What is the ruling when a hand is severed at the wrist (Kūʿ)?
Chapter on Retaliation (Qawad)
Al-Mughni
Book of Wounds
Primary text
The injured party is entitled to the amputation of the hand at the wrist, as it is a joint. They are not entitled to demand amputation of the fingers, as the location of the injury (the fingers) cannot be enforced when full satisfaction (amputation at the joint) is possible.
Supporting text
If the injured party compounds the injury by accepting Diyah, they receive the full Diyah for the hand, plus compensation for the forearm (Sāʿid). Regarding the possibility of accepting Diyah for the severed part when injury occurred at the mid-forearm, there are two views, mirroring those discussed for severance at the mid-palm regarding Qisas at the wrist. Similarly, there are two views regarding the permissibility of amputating the fingers in such a case. If the injured party amputates the fingers when injury occurred at the mid-forearm, they forfeit any compensation for the palm, as they could have claimed it via Qisas, similar to when the injury originates at the wrist.