This reaches extreme verification and precision and it is better in my view than the reconciliation which al-Bayḥaqī mentioned and whoever followed him in that such as Ibn al-Ṣalāḥ and those after him. This is because [this reconciliation between the ḥadīths] negates contagion in principle, completely, as is stated explicitly in the authentic reports.

As for what [appears] to clash with [this negation] from what has been reported [from the Prophet], then it is carried upon putting an end to what may lead to [belief in contagion]. This is opposed to the way which they [the other group] have reconciled [between the reports], for it affirms contagion in general. [Imām] Mālik, when asked about the ḥadīth pertaining not looking at the lepers, said: ‘I have not heard of any dislike regarding it, and I do not see that the prohibition has come regarding it except for the fear that something may happen in a believer’s soul.’ Meaning, he falls into believing in contagion.