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Hudud
Surah: Al-Maidah (38)
Hadd of Theft — Wisdom of Physical Punishment
وَٱلسَّارِقُ وَٱلسَّارِقَةُ فَٱقۡطَعُوٓاْ أَيۡدِيَهُمَا جَزَآءَۢ بِمَا كَسَبَا نَكَٰلٗا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ
— المائدة الآية 38
Verse: "As for the thief, male and female — cut off their hands as recompense for what they earned, a deterrent from Allah." (5:38)
Conditions for applying hadd: Minimum value (quarter of a gold dinar, majority position); taken from a secured place; no doubt in ownership (the compelled and those with legitimate claim are exempt).
"Nakalan min Allah" (deterrent): The punishment serves to protect the whole society through deterrence.
Repentance and forgiveness before judgment: Repentance before the case is brought to a judge suspends the punishment.
Conditions for applying hadd: Minimum value (quarter of a gold dinar, majority position); taken from a secured place; no doubt in ownership (the compelled and those with legitimate claim are exempt).
"Nakalan min Allah" (deterrent): The punishment serves to protect the whole society through deterrence.
Repentance and forgiveness before judgment: Repentance before the case is brought to a judge suspends the punishment.
Source: Al-Qurtubi (6/161); Ibn Al-Arabi (2/95); Ibn Qudama (9/71)
Test Yourself
What are the conditions for applying the hadd of theft?
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