The Mu’tazila deny the significance of measuring actions. Their reasoning is that actions are broad; if it is possible to return to them, then it is not possible to weigh them. Additionally, these actions are known and clear to Allah Almighty; therefore, Allah the Exalted does not need to measure their weight, and such measurement is futile.
A famous saying among the Mu’tazila is that they deny the true weight of actions and believe that what is meant by “measure” is justice. They argue that vegetable sellers, grocery sellers, and the like need weights, but Allah does not need to set up a scale! Because Allah Almighty observes justice among His servants. Allah Almighty says: «ولا یظلم ربک أحدا» (Your Lord doesn’t oppress anyone).
Ibn Furak (may Allah have mercy on him) [died 406 AH] says: “The Mu’tazila have denied the measure because they believe that the weight of actions is impossible. This is because actions are not self-existent, [so their weight is not possible].”
Abu Ishaq al-Zajjaj (may Allah have mercy on him) also comments on the Mu’tazila’s point of view: “The Mu’tazila have denied the measure. They say that what is meant is the measure of justice, and they have opposed the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the consensus with their actions. Allah Almighty has declared that He will set up scales for weighing actions so that His servants can see their actions before them and testify against themselves.”
Most of the Mu’tazila reject the concept of Mizan, in the sense that there is no true Mizan and scale on the Day of Resurrection to weigh the actions of the servants. This denial is rooted in their principles, which form one of the most dangerous aspects of the Mu’tazila, leading them to disregard the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). For example, they deny the punishment of the grave and the bridge of Sirat, yet they acknowledge the concept of measure along with many other unseen realities that are firmly established.
The leaders of the Mu’tazila interpret Mizan as constant justice in everything, which is why it is mentioned in the plural form, except when referring to the famous Mizan, which is singular.
Jurjani (may Allah have mercy on him) [died 826 AHS] writes: “The Mu’tazila have unanimous agreement on the carrying of weight and measure as included in the Qur’an, asserting that it means observing justice and fairness.”
