Islamic Interpretation
(Scale) Balance and scale share one meaning: steadfast faith, fair words, and upright conduct. The tool may also stand for a wife or the settlement of debts. A steelyard points to an architect or builder; a miller’s scale depicts a man who thinks himself respectable while his deeds and gains are shameful. A fine precision scale cautions against carelessness and demands strict reckoning of behaviour. The emblem of justice represents the judge; if the beam stays level, that magistrate is wise and fair. The pans are his ears, the coins piled on them are lawsuits, and the weights spell the verdict. Standing before God on Judgement Day with good deeds outweighing sin prompts a person to weigh himself, mend his ways, and earn a greater reward. Witnessing the Scales of Judgement exposes hidden matters, publicises conduct, proclaims ultimate truth, and brings joy, triumph, and equity. Praiseworthy acts make one victorious; blameworthy acts spell loss. Overall, the balance embodies a guide, model, scholar, ruler, standard, and the Qur’an; it also mirrors the tongue, veracity, falsehood, doubt, or trust. (Also see Measurer, Scale)