HOW MUHAMMAD JUDGED AND DECEIVED THE MUSLIMS.
IN QURAN 5:38 Translations of Sura 5:38 MAS Abdel Haleem ( The Qur’an , Oxford UP, 2004) translates Sura 5:38 as follows: 5:38 Cut off the hands of thieves, whether they are male or female, as punishment for what they have done—a deterrent from God: God is almighty and wise. 39 But if anyone repents after his wrongdoing and makes amends, God will accept his repentance: God is most forgiving and merciful . (Haleem) The standard verb "to cut" (q-T- c ) is used, and the object of the cutting is "their hands." For this crime, early Islam punishes both male and female thieves. Evidently, the purpose is to purify the Islamic community and to deter future thieves. Verse 39 is included because it seems that Muhammad is providing a way of repentance before the penalty is exacted. But traditional Islam says the opposite. The bloody penalty is carried out, which helps the thief to purify his or her heart, and then he or she is in better state to repent (more on this bel...