Explanation

Allah declared people's properties to be as inviolable as their lives and honor. In this respect, a punishment was introduced to repel transgressors: to cut off the hand of the thief who steals something that is kept in a safe place. This punishment is intended to be an expiation for the crime of theft, to repel others from doing the same thing, and to encourage legitimate earning. With this, employment rather theft shall thrive, and the fruits of this work shall be harvested: constructive contributions to the world; and maintaining one's sense of honor. The divine wisdom states that a thief's hand is to be cut for stealing one quarter of a gold dinar or its equivalent so as to protect the wealth of others, enhance security, and promote good gain and investment.