A group of people from `Ukl (or `Uraina) tribe ----but I think he said that they were from `Ukl came to Medina and (they became ill, so) the Prophet (ﷺ) ordered them to go to the herd of (Milch) she-camels and told them to go out and drink the camels' urine and milk (as a medicine). So they went and drank it, and when they became healthy, they killed the shepherd and drove away the camels. This news reached the Prophet (ﷺ) early in the morning, so he sent (some) men in their pursuit and they were captured and brought to the Prophet (ﷺ) before midday. He ordered to cut off their hands and legs and their eyes to be branded with heated iron pieces and they were thrown at Al-Harra, and when they asked for water to drink, they were not given water. (Abu Qilaba said, "Those were the people who committed theft and murder and reverted to disbelief after being believers (Muslims), and fought against Allah and His Apostle").
Limits and Punishments set by Allah (Hudood)
Sahih al-Bukhari 6805
Contextual Background
This narration concerns individuals from the 'Ukl (or 'Uraina) tribe who came to Medina seeking the Prophet's ﷺ guidance during illness. The Prophet ﷺ prescribed a medicinal treatment involving camel's milk and urine, which was a known Bedouin remedy. After recovering, they committed grave crimes against the Muslim community.
Scholarly Commentary on the Punishment
The prescribed punishment combines multiple legal rulings (hudood) for their compounded crimes: amputation for theft, execution for murder, and branding for highway robbery. Classical scholars emphasize this was a specific legal ruling (ta'zir) from the Prophet ﷺ as the ruling authority, not a general prescription for individual crimes.
The denial of water represents the severity of their apostasy and betrayal after receiving the Prophet's ﷺ kindness. Scholars note this was a unique case combining multiple capital offenses under Islamic jurisprudence.
Legal Principles Derived
This hadith establishes that apostasy combined with violence against Muslims nullifies one's claim to mercy. The comprehensive punishment demonstrates that crimes against society require decisive judicial response.
Scholars clarify that such combined punishments are reserved for ruling authorities and aren't to be implemented individually. The primary lesson remains the sanctity of life, property, and covenant in Islamic law.