Is it permissible for me to offer condolences to my maternal uncle’s wife over the phone?

The questioner:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This questioner says: Is it permissible for me to offer condolences to my maternal uncle’s wife over the phone; because this maintains family ties and consoles the bereaved?

The Shaykh:
He offers condolences.

The questioner:
To his maternal uncle’s wife.

The Shaykh:
Yes, there is nothing wrong with it. He may offer her condolences by phone or in person; there is no impediment. He offers condolences regarding the deceased, yes, and he prays for the deceased, yes. Whether by writing, by phone, or in person, it is all a recommended practice (sunnah), yes.

The questioner:
But does he uncover his face to her?

The Shaykh:
Uncovering is forbidden (haram). But he offers her condolences while she is veiled, and he does not enter her home alone with her, nor does he seclude himself with her. No, he does not seclude himself with her, nor does he enter her home alone with her.