Dhul-Nun — Jonah Leaves His People Before Permission

Verse: "And [mention] Dhul-Nun, when he left in anger and thought We would not constrict him." (21:87)

The error: Yunus left his people before Allah's permission — "he left in anger" at his people.

"Thought We would not constrict him":
Commentators say: not that he doubted Allah's power. Rather: he thought We would not make things tight for him. An error in judgment.

Punishment and mercy:
The whale's belly was punishment for leaving without permission — then it became mercy through his prayer and repentance. He was "mulim" — blameworthy.

The return and success:
He returned and a hundred thousand or more believed — the largest number to believe at once in prophetic history.

Lesson: Every prophet had a slip — the greatness of prophethood is in returning. Yunus's return after repentance was more blessed than his departure.