Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: A thief who had stolen a sheet was brought to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The people said, "O Messenger of Allah! He has committed theft." The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Has he really committed theft?" The thief said, "O Messenger of Allah! Yes." The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Take him away and cut off his hand, then cauterize it (so that the bleeding stops), then bring him back to me." His hand was cut off and he was brought to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), so he said, "Repent to Allah." He said, "I repent to Allah." The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Allah has accepted your repentance."