Is the hand of a thief to be cut off even if he repents, knowing that most people have stolen at least once in their lives?
The hand of a thief should not be cut off except after his case has been brought before the ruler, and it is better to conceal him before that. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said to Safwan when he brought his thief: "Why not before you brought him to me?" And in another : "Do not be an aid to Satan against your brother." Forgiveness is desirable before the matter reaches the Imam, but he is not permitted to suspend the [prescribed] punishment once it has reached him. Excluded from concealment and forgiveness are those whose evil and harm to people are well-known, in which case it is better to bring their case before the ruler.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 124984
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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