It was narrated from Ibn 'Umar that: the Messenger of Allah cut off (a thief's hand) for a shield which cost three Dirhams.
The Prophet Muhammad's actions demonstrate that justice must be served without bias or prejudice, no matter what someone has done or how much something may have been worth. It also shows that even small acts of theft are taken seriously in Islamic society and will not go unpunished if caught. By punishing this thief with such severity, it serves as a reminder to all Muslims that stealing is wrong and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.