"The Male and Female Thief — Cut Their Hands" — The Theft of a Woman From Makhzum
asbab
Level: intermediate
madani-events
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وَٱلسَّارِقُ وَٱلسَّارِقَةُ فَٱقۡطَعُوٓاْ أَيۡدِيَهُمَا
— المائدة 38
Verse: "The male and female thief — cut their hands." (5:38)
Occasion (Agreed upon): Bukhari and Muslim narrated: a woman from Banu Makhzum stole, and Usama ibn Zayd came interceding for her because she was from a noble clan. The Prophet ﷺ became angry: "Are you interceding concerning one of Allah's limits? By Allah, if Fatimah the daughter of Muhammad stole I would cut her hand!" Then he had her hand cut.
Authenticity: Agreed upon
Lesson: Equal application of hudud — noble and common, conqueror and conquered.
Source: Sahih Bukhari & Muslim; Lubab Al-Nuqul
Question: What statement did the Prophet ﷺ make proving equality of all in applying hudud?
Answer: "If Fatimah the daughter of Muhammad stole I would cut her hand" — using the person most beloved to him as an example of justice.