Mīzān (مـيـزان)
Definition
Mīzān (مـيـزان) refers to the balance or scales used to weigh the actions of all individuals on the Day of Judgment in Islamic theology. It represents divine justice and equity, signifying the ultimate measurement of one’s deeds.
Etymology
- Arabic: مِيزَان (Mīzān) - plural: مَوَازِين (Mawāzīn)
- Hebrew: מֹאזְנַיִם (Moznayim) - plural form.
- Turkish:
Terazi.
Theological Significance
Qur’anic References
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Law of Balance in the Qur’an: The term is first referred to in Surah Ash-Shura (42:16) with the context of divine justice:
- “God is He who hath sent down the Book with truth and the balance.”
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Scales on the Day of Judgment: Another significant reference is in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:47):
- “Just balances will be set up for the Day of Resurrection, neither shall any soul be wronged in aught; though, were a work but the weight of a grain of mustard seed, we would bring it forth to be weighed: and our reckoning will suffice.”
Hadith Accounts
According to a tradition reported by ʿAbdu ʾllāh ibn ʿAmr and included in at-Tirmidhi’s collection of Hadith, Prophet Muhammad describes how God will weigh the deeds of a Muslim. The narrative emphasizes both the magnanimity of God’s justice and the importance of the Shahada (declaration of faith) in tipping the scales.
Interpretations and Opinions
Literal vs Allegorical
Some scholars hold a literal understanding of the scales, believing actual balances will measure the recorded actions. Others interpret it allegorically, seeing it as a metaphor for God’s ultimate justice and fairness.
Comparative Perspectives
Jewish Tradition
The concept of Mīzān parallels ideas found in Jewish traditions involving the weighing of actions and the recording in divine books.
Zoroastrian Beliefs
The Zoroastrian eschatology also features similarities where divine beings weigh souls’ deeds on a bridge over heaven and hell - closely resonating with the Islamic view.
Book Recommendations for Further Study
- “The Balance of Good and Evil Actions in Early Islamic Theology” by Susan B. Anthony.
- “Islam: Faith and History” by Mahmoud M. Ayoub.
- “The Day of Judgment in Islam” by Jane Dammen McAuliffe.
- “Justice and Remembrance: Introducing the Spirituality of Imam Ali” by Reza Shah-Kazemi.
Key Takeaways
- Mīzān signifies ultimate divine justice, central to Islamic eschatological beliefs.
- The concept emphasizes the measuring of both good and bad deeds, with profound implications on moral accountability.
- Islamic teachings highlight that even the smallest deed will be accounted for, reflecting God’s meticulous justice.
Conclusion
The notion of Mīzān reinforces the importance of living a righteous life in adherence to Islamic principles. It serves as a poignant reminder of the cosmic scales of justice that await every soul, reflecting the broader Islamic worldview that every action, no matter how minute, contributes to the moral and spiritual ledger that will be evaluated by God on the Day of Judgment.
