Question
If a person is afflicted by sleep, fatigue, or some other necessity, can he combine the Maghrib prayer with the ‘Isha prayer? Please explain this matter apart from travel.
Answer
Combining two prayers is not permitted while at home (hadar), that is, permission for combining either jam’ taqdim or jam’ ta’khir has been given only during travel. However, jam’ suri is permitted.
Combining Two Prayers During Travel
An example of combining prayers during travel is found in the narration of Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), which mentions that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ combined Dhuhr with ‘Asr, and Maghrib with ‘Isha, during a journey.
Jam’ Taqdim
Jam’ taqdim includes performing ‘Asr together with Dhuhr, and ‘Isha together with Maghrib.
Jam’ Ta’khir
Jam’ ta’khir includes performing Dhuhr together with ‘Asr, and Maghrib together with ‘Isha.
The Incident of the Battle of Tabuk
It is narrated from Mu’adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) that during the Battle of Tabuk, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ combined prayers while travelling; he performed Dhuhr and ‘Asr together, and Maghrib and ‘Isha together, under specific circumstances.
Combining Prayers While at Home
Permission to combine two prayers while at home is found in the narration of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), which mentions that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ combined Dhuhr and ‘Asr in Madinah, although there was neither fear nor a state of travel. He did this so that his Ummah could be spared hardship.
