11 July 2026 marked a meaningful day for many hearts as attendees gathered for “Even in the Belly of the Whale: Making Sense of Life Through the Art of Tawbah”, featuring Shaykh AbdulNasir Jangda and Shaykh Mikaeel Smith.
Throughout the day, both speakers explored the timeless story of Prophet Yunus (a.s.), offering reflections on tawbah, resilience, and the limitless mercy of Allah (s.w.t.). More than a historical narrative, the story became a mirror through which we were invited to examine our lives, struggles, and relationship with our Creator.
Tawbah Begins with Allah’s (s.w.t.) Mercy
One of the most profound reminders shared by Shaykh AbdulNasir Jangda challenged a common misconception about tawbah.
Many of us believe that repentance begins with us— that we decide to return to Allah (s.w.t.), and only then does Allah (s.w.t.) accept our repentance.
Yet the Qur’an presents something even more beautiful.
Allah (s.w.t.) first turns towards His servant with mercy. He softens the heart, awakens the desire to return, enables the servant to repent, and then lovingly accepts that repentance.
Tawbah is, therefore, not merely an act of seeking forgiveness. It is a mercy initiated by Allah (s.w.t.) Himself.
This reminder offers immense hope to anyone who feels that their mistakes are too great or that they have wandered too far from their Lord. Allah (s.w.t.) never labels His servants by their failures. Instead, He continuously invites them back to Him.
The Belly of the Whale Exists in Many Forms
The story of Prophet Yunus (a.s.) is often remembered for the miracle of the whale. But as Shaykh AbdulNasir Jngda reminded us, the whale was never the miracle. The miracle was Allah’s (s.w.t.) mercy reaching Prophet Yunus (a.s.) in the depth of darkness.
For many of us, our own “belly of the whale” may not be a physical place. It may be grief, disappointment, failure, loneliness, or that quiet feeling of watching everyone else’s life move forward while our own seems to stand still.
Yet even in those moments, Allah’s (s.w.t.) mercy is never beyond reach.
The famous du’a’ of Prophet Yunus (a.s.) reminds us that true relief begins not by relying on our own strength, but by placing complete trust in Allah (s.w.t.).
Finding Ourselves in the Stories of the Prophets
Shaykh Mikaeel Smith reminded us that the stories of the Prophets were never revealed simply for us to admire them from afar. They were revealed to strengthen hearts. The stories themselves never change.
We do.
As our circumstances change, we discover new lessons waiting for us within the same verses we have read many times before. Instead of asking, “What happened to Prophet Yunus (a.s.)?”, perhaps we should also ask, “Where am I in this story?”
Every trial presents an opportunity to return to Allah (s.w.t.) with greater sincerity.
A Meaningful Life Includes Meaningful Struggles
One of the most memorable reminders of the day was that happiness does not come from a life without difficulties. Rather, true happiness comes from living a life filled with meaningful struggles.
Every believer will experience tests. The question is not whether hardship will come, but how we choose to respond when it does.
Sometimes we become discouraged because one person rejects our advice or fails to appreciate our efforts. Yet Prophet Yunus (a.s.) spent years calling an entire nation to Allah (s.w.t.) despite constant rejection.
Whether people acknowledge our efforts or not, our actions are ultimately for Allah (s.w.t.) alone.
Thank You for Being Part of the Journey
Beyond the inspiring reminders, it was also a joy to meet so many readers at the Tertib Publishing booth.
To everyone who stopped by to browse our collection, share kind conversations, or bring home one of our books, thank you for your continued trust and support. We pray that every page you read becomes a source of beneficial knowledge and draws you closer to Allah (s.w.t.).
Alhamdulillah for a day filled with reflection, learning, and renewed hope.
May Allah (s.w.t.) allow us to continue returning to Him with sincere hearts, accept our tawbah, and remind us that no matter how dark our circumstances may seem, His mercy is always greater.
Until the next gathering, insha Allah 💜
