𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (444)

Ruling on a Blind Man Teaching Women Without Hijab Question: Is it permissible for a blind man to teach women without a screen? Sheikh Rashād Adh-Dhali'ee ḥafidhahullāh: Although the blind man cannot see the women, the women can see him. Allāh, Exalted be He, has commanded both men and women to lower their gazes in successive Āyahs in Sūrah An-Nūr: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity...” “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity...” (24:30–31) Thus, while the blind man does not see them, the women can still see him, and they are commanded to maintain modesty. There is an explicit narration mentioned in the Sunnah—though its chain of transmission is weak—from Umm Salamah (may Allāh be pleased with her). She reported that Ibn Umm Maktūm came to the Prophet ﷺ while she and some of the Prophet’s wives were present. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Cover yourselves from him.” They said, “O Messenger of Allāh, he is blind!” He replied, “Are you two blind as well?” However, this hadith is transmitted through Nabhān, the freed slave of Umm Salamah, who is unknown (Majhool); therefore, the chain is weak. Nonetheless, the Qur'ān itself indicates the principle of modesty that supports this ruling.