Abu Majid al-Hanafi narrates: I was sitting with Sayyiduna Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) and he said: "And I was mentioning the first man whose hand the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had cut off: a thief was brought and he had his hand cut off. The blessed face of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) changed (that is, he was grieved over it)." The narrator says: The people said: "O Messenger of Allah! It seems you did not like that his hand be cut off." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "What could prevent me? Do not be helpers of Satan against your brother. It is proper for the ruler that, when a case (of a prescribed punishment) reaches him, he carries out its punishment. Indeed, Allah Almighty is Pardoning and loves pardon (and He has said:) 'Let them pardon and overlook. Do you not love that Allah Almighty should forgive you? And Allah Almighty is Forgiving, Merciful.'"
Ahmad recorded it.
Hadith Referenceمجمع الزوائد ومنبع الفوائد / كتاب الحدود والديات / 10656
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:حسن بشواهده، وهذا إسناد ضعيف
Hadith Takhrij«اخرجه احمد فى المسند (4168 و 397) ، أخرجه مسند أحمد برقم: 4157، 3967»