Hadith Text & Context

"It has not been too long and I have not forgotten yet. Cutting off (the hand of the thief) is for one-quarter of a Dinar or more."

This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i 4927 establishes the minimum threshold (nisab) for implementing the hadd punishment of hand-cutting for theft.

Legal Threshold Explanation

One-quarter dinar represents the minimum value that necessitates hand amputation. Classical scholars determined this equivalent to three dirhams of pure silver.

The value must be reached through a single theft incident, not accumulated through multiple smaller thefts.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam an-Nawawi explains this establishes the nisab as protection against excessive punishment while maintaining theft deterrent.

Ibn Qudamah emphasizes the stolen property must be from a secured location (hirz) and owned by someone else.

Al-Shafi'i notes this punishment applies only to free, sane adults who steal voluntarily without legitimate need.

Conditions for Implementation

The stolen property must reach the nisab value and be taken from proper custody.

The thief must have full ownership of their actions without coercion or necessity.

There must be clear evidence and confession, with any doubt preventing implementation.

Wisdom Behind the Ruling

This divinely legislated punishment protects societal wealth and maintains public security.

The specific threshold balances between preserving property rights and showing divine mercy.

The ruling serves as both punishment for the criminal and deterrent for potential offenders.