Sayyiduna Asmah bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: In the blessed time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), a slave committed theft. His case was presented before the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forgave him. Then his case was presented a second time before the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that he had committed theft, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) again forgave him. Then his case was presented a third time, and you again forgave him. Then for the fourth time, his case was presented before you that he had committed theft, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) again forgave him. Then when for the fifth time his case of theft was presented, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had one of his hands cut off. Then when he was presented for the sixth time, you (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had one of his feet cut off. Then when for the seventh time his case was presented before you, you had his other hand cut off. When for the eighth time the case was presented, you had his other foot cut off. The narrator states: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "This (punishment) was given four times in exchange for the four times (he was) forgiven."