Abu Dawud

595. Commentary:
The leadership (imamah) of a blind person is permissible without any dislike (karahah), provided that he possesses the necessary capability.

Benefits and Issues:
Other societies, apart from Islam, continued for a long time to discriminate against the blind and people with special needs.
The idea of appointing them to important responsibilities was unthinkable.
Islam not only made their rights equal to those of other human beings but also initiated the practice of assigning them extremely important responsibilities.
Ibn Umm Maktum radi Allahu anhu always held one of the most important responsibilities in Madinah, that is, giving the call to prayer (adhan).
Although he was dependent on others for determining the correct time for the adhan,
at the time of the dawn adhan, people would inform him, saying, “Asbahta, asbahta” (You have entered the morning, you have entered the morning).
In addition, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam appointed him again as the acting governor of Madinah.
In this matter as well, he would certainly have needed timely assistance from others to fulfill his responsibilities.
And if we look at it, every ruler, in one way or another, needs the help of others.
Some need it in one form, others in another. If a blind person meets the highest standards of knowledge, action, piety (taqwa), and wisdom, then there is no harm in appointing him to a governmental position.
And the claim of some people that such a person cannot be qualified to make decisions,
because he is unable to recognize individuals and determine personalities,
is due to their lack of understanding of the wisdom of the Messenger of Allah.
If a blind person possesses the ability to make correct and timely decisions and to get work done by others, then there is no objection to assigning him appropriate responsibilities. Rather, encouraging such special individuals and utilizing them according to their abilities and talents is indeed better for society.
In Muslim societies, such individuals have always been distinguished in the service of knowledge.
However, due to interaction with non-Islamic societies, inappropriate attitudes towards such individuals began to emerge.
And Allah knows best.

Takhrij:
«أخرجه أبوداود، الصلاة، باب أمامة الأعمي، حديث:595، وأحمد:3 /132، وحديث عائشة أخرجه ابن حبان(الإحسان):3 /287.»©Explanation:
➊ From this hadith, it is understood that it is permissible for the imam to appoint his deputy who will lead the people in prayer.
➋ The second issue established here is that the leadership (imamate) of a blind person is valid and permissible.
➌ Thirdly, it is also understood that a blind person can be more knowledgeable in the matters of Shariah than others.
➍ This hadith also shows that in the presence of someone more virtuous, another person can also be appointed as a deputy.
➎ This blind companion was Abdullah bin Umm Maktum radi Allahu anhu. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam appointed him as his deputy several times in his absence, and on the occasion of the Battle of Tabuk, appointed Ali radi Allahu anhu as his deputy for administrative affairs, and appointed Abdullah bin Umm Maktum radi Allahu anhu to lead the prayer in the presence of Ali radi Allahu anhu.

Benefit:
In this hadith, the courage and bravery of Sayyiduna Abu Talhah radi Allahu anhu is mentioned—how he would sacrifice his life for the sake of the Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam without hesitation. It is also understood from this that the noble Companions radi Allahu anhum ajma‘in also had a flag.