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
Related Hadith
"The Prophet (ﷺ) recited the verse and explained that after the people of Jannah receive their rewards, the veil will be lifted and they will be given nothing more beloved to them than looking at their Lord."
This is the primary and explicit prophetic evidence defining 'Ziyadah' as the beatific vision of Allah.
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Quick Facts about this Verse
Surah
Yunus
Revealed
Makki
Position
Juz 11
Explore this Verse
Verse Meaning
According to the comprehensive tafsir of Imam Al-Tabari, verse 10:26 of Surah Yunus provides a definitive statement on the ultimate destiny of the righteous. It promises those who excel in faith and deeds ('ahsanu') the best and most beautiful reward ('Al-Husna'), which is unanimously understood by classical scholars as Jannah (Paradise). The verse then adds a profound and highly anticipated promise: 'wa ziyadah' (and an addition). A comprehensive review of classical scholarship, including the tafsirs of Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, reveals a strong consensus among the early generations of Muslims that this 'addition' is the single greatest reward conceivable: the honor of looking upon the Face of Allah. This interpretation is powerfully substantiated by an authentic hadith in Sahih Muslim narrated by Suhayb, where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explicitly defined the 'ziyadah' as the unveiling of the divine veil, a sight more beloved to the inhabitants of Paradise than any other blessing they receive. While other interpretations exist, such as the multiplication of rewards or special palaces, the interpretation of the beatific vision is supported by the Prophet (ﷺ) himself and prominent companions like Abu Bakr As-Siddiq and Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman. The verse concludes by describing their state of perfect bliss, where their faces will not be covered by any darkness ('qatar') or humiliation ('dhillah'), signifying complete honor, joy, and eternal serenity as they abide forever in the Gardens.
Questions for Reflection
The Nature of Excellence ('Ihsan')
The verse begins 'For those who did good/excelled (ahsanu)...'. Reflect on one area of your life (work, family, worship). What would moving from just 'doing' to 'excelling' (Ihsan) look like in that specific area, knowing that the reward is not just good, but 'Al-Husna' (the absolute best)?
The Ultimate Aspiration ('Ziyadah')
The Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions, as cited by Ibn Kathir, understood the 'Ziyadah' as seeing Allah. Sit in stillness and contemplate what it means for this to be the *additional* reward, greater than all the pleasures of Paradise combined. How does this re-orient your definition of 'success' and 'happiness'?
The State of Serenity ('Qatar' and 'Dhillah')
The verse promises faces free from 'qatar' (gloom/darkness) and 'dhillah' (humiliation). Reflect on the moments in this life where you feel these shadows—anxiety, shame, regret. How does the promise of their complete and eternal removal through Allah's grace impact your ability to navigate these feelings today?
Practical Applications
Reframe your motivation for every good deed, from charity to prayer, as a step toward the ultimate reward of seeing Allah.
In a world of instant gratification, use this verse as a reminder to anchor your efforts in the ultimate, eternal reward.
Cultivate 'Ihsan' (excellence) in your actions by remembering that the reward is not just 'good' but 'Al-Husna' (the best).
Apply this to your professional work, family life, and personal worship. Strive not just to complete tasks, but to achieve excellence in them for the sake of the 'best' reward.
On days you feel spiritually low or despair, reflect on the promise that 'neither darkness nor humiliation' will touch the righteous, to cultivate hope.
Use this as a personal affirmation during times of stress, anxiety, or when facing public criticism, reminding yourself of the ultimate divine vindication.
Hidden Gem
The synthesis of scholarly thought reveals a profound spiritual hierarchy. 'Al-Husna' (Paradise) is the reward for the deeds of the body and soul. However, the 'Ziyadah' (seeing Allah) is the reward for the heart's deepest yearning for its Creator. Contemplating this distinction, as derived from the collective tafsir, transforms one's understanding: Paradise is the home, but seeing Allah is the homecoming.
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Common Questions
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