'A'isha reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) cut off the hand of a thief for a quarter of a dinar rid upwards.
The Book of Legal Punishments - Sahih Muslim 1684a
This narration from Umm al-Mu'minīn 'Ā'isha (may Allah be pleased with her) establishes the minimum threshold (nisāb) for the punishment of theft in Islamic law.
Textual Analysis
The Prophet (ﷺ) implemented the divinely prescribed punishment (ḥadd) for theft by amputating the hand for stealing a quarter of a dinar or more. A quarter dinar represents the minimum value requiring this punishment according to scholarly consensus.
Legal Commentary
The specification of "quarter dinar upwards" indicates this value as the nisāb (minimum threshold) for hand amputation. Classical scholars determined this equivalent to three Islamic dirhams or the value of a shield in that era. This punishment serves as both a purification for the offender and a protection for society's wealth.
The ruling applies only when all conditions are met: the stolen property reaches the nisāb, is taken from secure custody (hirz), and there is clear evidence. The wisdom behind this severe punishment lies in protecting the fundamental right of property ownership in society.
Contemporary Application
Modern scholars have calculated the equivalent value based on gold weight (approximately 1.06 grams of pure gold). However, implementation requires legitimate Islamic governance and comprehensive adherence to all legal conditions and safeguards established by the Shariah.