What is the requisite value or *Nisab* for the theft that warrants amputation?
Chapter on Amputation in Theft
Al-Mughni
Book of Ḥudūd (Prescribed Penalties)
Primary text
Amputation is obligatory only when the stolen item reaches the established *Nisab* (threshold value), and there is no amputation for lesser amounts, according to the opinion of all jurists, except for Al-Hasan, Dawud, Ibn Bint Al-Shafi'i, and the Khawarij. The primary evidence for the *Nisab* is the statement of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "There is no amputation except for a quarter Dinar and above" (agreed upon sources). This hadith specifically limits the application of the general verse concerning theft. Furthermore, the consensus of the Companions will be mentioned.
Supporting text
Al-Hasan, Dawud, Ibn Bint Al-Shafi'i, and the Khawarij hold that amputation is performed for both small and large amounts due to the generality of the Quranic verse and the narration from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, cursed the thief who steals a rope and whose hand is cut off, and who steals an egg and whose hand is cut off (agreed upon sources). They reason that since the thief stole from a guarded place (*Hirz*), the hand must be amputated, similar to the thief of a large amount.