Does the one performing 'Umrah combine the 'Asr prayer with the Zuhr prayer when traveling from Makkah?

The questioner : We ask about a man who came to the Noble Makkah for 'Umrah, stayed for three days, and then wanted to travel before the 'Asr prayer. Is it permissible for him to combine 'Asr with Zuhr, and should he break his fast or not?

The Shaykh : Yes, he may combine 'Asr with Zuhr. If he enters Makkah and stays there for three, four, five, six, or ten days, and wants to travel, for example, after Zuhr, and says, "I want to combine 'Asr with Zuhr so I can continue my journey," then that is permissible and there is no harm in it. This is because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stayed in Makkah for nineteen days and shortened the prayer. So we tell this man: there is nothing wrong with advancing 'Asr and praying it combined with Zuhr, so you pray it as two rak'ahs and then leave as a traveler. However, do not leave the place where you entered as a 'umrah pilgrim until after you have performed the farewell tawaf as your final act.