Amputations Disbelief

When amputations are mentioned in regard to Islam, decapitations and cutting off the hands of thieves come to mind. What, me worry? I haven't stolen anything and I am not going near any place infested with terrorists. Yeah, right; they may come to you. Because you are not Muslim, you are regarded as a rebel against Allah who deserves to be killed. Punishments for disbelief include cutting off hands and feet on opposite sides. Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:33 prescribes hudud for disbelief. 5:33. The recompense of those who wage war against Allh and His Messenger and do mischief in the land is only that they shall be killed or crucified or their hands and their feet be cut off on the opposite sides, or be exiled from the land. That is their disgrace in this world, and a great torment is theirs in the Hereafter. `Wage war' mentioned here means, oppose and contradict, and it includes disbelief, blocking roads and spreading fear in the fairways. http://www.islam-universe.com/tafsir//5.13751.html Not believing in Allah is a status offense, referred to in Shari'ah as infidelity. Infidelity among Arab pagans must be punished by death. Infidels believing in scriptural religions may pay jizya in lieu of destruction. If you harbor any skepticism about this issue, read the following pages in Hedaya, Volume II:
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213 214 216 217.

Theft
The penalty for theft is specified in the same surah. 5:38. Cut off (from the wrist joint) the (right) hand of the thief, male or female, as a recompense for that which they committed, a punishment by way of example from Allh. And Allh is AllPowerful, All-Wise. 5:39. But whosoever repents after his crime and does righteous good deeds (by obeying Allh), then verily, Allh will pardon him (accept his repentance). Verily, Allh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Amputations

What would one have to steal to warrant the amputation of his right hand? There is a conflict in the hadith. Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 81, Number 774:
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Allah curses a man who steals an egg and gets his hand cut off, or steals a rope and gets his hands cut off." Al-A'mash said, "People used to interpret the Baida as an iron helmet, and they used to think that the rope may cost a few dirhams." Sahih Volume 8, Book 81, Number 785: Narrated 'Aisha: A thief's hand was not cut off for stealing something cheaper than a Hajafa or a Turs (two kinds of shields), each of which was worth a (respectable) price Sahih Volume 8, Book 81, Number 787: Narrated Ibn 'Umar: Allah's Apostle cut off the hand of a thief for stealing a shield that was worth three Dirhams.

Using the definition found in Reliance of the Traveller, M8.11(2): 30 dirhams = 88.94 grams of silver, at the current price three dirhams would be $8.02. The penalty for theft is specified in Reliance of the Traveller, O14.4. which sets the threshold at 1.058 gm. of gold; presently $55.03. The wound is cauterized with hot oil to prevent the amputee from bleeding to death. If he steals again, they cut off his left foot, then his left hand for a third offense.