Is it permissible to combine prayers by advancing or delaying them when it is raining, and is it established that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) combined prayers in the rain?

The questioner : Is it permissible to combine prayers by advancing or delaying them when it is raining, and is it established that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) combined prayers in the rain?

The Shaykh : Yes, it is permissible if it rains and there is hardship in attending the mosque because of the rain. In that case, it is permissible to combine the prayers, either by advancing them or by delaying them. This is based on what is established in *Sahih Muslim* from the hadith of Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him both): His statement (may Allah be pleased with him): indicates that it was his custom to combine prayers in the rain. It was said to Ibn 'Abbas: Why did he do that? He said: "He intended not to burden his Ummah". His statement: "not to burden his Ummah" indicates that whenever there is hardship in praying at every time, it is permissible to combine the prayers.