PUNISMENT FOR THEFT

�Aisha reports that �Allah�s Messenger cut off the hands of a thief for a quarter of dInAr and upwards� (4175).  AbU Huraira reports the Prophet as saying: �Let there be the curse of Allah upon the thief who steals an egg and his hand is cut off, and steals a rope and his hand is cut off� (4185).

The HadIs merely confirms the QurAn, which also prescribes: �And as for the man who steals and the woman who steals, cut off their hand as a punishment for what they have done, an exemplary punishment from Allah, and Allah is Mighty and Wise� (5:38).  The translator, in a long two-page note, tells us that �it is against the background of this social security scheme envisaged by Islam that the QurAn imposes the severe sentence of hand-cutting as deterrent punishment for theft� (note 2150).

�Aisha reports a similar case.  At the time of the victorious expedition to Mecca, a woman committed some theft.  Although UsAma b. Zaid, the beloved of Muhammad, interceded in her behalf, her hand was cut off.  �Hers was a good repentance,�  �Aisha adds (4188).  The translator assures us that after the punishment �There was a wonderful change in her soul� (note 2152).

author : ram swarup