a woman from Banu Makhzum borrowed some jewelry, asking on behalf of others, then she denied (having done) that, and the Prophet ordered that her hand be cut off.
The Book of Cutting off the Hand of the Thief
Sunan an-Nasa'i 4892
Hadith Context
This narration concerns a woman from the noble tribe of Banu Makhzum who borrowed jewelry under the pretense of acting as an agent for others, then falsely denied the transaction.
The Prophet's ruling demonstrates that amputation applies regardless of social status, countering those who sought special treatment for elite families.
Legal Analysis
Scholars establish that the legal conditions for amputation were met: the stolen property reached the nisab (minimum value), was taken from secure custody (hirz), and the thief exercised full possession.
The ruling applies equally to women, refuting any gender-based exceptions in Islamic criminal law when all legal conditions are fulfilled.
Jurisprudential Wisdom
This case illustrates the principle of "preventing means to corruption" (sadd al-dhara'i), as borrowing with intent to steal would become widespread if not severely punished.
The punishment serves as both a deterrent and a means of spiritual purification for the offender, while protecting society's property rights.