At what specific joint is the foot amputated?
Chapter on Amputation in Theft
Al-Mughni
Book of Ḥudūd (Prescribed Penalties)
Primary text
The foot is to be amputated at the ankle joint (*mafṣil al-kāʿb*) according to the opinion of the majority of scholars, which aligns with the action performed by 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). This is based on the verse of Allah, 'Or cutting off their hands and their feet on opposite sides' (Quran 5:33), and because cutting the left foot allows for greater mobility, as he can still manage to walk using a prosthetic support, whereas cutting the right foot would prevent walking altogether.
Supporting text
'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) used to cut the foot from half the foot, at the level of the strap loop (*maʿqid ash-shirāk*), leaving him a heel to walk upon. This is also the view of Abu Thawr.