Single Idea 6833

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 3. Punishment / c. Deterrence of crime]

Full Idea

As for the man or woman who is guilty of theft, cut off their hands to punish them for their crimes.

Gist of Idea

Punish theft in men or women by cutting off their hands

Source

Mohammed (The Koran [c.622], Ch.5)

Book Reference

Mohammed: 'The Koran', ed/tr. Dawood,N.J. [Penguin 1968], p.381


A Reaction

I find this shocking because it is irrevocable and offers no hope of redemption. It is particularly shocking that the text does not enjoin any caution about inflicting the punishment on the young, most of whom reform from thieving in later life.