she heard the Messenger of Allah say: "The hand of the thief is not be cut off except for one-quarter of a Dinar or more."
Hadith Text & Reference
"She heard the Messenger of Allah say: 'The hand of the thief is not to be cut off except for one-quarter of a Dinar or more.'"
Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 4928 | Book: The Book of Cutting off the Hand of the Thief
Legal Threshold Explanation
This hadith establishes the minimum value (nisab) for which the punishment of hand-cutting becomes applicable. One-quarter of a Dinar in the Prophet's time was equivalent to three Dirhams of pure silver.
Scholars have determined this represents a substantial value - enough to purchase basic necessities for a period, thus distinguishing petty theft from major theft worthy of this severe punishment.
Conditions for Application
Classical scholars stipulated numerous conditions that must be met before implementing this punishment: the theft must occur from a secured place (hirz), the thief must be a sane adult Muslim, and there must be clear evidence.
The stolen property must reach the minimum value, be owned by someone else, and be taken secretly. If any doubt exists about any condition, the punishment is not applied.
Wisdom Behind the Legislation
This punishment serves as both a deterrent and a means of purifying the thief from their sin. The severity reflects Islam's emphasis on protecting property rights as one of the five essential necessities (maqasid al-shariah).
By setting a minimum value, the law shows mercy for minor offenses while maintaining strict protection for substantial property, balancing individual circumstances with societal security.
Modern Application
Contemporary scholars debate how to calculate the equivalent value today, with most suggesting using the gold standard value of one-quarter Dinar. Many emphasize that the numerous conditions make actual implementation rare in modern contexts.
The principle teaches that Islamic punishments are not meant to be applied hastily but require meticulous examination of all legal conditions and consideration of broader societal welfare.