What is the extent of the hand (*yad*) that is obligatory to wash?

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The obligatory extent of the hand to be washed extends up to the elbow (*kaw'*) because the unqualified term 'hand' in Sharia encompasses this area. This is evidenced by the decree concerning the thief, where the hand is amputated from the elbow joint, as stated in Quran 5:38. Similarly, in ablution by dry earth (*tayammum*), the washing applies to the hands up to the elbow, and the blood money (*diya*) due for severing the hand is due when it is severed at the elbow joint.