The Book of Cutting off the Hand of the Thief

Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 4924

Hadith Text

"The hand of the thief is to be cut off for one-quarter of a Dinar or more." (Sahih)

Abu 'Abdur-Rahman (An-Nasai) said: This is the correct version of the narration of Yahya.

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the minimum value (nisab) for which the hand of a thief is to be cut off as one-quarter of a dinar. According to classical scholars, this amount is equivalent to three dirhams or approximately 2.975 grams of pure gold.

The specification of this minimum value demonstrates the wisdom of Islamic law, as it prevents the application of this severe punishment for minor thefts. The theft must involve property that reaches this specific value and is taken from a secured place (hirz).

Abu 'Abdur-Rahman's authentication confirms this as the most reliable version of the narration, ensuring the preservation of the precise legal threshold established by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Legal Conditions

Scholars have stipulated numerous conditions that must be met before implementing this punishment: the thief must be an adult, sane, the property must reach the nisab, be taken from a secured location, and there must be clear evidence of theft.

The purpose of this punishment is to protect society's wealth and maintain public security, while its specific conditions prevent misuse and ensure justice.