This punishment, known as cutting off the hand of a thief, serves as a powerful deterrent in Islam. It is a punishment meant to uphold justice, prevent crime, and protect society. While modern legal systems may imprison thieves, often at great financial cost, the Islamic law offers a more effective deterrent. For example, in the United States, it costs approximately 30,000 USD annually to maintain a prisoner, which often leads to leniency for other serious crimes. The criticism that the punishment is "barbaric" or a violation of human rights can be countered by historical evidence. In the first 400 years of Islam, only six hands were cut off for theft, indicating the rarity and serious nature of the crime. This illustrates that the law of retribution in Islam is not arbitrary, but rather aimed at fostering honesty and preventing theft. A poet once questioned the punishment, noting the high value placed on a hand when harmed (500 dinars) compared to the relatively small value of stolen goods (a quarter of a dinar). The scholar responded that a hand is valuable as long as it remains honest, but if it becomes dishonest by stealing, it loses its dignity and deserves punishment, even if the stolen amount is small. This reflects the idea that the integrity of an individual is paramount in Islamic law. These prohibitions and the psychological findings which highlight their associated risks are a great example of The Divine knowledge behind the guidelines set in Islam.