How can we reconcile the hadith of Fatimah bint Qays – in which she was commanded to observe her 'iddah in the house of Ibn Umm Maktoum (the blind man) on the grounds that he was blind and she could remove her garments in his presence – with the hadith, "Are you both blind? Do you not see him?" from which it is understood that it is not permissible for a woman to uncover herself before a blind man?

There is no contradiction between the two hadiths. The first hadith is authentic, while the second is disputed in its authenticity and has been weakened by some scholars. There is no contradiction between an authentic and a weak hadith. Even assuming the authenticity of the second hadith, it does not necessitate permission to look at Ibn Umm Maktum. Rather, it is because she would be safe from the gaze of others while with him, and she is commanded to lower her gaze. Furthermore, the command for her to observe her iddah in his house does not imply seclusion, but rather the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, moved her to a safe place.