What is the specific measure defining the *Nisab* for amputation?
Chapter on Amputation in Theft
Al-Mughni
Book of Ḥudūd (Prescribed Penalties)
Primary text
The established measure for amputation is a quarter Dinar of gold, or three Dirhams of silver, or the equivalent value thereof in other goods, according to one narration from Ahmad, which is the opinion held by Malik and Ishaq. Another narration states that if the stolen item is not gold or silver, the value equivalent to a quarter Dinar or three Dirhams mandates amputation. This implies that non-precious items should be assessed based on the lower of the two measures (quarter Dinar or three Dirhams). The opinion supported by Aisha, and narrated from Umar, Uthman, and Ali, is that there is no amputation except for a quarter Dinar and above. This view is held by the Seven Jurists of Madinah, Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, Al-Awza'i, Al-Shafi'i, and Ibn al-Mundhir, relying on the hadith of Aisha mentioned previously. The soundest narration concerning this ruling is the one reported by Ibn Umar, that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, amputated [the hand of a thief] for a shield (*mijn*) valued at three Dirhams (agreed upon sources).
Supporting text
Uthman Al-Batti held that amputation is due for a Dirham and above. Narrations from Abu Hurayrah and Abu Sa'id suggest amputation is due for four Dirhams and above. Umar held that the *Khums* (one-fifth share of war spoils) is not subject to amputation unless its value reaches five. Ata, Abu Hanifa, and his companions hold that amputation is not due except for a Dinar or ten Dirhams, based on a narration stating, "There is no amputation except for ten Dirhams." Al-Nakha'i ruled that amputation is due only for forty Dirhams.