Is the Hadd to be carried out on a thief who repented after his deed, and then the ruler became aware of his theft?

Scholars have differed on whether the ḥadd punishment for theft is waived by repentance.

The Hanafis, Malikis, and one of the two views of the Shafi'is, and a narration from the Hanbalis, are of the opinion that repentance does not waive the ḥadd punishment for theft. They cite the generality of the verse: "As for the thief, male or female, amputate their hands," and the fact that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, enforced the ḥadd punishment on someone who confessed to theft while repenting.

The Shafi'is, in their more authoritative view, and the Hanbalis, in another narration, are of the opinion that repentance waives the ḥadd punishment. They cite Allah's saying after mentioning the ḥadd punishment for theft: "But whoever repents after his wrongdoing and makes amends, indeed, Allah will accept his repentance."

Some scholars have gone to the extent of saying that the Imam should not enforce the ḥadd punishment on the thief unless the person whose property was stolen comes forward and claims the stolen item.