42 Ideals of Ma’at (In IsiZulu)
Ma’at is the Ancient Kemet Goddess of truth, balance, harmony and justice. The earliest recording of the principles of Ma’at appears in 2613 - 2181 BCE. In Zulu cosmology, Credo Mutwa details the story of the first Goddess of humanity as “Goddess Ma” who came “to bring order to the universe.”
Ma’at is often depicted in humanoid form as a winged woman with an ostrich feather on her head who carries the scales of ‘truth and justice’ and Ancient Africans believed that in death our hearts are weighed on the scales against her ostrich feather to which they must balance.
The principles of Ma’at are outlined in the 42 Laws and the 42 Ideals of Ma’at and through an understanding and practicing of these teachings order is brought into the universe. The fundamental principles of African spirituality across Africa lies within these laws and ideals which center harmony with nature, reverence for all life, peace amongst humanity, and truth above all.
The way of life of an African in ancient text is highlighted through these teachings. Everyone could choose to live according to the will of balance or totally disregard this teaching and live according to the will of chaos but they must always remember that they will answer for it in the afterlife before the scales of justice and stand before the Holy Council in the Hall of Truths.
In this article, I highlight the 42 ideals of Ma’at. I see them as the truest and purest forms of affirmation. I have recorded them in IsiZulu and English for non-Zulu speaking readers. Indulge and remember the teachings of the African Gods lost through time.
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42 ideals of Ma’at
1. Ngihlonipha ubumsulwa - I honour virtue.
2. Ngiyazuza ngokubonga - I benefit with gratitude.
3. Nginokuthula - I am peaceful.
4. Ngiyazihlonipha izinto zabanye abantu - I respect the property of others.
5. Ngiyaqinisa ukuthi konke ukuphila kungcwele - I affirm that all life is sacred.
6. Nginikezela iminikelo eqotho - I give offerings that are genuine.
7. Ngiphila eqinisweni - I live in truth.
8. Ngibheka yonke imisamo ngenhlonipho - I regard all altars with respect.
9. Ngikhuluma ngobuqotho - I speak with sincerity.
10. Ngidla isabelo esanele mina - I consume only my fair share.
11. Nginekeza amazwi anenhloso enhle - I offer words of good intent.
12. Ngilandisa ngokuthula - I relate in peace.
13. Ngihlonipha izilwane ngesihawu - I honour animals with reverence.
14. Ngiyathembeka - I can be trusted.
15. Ngiyawunakekela umhlaba - I care for the earth.
16. Ngigcina esami iseluleko - I keep my own council.
17. Ngikhuluma kahle ngabanye abantu - I speak positively about others.
18. Ngilawula imizwa yami - I remain in balance with my emotions.
19. Ngithembekile ebudlelwaneni bami - I am trustful in my relationships.
20. Ngiyakuhlonipha kakhulu ubumsulwa - I hold purity in high esteem.
21. Ngisabalalisa injabulo - I spread joy.
22. Ngenza konke okusemandleni ami - I do the best I can.
23. Ngikhuluma ngesihawu - I communicate with compassion.
24. Ngiyayilalela imibono ephikisanayo - I listen to opposing opinions.
25. Ngidala ukuzwana - I create harmony.
26. Ngiyahlekisana - I invoke laughter.
27. Ngivuleleke kuthando ngezindlela ezahlukene - I am open to love in various forms.
28. Ngiyaxolela - I am forgiving.
29. Nginomusa - I am kind.
30. Ngiyabahlonipha abanye - I act respectfully of others.
31. Ngiyamukela - I am accepting.
32. Ngilandela umqondiso wami wangaphakathi - I follow my inner guidance.
33. Ngikhuluma ngokuqwashisa - I converse with awareness.
34. Ngenza okuhle - I do good.
35. Nginikeza izibusiso - I give blessings.
36. Ngigcina amanzi emsulwa - I keep the waters pure.
37. Ngikhuluma ngenhloso enhle - I speak with good intent.
38. Ngiyambonga uNkulunkulukazi noNkulunkulu - I praise the Goddess and God.
39. Ngithobekile - I am humble.
40. Ngizuza ngendlela eqotho - I achieve with integrity.
41. Ngithuthuka ngamakhono ami - I advance with my own abilities.
42. Ngiyamukela uKonke - I embrace the All.
Credits:
Narration: Fezeka Mkhabela
Sound Designer: Max Mohlomi