Sunan an-Nasa'i #4894

The Book of Cutting off the Hand of the Thief
Sahih

The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.

أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحِيمِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا أَسَدُ بْنُ مُوسَى، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا - وَذَكَرَ، - حَمَّادُ بْنُ سَلَمَةَ عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ دِينَارٍ، عَنْ طَاوُسٍ، عَنْ صَفْوَانَ بْنِ أُمَيَّةَ، أَنَّهُ سُرِقَتْ خَمِيصَتُهُ مِنْ تَحْتِ رَأْسِهِ وَهُوَ نَائِمٌ فِي مَسْجِدِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَأَخَذَ اللِّصَّ فَجَاءَ بِهِ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَأَمَرَ بِقَطْعِهِ فَقَالَ صَفْوَانُ أَتَقْطَعُهُ قَالَ ‏ "‏ فَهَلاَّ قَبْلَ أَنْ تَأْتِيَنِي بِهِ تَرَكْتَهُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
a Khamisah was stolen from beneath his head while he slept in the Masjid of the Prophet. He caught there thief and brought him to the Prophet, who ordered that his hand be cut off. Safwan said: "Are you going to cut off his hand?" He said "Why didn't you let him go before you b brought him to me?" (Daif)
Narrated by It was narrated from Safwan bin Umayyah that:

Context

In this hadith, Safwan bin Umayyah narrates an incident where his garment was stolen while he was sleeping in the Prophet's mosque. Upon catching the thief and bringing him to the Prophet ﷺ, the Prophet ordered the thief's hand to be cut off. Safwan questioned this punishment, to which the Prophet responded by suggesting that Safwan should have let the thief go before bringing him to the Prophet ﷺ. This highlights the importance of mercy and the consideration of circumstances before enforcing strict punishments.

Modern Application

This hadith reminds us of the importance of mercy and understanding in our interactions with others. In today's world, it encourages us to consider the context of someone's actions before jumping to conclusions or seeking harsh consequences. Practicing compassion can lead to more just and fair outcomes.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Punishments (Hudud) because it discusses the punishment prescribed for theft, highlighting the need for careful consideration before enforcing such measures.

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So when he had furnished them with their supplies, he put the [gold measuring] bowl into the bag of his brother. Then an announcer called out, "O caravan, indeed you are thieves."
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And the king said, "Bring him to me." But when the messenger came to him, [Joseph] said, "Return to your master and ask him what is the case of the women who cut their hands. Indeed, my Lord is Knowing of their plan."
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It is not [attributable] to any prophet that he would act unfaithfully [in regard to war booty]. And whoever betrays, [taking unlawfully], will come with what he took on the Day of Resurrection. Then will every soul be [fully] compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.
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[Pharaoh] said, "You believed him before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you on the trunks of palm trees, and you will surely know which of us is more severe in [giving] punishment and more enduring."

Common Words

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About Sunan an-Nasa'i

This hadith is #4894 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book of Cutting off the Hand of the Thief. It is graded Sahih and narrated by It was narrated from Safwan bin Umayyah that:.

About This Hadith