Jonah was an 8th-century BCE prophet from Gath-hepher, the son of Amittai. According to biblical accounts, he attempted to flee from his divine mission by sailing toward Tarshish from Jaffa. During his journey, he was swallowed by a large fish, remaining inside its belly for three days. Following this experience, he traveled to Nineveh to preach judgment, which led the city's inhabitants to repent and fast. He is recognized as a saint and remains a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, the Quran, and Christian tradition.
Life and mission
As a preacher of Yahwism, Jonah received a command to warn the people of Nineveh. His initial attempt to evade this duty resulted in him being swallowed by a sea creature. After spending three days inside the fish, he fulfilled his role by delivering a prophecy of judgment. The people of Nineveh responded to his message through fasting and repentance, avoiding the predicted destruction.
Veneration and legacy
Jonah is commemorated as a saint in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, with a feast day on September 21. In Judaism, he serves as a symbol of repentance and his writings are read during the Yom Kippur Haftarah. His story is also preserved in the Quran within the surah Yūnus, and he is mentioned in the New Testament through the sign of Jonah.