this cloth in the other, for the first scale will be light.'" This is considered conclusive testimony with regard to the weighing of the Saha,if. The Mutazilites objected to statements such as these, for said they: "actions are accidents, and the qualities of lightness and heaviness cannot be attributed to accidents." They explained the verses of the Quran and the statements of the Traditions on this point, as being a figurative way of saying that perfect justice will be done to all in the Day of Judgment. (4). The Bridge (Sirat). The meaning of the word Sirat is a road, a way. It is so used in the Quran. In connection with the Day of Judgment it is said: "If we pleased we would surely put out their eyes: yet even then would they speed on with rivalry in their path (Sirat)." (Sura xxxvi. 66). "Gather together those who have acted unjustly, and their consorts (demons), and the gods whom they have adored beside God; and guide them to the road (Sirat) for hell." (Sura xxxvii. 23). It is nowhere in the Quran called a bridge, but Tradition is very clear on this point. The Prophet said: "There will be a bridge sharper than the edge of a sword, finer than a hair, suspended over {167} hell. Iron spikes on it will pierce those whom God wills. Some will pass over it in the twinkling of an eye, some like a flash of lightning, others with the speed of a swift horse. The angels will call out, 'O Lord! save and protect.' Some Muslims will be saved, some will fall headlong into hell." Bukhari relates a similar Tradition. The infidels will all fall into hell and there remain for ever. Muslims will be released after a while. The Mutazilites deny the existence of such a bridge. "If we admit it," say they, "it would be a trouble for the believers, and such there is not for them in the Day of Judgment." To this the orthodox reply that the believers pass over it to show how they are saved from fire, and that thus they may be delighted with Paradise, and also that the infidels may feel chagrin at those who were with them on the bridge being now safe for ever. Al A'raf is situated between heaven and hell. It is described thus: "On (the wall) Al A'raf shall be men who know all, by their tokens,[160] and they shall cry to the inhabitants of Paradise, 'Peace be on you!' but they shall not yet enter it, although they long to do so. And when their eyes are turned towards the inmates of the fire, they shall say, 'O our Lord! place us not with offending people &c.'" (Sura vii. 44, 45). Sale's summary of the opinions regarding Al A'raf in his Preliminary Discourse is exceedingly good. It is as follows:--