🌟 Al-Mizan: The Divine Balance on the Day of Judgment
Definition: Al-Mizan (Arabic: الميزان) in Islamic theology refers to the divine scale or balance by which every individual’s deeds are weighed on the Day of Judgment. It symbolizes ultimate justice, accountability, and the moral equilibrium maintained by God. Held by the archangel Gabriel, this balance weighs the books containing one’s deeds against “lā ilāha illā Allāh” (لا إله إلا الله), the declaration of faith.
Etymology & Background:
- Origin: The term “Mizan” derives from the Arabic root “w-z-n” (و-ز-ن), meaning “to weigh” or “to measure.”
- Linguistic Roots: The word signifies a balance or scale, representing the concept of divine justice and equality.
Historical Context:
- Revelation: References to Al-Mizan appear in several Qur’anic verses, such as Surah Al-A’raf (7:8-9) and Surah Taha (20:105-113), emphasizing the role of justice.
- Development: Over centuries, Islamic scholars have elaborated on this concept, rooting it deeply in Islamic eschatological and theological discourse.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
- Orthodox Interpretation: In traditional and orthodox Islamic belief, Al-Mizan is a literal scale that physically measures one’s earthly deeds.
- Symbolic Interpretation: Some Islamic scholars and mystics view Al-Mizan allegorically, as representing God’s equitable judgment and the intrinsic balance of the universe.
Synonyms and Related Terms:
- Synonyms: Divine Scale, Heavenly Balance, Measure of Deeds.
- Related Terms:
- Qiyamah (يوم القيامة): The Day of Judgment.
- Hisab (حساب): The accountability or reckoning of deeds.
- Kitab (كتاب): The “book” recording individual deeds.
Translations:
- Arabic: الميزان (Al-Mizan)
- Urdu: میزان (Meezan)
- Persian: میزان (Mizaan)
- Turkish: Mizan
- Indonesian: Mizan
- Bengali: মীজান (Meejan)
Exciting Facts:
- Comparison with Other Faiths: Similar concepts of divine judgment and balance exist in other religions, such as the weighing of the heart against the feather of Ma’at in ancient Egyptian mythology.
- Symbolism: Al-Mizan represents not only divine justice but also encourages Muslims to live balanced lives, embodying ethical behavior and fairness.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
- “The balance of God’s justice is a measure that never errs.” - Sayyid Qutb
- “Al-Mizan stands as an eternal reminder of our responsibilities and the just nature of our Creator.” - Al-Ghazali
Further Reading:
- “The Balance of Justice: An Examination of Al-Mizan in Islamic Theology” by Reynold A. Nicholson
- “Eschatology in Islamic Thought: The Resurgent and Balance” by Oliver Leaman
- “The Kitab al-Mizan: Contextualizing Qur’anic Concepts” by Muhammad Abdul Raheem
Quizzes on Al-Mizan
### What does the term "Al-Mizan" denote?
- [x] The divine balance used on the Day of Judgment.
- [ ] A collection of hadiths.
- [ ] The throne of God.
- [ ] A type of Islamic prayer.
> **Explanation:** Al-Mizan refers to the scale or balance by which deeds are measured on the Day of Judgment in Islamic belief.
### Which archangel is said to hold Al-Mizan?
- [x] Gabriel.
- [ ] Michael.
- [ ] Israfil.
- [ ] Azrael.
> **Explanation:** It is traditionally believed that Gabriel is the archangel who holds the balance on the Day of Judgment.
### What phrase is weighed against one's earthly deeds on Al-Mizan?
- [x] “Lā ilāha illā Allāh” (There is no god but God).
- [ ] "Subhan Allah" (Glory be to God).
- [ ] "Alhamdulillah" (All Praise is Due to God).
- [ ] "Allahu Akbar" (God is the Greatest).
> **Explanation:** The phrase “Lā ilāha illā Allāh” emphasizing the declaration of faith, is weighed against one's earthly deeds.
### What Qur'anic root word does "Mizan" derive from?
- [x] w-z-n (و-ز-ن)
- [ ] k-t-b (ك-ت-ب)
- [ ] s-l-m (س-ل-م)
- [ ] h-d-y (ه-د-ي)
> **Explanation:** The term Mizan comes from the root "w-z-n" which pertains to weighing and measuring.
### Which Qur'anic Surah explicitly mentions the weighing of deeds on the Day of Judgment?
- [x] Surah Al-A'raf (7:8-9).
- [ ] Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185).
- [ ] Surah Maryam (19:35).
- [ ] Surah Yunus (10:32).
> **Explanation:** Surah Al-A'raf (7:8-9) explicitly mentions the balance of deeds on the Day of Judgment.
### What do some scholars interpret Al-Mizan as aside from a literal scale?
- [x] Allegory for justice.
- [ ] Allegory for strength.
- [ ] Symbol of knowledge.
- [ ] Symbol of resurrection.
> **Explanation:** Some scholars interpret Al-Mizan as an allegory for divine justice and indicate moral equilibrium.
### Which phrase references Al-Mizan in terms of ultimate justice and the moral balance?
- [x] Measure of Deeds.
- [ ] Light of Faith.
- [ ] Path to Paradise.
- [ ] Fountain of Wisdom.
> **Explanation:** Al-Mizan references the measure of deeds reflecting ultimate justice and moral balance.
### Which other religious mythology has a comparable concept to Al-Mizan?
- [x] Ancient Egyptian mythology.
- [ ] Greek mythology.
- [ ] Norse mythology.
- [ ] Hindu mythology.
> **Explanation:** Ancient Egyptian mythology has a comparable concept where the heart is weighed against the feather of Ma’at, just as deeds are weighed in Al-Mizan.
Farewell Thought: “May we always strive for balance in our lives, looking toward Al-Mizan as a symbol of divine justice, and live our days with accountability and righteousness in mind.” - Fatima Noor, October 2023
