The general principle is laid down in the following verses: “And We will set up a just balance on the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be wronged in the least. And if there be the weight of a grain of mustard seed, We will bring it. And sufficient are We to take account” (21:47). “And the judging (wazn) on that day will be just, so as for those whose good deeds are heavy, they are the successful. And as for those whose good deeds are light, those are they who ruined their souls” (7:8, 9).

A certain class of persons is indicated in whose case no balance shall be set up at all. These are the people who waste away the whole of their energy in this world’s doings: “Shall We inform you who are the greatest losers in respect of deeds? Those whose effort goes astray in this world’s life … Nor shall We set up a balance for them on the Day of Resurrection” (18:103-105).

Jannah or Paradise

The life after death takes two forms: a life in Paradise for those in whom the good preponderates over the evil, and a life in Hell for those in whom the evil preponderates over the good. The word Paradise (Firdaus) occurs only twice in the Holy Qur’ān; on one occasion in conjunction with Gardens11 (jannāt) and on the other alone.12 It is the word garden (jannah or its plural jannāt) that is generally used to indicate the abiding place of the righteous.13 The use of this name for the abode of bliss has a deeper significance, since of Paradise it is plainly stated that its blessings are such as cannot be perceived by the physical senses. The description of Paradise usually given is gardens in which rivers flow, corresponding to which the description of the righteous generally is, those who believe and do good. These two descriptions, read in the light of what has gone before as to the materialization in the next world of the spiritualities of this life, are an indication of the fact that faith, which is the water of spiritual life, is converted into rivers, and good deeds, which spring from faith, are the seeds whence grow the trees of the next life.

Blessings of Paradise

The description of Paradise as a garden with rivers flowing in it, is clearly stated to be a parable or a likeness, not an actuality, in terms