The Criterion of Hardship That Permits Combining Prayers in the Rain

Question:
We are a group of mosque imams raising this issue with your eminence, which is the matter of combining prayers in the rain. When some rain falls, we exert our judgment and combine the prayers, as there is hardship in the view of the mosque imam. However, some of the youth go to one of the scholars and inform him of the situation, and he says this combining is not valid, which causes confusion among the worshippers. We ask your eminence to clarify the criterion of hardship that justifies combining in the rain. Is it necessary that there be mud on the ground? And who is considered regarding the hardship: are they the elderly and those similar to them, or the majority of the congregation? We ask for clarification on this, may Allah grant you success.

Answer:
What is the case of rain that requires combining? Some of the dough, if he sees a light drizzle or a simple sprinkle, it is not permissible. The rain intended is that which wets the travelers, soaks the clothes, and causes the clothes to become wet. As for the light drizzle, this is not permissible and does not require mention. Or if there is mud in the ground between him and the mosque, so his feet slip and he stumbles. Even if there is no rain, the presence of mud and clay is sufficient. Or a very cold wind, meaning there is danger from it. That is, three things: either rain falls and there is mud between him and the mosque, that is one.
The rain is widespread, there is no rain, but its effects are in the ground, the ground is slippery, or there are pools of water, like today the neighbor is standing in the water, and large pools form, and people are walking in the middle of the water. This is also an excuse. The third excuse is if there is no rain and no water, but there is a very cold wind on a dark night. In these three matters, it is permissible to combine the Maghrib and 'Isha' prayers, either combining by estimation for the comfort of the people, or combining by estimation if it is easier for them.
As for the mere presence of rain or a drizzle, or rain that has stopped and there is no water, the rain has stopped and there is no water in the ground, the ground is dry and the rain or darkness has gone, and there is no benefit or comfort, combining is not permissible. And He, Exalted and Majestic is He, says: standing, so it is necessary to perform them in their times except with a Sharia excuse without negligence. So the imams should fear Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He. As for the consideration of the congregation, the consideration is for those who are elderly, even if they are few, or a sick person, or a blind person, or a person for whom it is difficult to attend, so the conditions of the targeted people should be considered, even if they are few. And Allah the Exalted knows best, and may Allah send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon his family and his companions.