In Islam, every Muslim is obligated to perform five daily prayers (Salah) under normal circumstances. Each prayer is prescribed to be performed within its specific time frame. The Quran states, “Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:103). This indicates that, under normal conditions, each prayer should be performed at its designated time. However, there are certain situations in which combining prayers, known as “Jama’ (cem)”, is permissible.
What Is Jama’ (Combining Prayers)?
The term “Jama'” refers to the act of combining two prayers. This can be done with:
Dhuhr (noon) and Asr (afternoon) prayers
Maghrib (evening) and Isha (night) prayers
These prayers can be combined during the time of the earlier prayer (Jama’ Taqdim) or during the time of the later prayer (Jama’ Ta’khir).
The Hanafi School’s Perspective
According to the Hanafi school of thought, combining prayers is generally only permitted for pilgrims during Hajj. Specifically, on the Day of Arafah, pilgrims perform the Asr prayer during Dhuhr time (Jama’ Taqdim). On the same day, they delay the Maghrib prayer and perform it with Isha at Muzdalifah (Jama’ Ta’khir). Outside of this context, it is not considered permissible to combine prayers according to Hanafi scholars (Kasani, Bada’i’, 1/127).
Other Schools of Thought
In contrast, other Islamic schools of thought allow combining prayers under specific circumstances such as:
Traveling (Sefer)
Bad weather (e.g., heavy rain or storm)
Other valid excuses (e.g., illness or a pressing need)
For instance, one of the proofs cited by scholars from these schools is a narration from Ibn Abbas: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) combined Dhuhr and Asr, and also Maghrib and Isha prayers during the expedition to Tabuk.” (Muslim, Salat al-Musafirin, 51-53 [705-706]).
However, Hanafi scholars interpret this combination as a “Suri combination,” meaning the Prophet prayed one prayer at the end of its time and the next prayer at the beginning of its time without actually merging the time frames.
Practical Application in Special Circumstances
In cases of necessity, even a follower of the Hanafi school can choose to follow the rulings of other schools of thought and combine prayers. For example, combining prayers can be considered in situations such as:
Traveling (Sefer)
Conflicting with important tasks like an exam
Medical procedures where a doctor cannot leave the surgery
In these cases, Dhuhr and Asr can be combined using either Jama’ Taqdim or Jama’ Ta’khir. Similarly, Maghrib and Isha can be combined.
How to Perform Combined Prayers
When performing combined prayers, the person must pray them consecutively, without any interruption or engagement in other activities. The prayers should be performed in the proper order:
Dhuhr followed by Asr during Dhuhr or Asr time
Maghrib followed by Isha during Maghrib or Isha time
The individual does not perform the Sunnah prayers between the two combined obligatory (Fard) prayers. Additionally, Fajr (morning prayer) cannot be combined with any other prayer, and Asr cannot be combined with Maghrib, nor can Isha be combined with Fajr.
In summary, while combining prayers is generally reserved for special circumstances, it serves as an accommodation for Muslims facing genuine difficulties in performing their prayers on time. This flexibility showcases the adaptability of Islamic jurisprudence in addressing the needs of the believers without compromising the fundamental obligations of prayer.