Jonah is mentioned 4 times in the Quran. Historians say that he was sent to the people of Nineveh in the land of Mosul to spread the message of Allah.

And Jonah was indeed one of the messengers.37:139

After preaching for a while, and the people rejecting his message, he fled and warned them of Allah's imminent punishment after 3 days. However, his people, knowing this, repented for their sins and neglect for the message Jonah preached. Allah answered their call for his mercy and forgiveness and did not punish them as they were threatened.

If only there had been a society which believed ˹before seeing the torment˺ and, therefore, benefited from its belief, like the people of Jonah. When they believed, We lifted from them the torment of disgrace in this world and allowed them enjoyment for a while. 10:98

Jonah did not know about his people's change of heart. He left them angry and boarded a ship. Whilst on the journey the boat began to shake violently over big waves; perhaps almost sinking.

The passengers tried to figure out a plan to save them and decided on casting lots (ie. drawing straws and seeing who would pick the short straw so to speak). Whoever's name was chosen would have to be thrown out the ship into the sea so that the boat would be lighter.