17 – Abu Khaythama narrated to us; Jarir reported, from Yahya al-Jabir, from Abu Majid, from ʿAbd Allah who began to relate:

“The first man whose hand was cut off among the Muslims—or from among the Muslims—was an Ansari man. He was brought before the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and it was said, ‘He has stolen.’ The Prophet replied, ‘Take your companion away and cut off (his hand).’

It was as though the face of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ had been dusted with ash. One of those sitting with him said, ‘O Prophet of Allah, does this weigh heavily upon you?’ He answered, ‘And why should it not, when you would be assisting Satan? No, indeed. It is not proper for a ruler, when a prescribed punishment is brought before him, to refrain from carrying it out. Allah is Pardoning and He loves pardon.’

He then recited: ‘Let them pardon and overlook. Do you not love that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is All-Forgiving, Merciful.’ ⦗al-Nur 24:22⦘.”