A group of people from `Ukl (tribe) came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and they were living with the people of As- Suffa, but they became ill as the climate of Medina did not suit them, so they said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Provide us with milk." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, I see no other way for you than to use the camels of Allah's Apostle." So they went and drank the milk and urine of the camels, (as medicine) and became healthy and fat. Then they killed the shepherd and took the camels away. When a help-seeker came to Allah's Apostle, he sent some men in their pursuit, and they were captured and brought before mid day. The Prophet ordered for some iron pieces to be made red hot, and their eyes were branded with them and their hands and feet were cut off and were not cauterized. Then they were put at a place called Al- Harra, and when they asked for water to drink they were not given till they died. (Abu Qilaba said, "Those people committed theft and murder and fought against Allah and His Apostle.")
Context and Background
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 6804 describes the case of the 'Ukl tribe members who initially sought medical treatment through prophetic permission, then betrayed this trust through grave crimes.
The As-Suffa refers to a shaded area in the Prophet's Mosque where poor companions resided, indicating these individuals were guests of the Muslim community.
The Crimes Committed
They committed multiple capital offenses: theft of camels (public property), murder of the shepherd, and highway robbery (hirabah).
Abu Qilaba's commentary clarifies these were not ordinary crimes but constituted fighting against Allah and His Messenger.
Legal Rulings Applied
The punishment reflects the Quranic ruling for hirabah (highway robbery): "The recompense of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger is execution, crucifixion, cutting off hands and feet, or exile." (Quran 5:33-34)
The branding of eyes was a supplementary punishment specific to this case due to the severity of their betrayal after receiving hospitality.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note this case demonstrates the severity of crimes against public security and the trust of the Islamic state.
The non-cauterization of amputated limbs indicates the completeness of the hudood punishment without mitigation.
Withholding water during their final hours was part of the execution process, not additional punishment, as they were already sentenced to death.
Legal Principles Derived
This hadith establishes that multiple capital crimes may receive combined punishments under the ruler's discretion.
It shows that hudood punishments serve as both retribution and public deterrent for crimes threatening social order.
The case illustrates the Islamic legal principle that severity of punishment corresponds to the severity of the crime and its impact on society.