SECTION ON JIHAD · 120 – THE PROHIBITION OF MUTHLA (MUTILATION)
2666 – It is narrated from ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The most merciful of people in the manner of killing are the people of iman (faith).” [460]
EXPLANATION
The people of iman (tawhid – the oneness of God) do not use weapons against priests, women, or children even in war. Even when slaughtering an animal, they do so without causing it pain. They do not cut anyone’s lips, ears, or fingers, nor do they commit muthla (mutilation).
2667 – It is narrated from Hayyāj ibn ʿImrān: A slave of ʿImrān had run away. He vowed for Allah’s sake that if he was able to seize him, he would cut off his hand. He sent me to ask (the Companions) whether this was permissible. I went to Samura ibn Jundub and asked him. (Samura) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to encourage us to give charity and would forbid cutting off hands and feet. I went to ʿImrān ibn Ḥuṣayn and asked him. He said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to encourage us to give charity and would forbid muthla (cutting off hands and feet).
EXPLANATION
Ibn Saʿd says about Hayyāj ibn ʿImrān ibn al-Fāṣil al-Tamīmī (may Allah be pleased with him) that he is trustworthy (thiqah), but he narrated few hadiths. Ibn Ḥibbān mentioned him among the trustworthy. (Tahdhīb al-Tahdhīb, vol. 11, p. 89)