Question

I have heard that historians say that Yunus (‘alayhis salam), like ‘Isa (‘alayhis salam) had been attributed to his mother, but I read in Sahih Bukhari, wherein mention is made that he is attributed to his father.  (Hadith: 3413 ‘ونسبه الى ابيه‘)

Could you please explain?

 

Answer

Certain Historians were of the opinion that ‘Matta’ was the name of Nabi Yunus’s (‘alayhis salam) mother. However, due to the narration you have alluded to, recorded in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, this view has been declared incorrect.

Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al ‘Asqalani (rahimahullah) writes: “This Hadith refutes those who claimed that ‘Matta’ was his mother’s name. This is cited by Wahb ibn Munabbih in his book ‘Al Mubtada’, Tabari has also mentioned this and Ibnul Athir has followed suit in his book ‘Al Kamil’. However, what is mentioned in the Sahih [i.e. Matta was his father’s name] is most authentic.”

(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 3412-3416, vol. 6 pg. 451)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar