The Prophet (ﷺ) cut off the hands and feet of the men belonging to the tribe of `Uraina and did not cauterise (their bleeding limbs) till they died.
Context and Background
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 6803 describes an incident involving people from the tribe of 'Uraina who came to Medina claiming conversion to Islam. They fell ill and the Prophet (ﷺ) permitted them to move to the outskirts where they could drink camel milk and urine for medicinal purposes. After recovering, they apostatized, killed the camel herder, stole the camels, and fled.
Legal Ruling and Wisdom
The punishment administered was for the crimes of highway robbery (hirabah) and murder, which fall under the Hudood punishments established by Allah. Islamic jurisprudence stipulates that for those who commit robbery with murder, the punishment is execution by cutting opposite hands and feet or crucifixion, as mentioned in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:33).
The absence of cauterization was not part of the punishment but rather a manifestation of divine justice - their death resulted from their crimes and Allah's decree. This serves as a severe deterrent against such grave crimes that disrupt societal security.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explain that this incident establishes the legal precedent for punishing those who commit highway robbery with violence. The punishment was specifically for their crimes of apostasy after genuine conversion, murder, and theft - not merely for illness or any other reason.
This ruling emphasizes the sanctity of life and property in Islamic law and the severe consequences for those who violently threaten societal peace and security.