Is it true that the fish that swallowed Prophet Jonah is still alive? Here's the explanation in the Quran

At that moment, the whale swallowed Prophet Jonah. But the whale did not harm Prophet Jonah. In other words, Prophet Jonah was swallowed and still alive inside the belly of the whale. Inside the belly of the whale, Prophet Jonah evaluated himself for his impatience in dealing with the people of Nineveh whom he had left behind. Finally, Prophet Jonah sought forgiveness from Allah SWT.

The Fish that Swallowed Prophet Jonah is Still Alive

The fish that swallowed Prophet Jonah is said to be a large fish called a whale. After seeking forgiveness, Prophet Jonah was expelled by the large fish onto the beach. Then, Allah SWT caused a tree with dense leaves to grow to protect Prophet Jonah from the sun's rays.

From this story, some people believe that the whale is still alive until now. The existence of this assumption certainly has its own basis. As explained in Surah As-Saffat verses 139 to 145:

وَإِنَّ يُونُسَ لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ

إِذْ أَبَقَ إِلَى الْفُلْكِ الْمَشْحُونِ

فَسَاهَمَ فَكَانَ مِنَ الْمُدْحَضِينَ

وَالْحُوتُ أَبَاثَ فَكَانَ مِنَ الْمُدْحَضِينَ

فَلَوْلَا أَنَّهُ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُسَبِّحِينَ

لَلَبِثَ فِي بَطْنِهِ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ"

Meaning: "And indeed, Jonah was one of the messengers. [Mention] when he ran away to the laden ship. And he drew lots and was among the losers. Then the fish swallowed him, while he was blameworthy. And had he not been of those who exalt Allah, he would have remained inside its belly until the Day they are resurrected." (Qur'an As-Saffat: 139 - 145)

From the existing interpretations, the phrase "he would have remained inside its belly until the Day they are resurrected" is interpreted to mean that the belly of the whale will become a grave until the Day of Resurrection. Through this meaning, it is then assumed that the whale that swallowed Prophet Jonah is still alive until now.

However, until now, the truth of this assumption is not clearly known. Considering that at that time, Prophet Jonah had repented to Allah SWT and had been forgiven. So, it is possible that the whale has also died.

Furthermore, in this matter, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not explain about the life of the fish after it spat out Prophet Jonah from its mouth. Only Allah SWT knows best.

From the available interpretations, in the sentence "stay in the belly of the fish until the Day of Resurrection", it is interpreted that the belly of the fish will become a grave until the Day of Resurrection. Through that interpretation, it is then considered that the fish that swallowed Prophet Yunus (Jonah) is still alive until now.

However, until now, it is not known clearly whether it is true or not. Considering that at that time Prophet Yunus (Jonah) had repented to Allah SWT and had been forgiven. So, it is possible that the fish has also died.

Even in this matter, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not explain about the life of the fish after it had vomited Prophet Yunus (Jonah). Allah SWT knows better.