Islamic Character

Parity before the law A woman by the name of Fatimah, belonging to the Banu Makhzum tribe, once committed a theft. Her kinsfolk, fearing that her hand would be amputated, sent Usamah ibn Zayd to intercede with the Prophet on her behalf. When the Prophet had heard their case, signs of anger appeared on his face. “Are you trying to sway me as to the limits laid down by God?” he asked. Usama ibn Zayd immediately admitted his mistake and begged the Prophet to pray on his behalf for forgiveness. The Prophet then preached a sermon to those assembled there, in which he said: “Communities of old came to grief because of the leniency shown to those in high positions when they committed a theft, which was in contrast to the punishment meted out to any thief of humble origin. By the one who has control over my soul, if my own daughter Fatimah were to steal, I would have her hand cut off!” (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)