The Time of the Zuhr Prayer and the Ruling on Delaying It

Question:
As for the first question of this evening, the questioner asks: When is the time for the Zuhr prayer? And what is the ruling on one who delays it consistently, even when not in a state of war?

Answer:
The time for the Zuhr prayer begins when the sun passes its zenith. When the sun passes its zenith, the time for Zuhr begins. Allah the Exalted said: The passing of the sun means its passing from directly overhead toward the west. This is the beginning of the time for Zuhr, and it continues until the time for 'Asr begins. The entire period is the time for Zuhr, but the Muslim must hasten to pray in the first part of its time, especially in congregation. He should not miss the congregation; he should pray with the congregation and not say, "The time is wide, so I will not pray with the congregation."
And if he does not have a congregation, he should pray in the first part of the time, because the best of deeds, as mentioned previously, is that the most beloved of deeds to Allah is prayer in its first part of the time.