(Punishment for a shroud thief)

Abu Dharr told that God’s Messenger addressed him by name and he replied, "At your service and at your pleasure, Messenger of God.” He said, "How will you do when death 1 smites people and a house, meaning a grave, will cost as much as a slave?” On his replying that God and His apostle knew best, he said, "Show endurance.” Hammad b. [Abu] Sulaiman said that the hand of one who rifles a grave 2 should be cut off because he had entered the deceased’s house. Abu Dawud transmitted it. 1. Here "death” is used as a figure for a severe pestilence. 2. Mirqat, iv, 59, say this is done to steal the shroud.