Method of Combining Maghrib and ‘Isha in Rain and the Ruling on Sunnah Prayers
Source: Ahkam wa Masail – Kitab al-Salat, Vol.1, p.112
Question:
In case of heavy rain or stormy weather, if Maghrib and ‘Isha are to be combined, what is the method? Should the Sunnah prayers of these two Salahs still be offered? And if the bad weather continues for several days, how long is this concession valid?
Answer:
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala Rasulillah, amma ba‘d!
◈ Method of Combining in Rain
- Maghrib should be offered at the end of its time.
- ‘Isha should be offered at the beginning of its time.
Likewise, if Zuhr and ‘Asr are combined:
- Zuhr is delayed till the end of its time.
- ‘Asr is prayed at the beginning of its time.
This is the same method that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ practiced when he combined the prayers in Madinah. Details of this are clearly mentioned in:
“Sunan al-Nasai, Bab al-Waqt alladhi yujma‘ fihi al-Muqim.”
◈ Duration of Concession
There is no fixed limit for how many days this concession can continue. As long as there is genuine hardship due to ongoing rain or storm, this allowance remains valid.
◈ Ruling on Sunnah (Rawatib) Prayers
When combining Salah due to rain:
- The ruling of Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Rawatib) remains the same as if the prayers were being offered separately.
- Thus, the Sunnahs before and after should be offered according to normal practice.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
