some people’s records of deeds will be weighed, while others will themselves be weighed.

If someone were to ask, “According to the view that the doer himself will be weighed, does this depend upon people’s physical bodies in this world, so that a person with a large, massive body will have a heavier Balance on the Day of Resurrection?”

The answer is that it does not depend upon their worldly bodies. Abu Hurayrah—may Allah be pleased with him—reported that the Messenger of Allah—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—said, “A huge, fat man will come on the Day of Resurrection, yet with Allah he will not weigh as much as a gnat’s wing.” (1) He then said, “Recite: ‘We will assign no weight to them on the Day of Resurrection.’” [al-Kahf: 105]. Regarding Abdullah ibn Masud, the Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him and his family—said, “His two shins will weigh more in the Balance than Mount Uhud.” What matters, therefore, is a person’s weight on the Day of Resurrection, which will be determined by the righteous deeds he possessed. Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says: “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.”

This entire surah warns and instills fear concerning the earth’s convulsion. It also urges righteous deeds and teaches that no deed is ever lost, however small it may be. Even if it weighs no more than an atom—or less—a person will inevitably see it and be shown it on the Day of Resurrection. We ask Allah Most High to grant us an ending marked by goodness, happiness, righteousness, and success, and to make us among those gathered before the Most Merciful as an honored delegation. He has power over all things.