We have all heard of rumors that some Muslims, perhaps in the obscure corners of the Islamic world, practice extreme punishments, such as chopping off the hands of thieves. Is this rumor or fact? Where does this gruesome practice come from, originally?
Sad to report, the policy of chopping off the hands of thieves comes directly from the Quran itself, in Sura or Chapter 5:38. As we will see, Muhammad incorporated a seventh-century Arab pagan custom into his Quran, claiming that God revealed to him that Islam, the perfected religion for all humankind, should uphold this atrocity.
To show how "divinely endorsed" mutilation is prescribed in the Quran, a specific method of exegesis (detailed analysis of a text) is followed. First, various translations of Sura 5:38 are cited to set the table for further analysis and to prevent confusion over the wording circulating around the worldwide web. Second, the historical and literary contexts are explained so that the most accurate interpretation can be obtained. This step is also intended to prevent the reflexive, standard "out of context" defense from Muslim apologists. Third, we explore how the earliest Muslims interpreted the verse in the hadith (Muhammad’s words and deeds outside of the Quran), which sheds light on Muhammad’s practice. Fourth, influential modern Muslim translators and commentators speak for their own sacred book, but then we critique their views. Fifth, we can get some insight into early Islam by contrasting the Quran with the Bible. Finally, we apply our findings to today’s world.
As to the fifth step in our method, it may be stated here that for Bible-educated Christians, this barbarity is completely unacceptable, especially when it comes six hundred years after Jesus Christ showed us the better way and demonstrated the love of God.
Translations of Sura 5:38
MAS Abdel Haleem (The Qur’an, Oxford UP, 2004) translates Sura 5:38 as follows:
5:38 Cut off the hands of thieves, whether they are male or female, as punishment for what they have done—a deterrent from God: God is almighty and wise. 39 But if anyone repents after his wrongdoing and makes amends, God will accept his repentance: God is most forgiving and merciful. (Haleem)