Muhammad bin Yahya says that a slave of Nu'man Ansari stole a few dates from a garden. This case was presented before Marwan, and he intended to cut off his hand. Upon this, Sayyiduna Rafi' bin Khadij (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: The hand is not to be cut off for stealing fruit or unripe dates.
Hadith Referenceمسند احمد / مسند المكيين / 15814
Hadith Gradingحکم دارالسلام:حديث صحيح، وهذا إسناد منقطع، بين محمد بن يحيى وبين رافع انقطاع