It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Umayyah Makhzumi (may Allah be pleased with him) that a thief was brought to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) who confessed to the theft, but the stolen goods were not found with him. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "I think you did not steal?" He replied: "No, I did steal." Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) again said: "I think you did not steal?" He said: "I did steal." After this confession, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Take him and cut off his hand, then bring him back to me." So the Companions cut off his hand and brought him before the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), who said: "Pray to Allah for forgiveness and repent to Him." The man sought forgiveness and repented to Allah. Upon this, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "O Allah! Forgive him, O Allah! Forgive him."