Understanding the Scales of Deeds: Pathways to Reforming the Muslim Ummah

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 29 August 2025 In Islam, belief in the Hereafter holds a central place. It reminds us that this worldly life is temporary. Real life begins after death. On that day, every person will be held accountable for their actions. The Qur’an refers to the Day of Judgment with different names. It calls it Yawm al-Hisab (Day of Reckoning), Yawm al-Deen (Day of Religion), and Yawm al-Wazn (Day of Weighing). These names show how serious and important that day will be. In Surah Al-A’raf, verses 8 and 9, Allah speaks about the weighing of deeds. These verses make us reflect on how heavy or light our deeds really are. Allah says: “On that day, the weighing will be true. So, whoever’s scales are heavy, they are the successful ones. And whoever’s scales are light, they are the ones who have harmed themselves, because they used to wrong Our signs.” (Surah Al-A’raf, 7:8–9) These verses tell us that on the Day of Judgment, every deed will be weighed. Those whose good deeds are heavier will succeed. They will enter Paradise. Those whose scales are light due to bad deeds will be at a loss. They will be among those who are punished. These verses are not only a part of our belief but also a strong reminder for self-improvement. In today’s world, many Muslims are caught up in worldly matters. These verses call us back to what truly matters—success in the Hereafter. In this article, we will look at the meaning of these verses, how deeds might be weighed, and how Muslims can improve their lives. The goal is to shape our lives according to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. The Importance of Weighing Deeds in the Light of the Quran The Day of Judgment is the day when Allah’s justice will be fully established. On that day, no one will face injustice. Every person will be judged fairly, based on their actions. One of the most significant parts of that day is the weighing of deeds. The Quran refers to this concept in many places. For example, in Surah Al-Muminoon, Allah says: "So whoever's scales are heavy, they are the successful ones." (Quran, Surah Al-Muminoon, 102) This weighing is not just a physical act. It is much deeper. It reflects the moral and spiritual value of each deed. With Allah’s power, every action, no matter how small, will be measured accurately. The result of this weighing will decide whether a person deserves Paradise or Hell. According to scholars of the Quran, the phrase “weighing with truth” means complete and perfect justice. On that day, no social status, personal connections, or recommendations will help. The only thing that will count is the truth and sincerity of one’s deeds. Famous commentator Ibn Kathir explains that this weighing will be a miraculous process. Good deeds will appear as light and beauty. Bad deeds will show as darkness and burden. Allah will make their true impact visible in the scale of justice. These teachings serve as a serious reminder for all Muslims. They urge us to stay focused on gathering good deeds and turning away from sins. Sadly, in today’s world, many Muslims are becoming careless. People neglect their daily prayers. The importance of fasting is being forgotten. Even zakat, one of the key pillars of Islam, is often ignored or delayed. These verses of the Quran are meant to wake us up. They remind us that if our scales remain light due to laziness, sins, or heedlessness, the loss will not just be temporary, it will be eternal. Therefore, now is the time to reflect. We must realign our lives with the teachings of the Quran and strive to make our deeds heavy with sincerity, goodness, and obedience to Allah. Possible Forms of Weighing Deeds: Views of the Scholars Scholars have studied how deeds might be weighed on the Day of Judgment. They have described three possible forms. These ideas come from Tafseer Kabeer (Vol. 5, p. 202) and Tafseer Khazin (Vol. 2, p. 78). These forms help us understand the true nature of our deeds. They also make us think about how pure our actions really are. First form: Deeds may be like ’A’raad’, accidental or secondary things linked to human actions. Allah might create special bodies to represent these deeds and weigh those bodies. For example, prayer cleanses the soul. Allah may create a radiant body for this deed, which will be heavy on the scale. This teaches us that Muslims should do their deeds sincerely for Allah alone. It should not be for show. Today, many Muslims show off in their actions. This makes deeds lighter in weight. We need to correct this by focusing on pure intention. Second form: Good deeds may be transformed into beautiful and pleasing bodies. Bad deeds may turn into ugly and unpleasant bodies. These bodies will then be weighed. For example, charity may become a beautiful form that adds weight to the scale. On the other hand, gossip or lying may appear ugly and harmful, making the scale lighter. This form reminds us that the beauty of deeds depends on their intention and effect. For reform, Muslims should avoid bad traits like envy, hatred, and earning money unlawfully. Spreading hatred on social media is common now, which makes deeds ugly. We must repent and embrace good deeds. Third form: The scale might not weigh the deeds themselves but the records of deeds — the book in which angels write every action. If good deeds are many, the book will be heavy; otherwise, it will be light. This idea is supported by a hadith where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said a person’s book of deeds will be heavy because of saying “La ilaha illa Allah.” This gives hope to Muslims that even small good deeds carry great weight. But we must fill our record with good deeds, not sins. Today, many Muslims delay prayers, neglect fasting, and violate the rights of others. This makes their record light. These three forms show us that the weighing of deeds reflects Allah’s power. They call us to prepare for the Hereafter seriously. The scholars’ views make us think about how our deeds will appear on that day. Reforming Muslims: Ways to Make Deeds Heavy These Quranic verses do more than teach belief. They stress the need for reform among Muslims. Today, many Muslims are caught up in worldly desires. They chase wealth, fame, and pleasures. But the Quran reminds us that true success lies in having heavy scales on the Day of Judgment. So, how can we reform ourselves? First, Strengthen Your Faith Believe firmly in Allah’s verses and act upon them. Those who ignore or reject these signs will have light scales. Muslims should make reading and understanding the Quran a daily habit. Second, Focus On Performing The Obligatory Acts Prayer, fasting, zakat, and Hajj are the foundation of deeds. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Islam is built on five pillars.” Neglecting these makes the scale light. Sadly, many Muslims, especially the youth, are neglecting prayer. We must revive mosques and teach children about religion. Third, Adopt Voluntary Acts And Sunnah Deeds Small good deeds, like smiling, greeting others, and helping, also add weight. A hadith tells of a woman who entered Paradise because she gave water to a thirsty cat. Muslims should help with social issues like poverty, orphan care, and sickness. Fourth, Repent From Sins Bad deeds make the scale light. Nowadays, forbidden earnings, interest, gambling, and immorality are common. To reform, develop the habit of sincere repentance and choose halal means of earning. Fifth, Fulfil The Rights Of Others Respect and care for parents, neighbours, and relatives. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said the first things to be accounted for on Judgment Day are the rights of people. Justice and fairness among each other are crucial for reform. By following these steps, we can make our scales heavy. In today’s time, when Muslims seem weak, this reform will make them strong. The Muslim community needs unity. We must leave hatred behind and embrace love and togetherness. Conclusion: Preparing for the Hereafter and the Call to Success The different forms of weighing deeds on the Day of Judgment teach us that life is a test. Whether it is weighing bodies against accidents, beautiful and ugly forms, or the record of deeds, all show Allah’s power. But the main point is how we make our deeds heavy. Without the reform of Muslims, the progress of the community is not possible. Let us all repent, increase good deeds, and prepare for the Hereafter. May Allah grant us success and make our scales heavy. Ameen. Article in Urdu: The Forms of Weighing Deeds on the Day of Judgment: An Invitation Towards the Reformation of Muslims قیامت کے دن اعمال کے وزن کی صورتیں: مسلمین کی اصلاح کی طرف ایک دعوت ----- Kaniz Fatma is an Islamic scholar, and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/deeds-pathways-reforming-muslim-ummah/d/136642 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism