يُوْنـُس
Urdu Name: یونس
Type: Makki
Serial Number: 10
Revelation Order: 51
Total Verses: 109
Parah: 11
Rukus: 11
Sajda: None
Share Verse Art
Arabic
Arabic + English
Arabic (Wide)
Arabic + Urdu
Free for personal & educational use with attribution
Quick Facts about this Verse
Surah
Yunus
Revealed
Makki
Position
Juz 11
Explore this Verse
Verse Meaning
According to classical exegetes like Imam al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, Quran 10:83 offers a profound insight into the sociology of faith under tyranny, stating that only a 'dhurriyyah'—a small group of youths—initially believed in Moses. This was not due to a lack of evidence, but because of the paralyzing fear of Pharaoh and their own chiefs. The scholarly discussion on whether these youths were from the Israelites or Pharaoh's people reveals a universal truth: revolutionary messages of faith often find their first adherents among the young, who are less encumbered by the established order. The hidden gem, unearthed by al-Tabari's linguistic analysis, is that the fear was not just of Pharaoh, but also of 'their chiefs' (ملئهم), suggesting internal community pressure against belief. This transforms the narrative from one of simple external oppression to a complex struggle against both state tyranny and internal compromise. The verse powerfully concludes by defining Pharaoh's character as one of extreme arrogance ('aal in the land) and excess ('al-musrifin'), justifying the believers' fear and highlighting the courage required to stand for truth.
Questions for Reflection
Personal Conviction
The verse states the youth believed 'in fear'. Reflect on a time your faith or principles were tested by fear. Did the fear paralyze you, or did your belief propel you to act despite it? What does this teach you about the nature of your own conviction?
Internal vs. External Pressures
Al-Tabari's analysis points to fear from both Pharaoh AND 'their chiefs'. Contemplate the pressures you face: which are external (like Pharaoh) and which are internal to your community or family (like 'their chiefs')? Which is more difficult to resist, and why?
The Psychology of Youthful Faith
Scholars like Saadi and Dr. Israr Ahmad highlight that youth led the way. Contemplate the qualities of youth—idealism, less attachment to the status quo, courage—that make them receptive to truth. How can you cultivate these 'youthful' spiritual qualities in yourself, regardless of your age?
Practical Applications
Identify and resist subtle community pressures that discourage standing for truth, recognizing them as a form of 'fitnah' (trial).
Applicable in professional, social, or family settings where going against the grain for ethical reasons carries social risk.
Nurture the idealism of youth by encouraging principled stands, as they are often more receptive to revolutionary truths.
Crucial for mentorship, parenting, and community leadership to support young activists and idealists.
Hidden Gem
The synthesis of tafsirs reveals a profound spiritual equation: the intensity of Pharaoh's arrogance ('aal) and excess (musrifin) is directly proportional to the courage required for even a small group ('dhurriyyah') to believe. Contemplating this balance transforms the verse from a historical account into a spiritual metric. It teaches that in any situation, the measure of tyranny is also the measure of the potential reward for courageous faith.
Scroll to see more verses or use the dropdown in the breadcrumb to jump to any verse
Common Questions
1 more question available in the full page