Resolution No. (135), (15/2009): “Conditions for Combining two Prayers because of the Rain”
Date: 30/12/1430 AH, corresponding to 17/12/2009 AD.
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
During its fifth session held on the above date, the Board reviewed the question pertaining to combining two prayers because of the rain.
After thorough studying and deliberating, the Board decided what follows:
Performing Zuhr and Asir prayers together, and Maghrib and Isha prayers together in advance because of the rain is a concession in our Islamic Sharia. This is indicated by the Hadith of Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) who said: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) observed the noon and afternoon prayers together, and the sunset and Isha' prayers together without being in a state of fear or in a state of journey.” {Muslim}.
Combining two prayers because of the rain has been verified on the authority of Ibn Abbas and Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with all of them), and this opinion is agreed upon by the majority of the scholars of the people of Sunnah: The Malikites, The Shafites and The Hanbalites.
In their books, these scholars have mentioned the conditions for combining two prayers, and they boil down to four:
1- Making the intention to combine the two prayers during the first prayer, and at the beginning of the second one. If the person forgot to do so, then he is allowed to make the intention at the beginning of the second prayer.
2- Rain fell at the beginning of the two prayers.
3- The rain wets the praying person`s clothes i.e. he faces hardship in going to the mosque because of it.
4- The two prayers are combined in congregation at the mosque.
Moreover, it is permissible to combine the Maghrib and Isha prayers because of darkness and mud, and because of snow, frost and violent cold wind.
However, if the aforementioned conditions or one of them was missing, then combining two prayers isn`t permissible, because when the reason behind the concession is missing or there is doubt about it, it is obligatory that each prayer is offered at its due time. Allah, The Almighty Says (what means): “When ye pass (Congregational) prayers, celebrate God’s praises, standing, sitting down, or lying down on your sides; but when ye are free from danger, set up Regular Prayers: For such prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times.” {An-Nisaa`/103}.
In addition, the Imam of the mosque is the one who enjoys the authority to rule that the conditions for combining the two prayers were met or not, and none of the prayer performers may make any objection. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "The Imam is to be followed.” {Agreed upon}. However, in case one of the prayer performers has an objection, then he should discuss it with the Imam in a polite and brotherly manner.
We hope that Imams of mosques seek the pleasure of Allah, not which of the prayer performers' desires as far as combining or not combining prayers is concerned. This is because they will be called to account for that on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The Imam is responsible.” {Abu Dawood and At-Tirmizi}. They should combine prayers once all the aforementioned conditions are met, if not, then each prayer should be performed on its specific time to be on the safe side. And Allah Knows Best.
Chairperson of the Iftaa` Board, Grand Mufti of Jordan/Dr. Nooh al-Qhodat
Vice Chairman of the Iftaa` Board/Dr. Ahmad Hilayel
Sheikh Abdulkareem Al-Khasawneh/ Member
Sheikh Sa`eid Hijjawi/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Khair al-Eesa/ Member
Judge Sari al-Ass`ad/ Member
Dr. Abdurahamn Ibbdah/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Okla/ Member
Dr. Abdunnasir Abulbasal/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh/Executive Secretary of the Board