Library Ethics Greater Sins Chapter 25 The Twenty-Third Greater Sin: Stealing The Twenty-Third Greater Sin: Stealing
The Twenty-Third Greater Sin: Stealing
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Chapter 25
The Twenty-Third Greater Sin: Stealing
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The twenty-third sin which is certainly a Greater one is stealing or thievery. Imam RiÄa (a.s.) has included stealing among the Greater sins according to the tradition reported by Fazl Ibn ShazÄn. Amash says that Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) has related from the Holy Prophet (S) that he said,
“A believer cannot commit fornication and a believer cannot steal.”
(Wasa’il ul-Shia)
Thus one who fornicates or steals is not a believer. Such a person is devoid of faith. Such a person lacks belief in Allah (S.w.T.) and the Day of Judgement. If such a person dies without repenting for his sins, he does not die a believer. Some of the ayats and traditions that are critical of Khayanat also include stealing. Stealing is absolutely HarÄm even if it is for a worthless object. To steal even a needle is HarÄm. However, the hands of a thief are cut only, if in addition to all the necessary conditions the value of the stolen goods exceeds a quarter misqal of gold.
Muhammad Ibn Muslim says that he inquired from Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.):
“What is the minimum amount, stealing of which can make one liable to have his hands amputed?”
Imam (a.s.) replied, “A quarter of a dinar.”
“And on stealing two dirhams?”
“Even if it is a dirham more than a quarter of a Dinar. In all cases the hands are severed.”
Muhammad Ibn Muslim further asked, “Then if one steals less than a quarter of a dinar, is he called a thief?”
Imam (a.s.) told him,
“Every such person is a thief in the eyes of Allah who steals the property of the Muslims and keeps it for himself.” (That is, Allah will punish him with the punishment that is reserved for all those who steal.)
“But (in this world) his hands are not cut off. However if he steals a quarter dinar or more his hands are severed. If the hands of those who steal less than a quarter dinar were also to be cut then we would find most of the people with their hands severed.”
