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The Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, gave them some tasks and missions and would put them in positions of authority
An example of this occurred during the battle of Uhud, when the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, took the counsel of the people regarding the choice of either going outside the city of Madinah tomeet the polytheists in battle, or to stay inside the city.
The conclusion was that the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, left the city with one thousand Companions (to fight the polytheists), and he appointed Ibn Umm Maktoom (a blind Companion) to lead prayers for those that remained behind in Madinah.
Anas ibn Maalik reported that the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, appointed Ibn Umm Maktoom as in-charge over Madinah twice, and he would lead them in prayer, even though he was blind
The Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, appointed Ibn Umm Maktoom to be the one to call the second call to prayer in Ramadhaan.
During the month of Ramadhaan, the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, had two people calling the call to prayer. One of them was Bilaal, and he used to call it before the actual time of dawn had come, in order to remind people to finish eating their pre-dawn meal, or for those who were asleep to wake up and catch something to eat before dawn. Ibn Umm Maktoom made the second call when dawn had actually arrived, when people must refrain from eating and drinking.
`Abdullaah ibn `Umar (a Companion) narrated that the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Bilaal gives the call to prayer at night [shortly before dawn], so continue eating and drinking until Ibn Umm Maktoom calls for prayer.” `Abdullaah continued, “He (Ibn Umm Maktoom) was a blind man and would not call to the prayer until he was told, ‘Dawn has arrived; dawn has arrived.’”
`Aa’ishah (the wife of the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Ibn Umm Maktoom used to call for the prayer for the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and he was blind.”
Look how the talents of the disabled were utilized; despite being a blind man, he was the caller to prayer and led prayers, and used to be the authority over the city at times.
