LessonsThe Weighing, the Record, and the Questioning on Judgment DayQuiz

Some verses speak of the weighing or the balance in singular terms, while others use the plural al-mawāzīn. This raises the question of one balance versus multiple balances.

﴿وَنَضَعُ الْمَوَازِينَ الْقِسْطَ لِيَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ﴾
“We shall set up the just balances for the Day of Resurrection.” (al-Anbiyāʾ 21:47)

One interpretation takes the plural numerically; another relates it to the several deeds, persons, or expressive plural usage. Neither the singular nor the plural expression alone should be made to answer every question about the exact physical arrangement.

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One balance or several balances?

The Weighing, the Record, and the Questioning on Judgment Day

Some verses speak of the weighing or the balance in singular terms, while others use the plural al-mawāzīn. This raises the question of one balance versus multiple balances.

﴿وَنَضَعُ الْمَوَازِينَ الْقِسْطَ لِيَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ﴾
“We shall set up the just balances for the Day of Resurrection.” (al-Anbiyāʾ 21:47)

One interpretation takes the plural numerically; another relates it to the several deeds, persons, or expressive plural usage. Neither the singular nor the plural expression alone should be made to answer every question about the exact physical arrangement.