I remember the first man whose hand was cut off. A thief was brought to the Prophet (ﷺ) and he issued orders that his hand be cut off. And it was as if the face of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was covered with dust (i.e., his face changed colour). They said: O Messenger of Allah, it is as if you are upset about cutting off his hand. He said: “What could prevent me (from cutting off his hand)? Do not be the Shaitan's helpers against your companion. If a case is brought to the ruler that deserves the hadd punishment, he should carry it out. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, is forgiving and loves forgiveness. ‘Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful' (an-Noor 24:22)."