The Criterion for the Rain That Permits Combining the Two Prayers

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. This questioner says: What is the criterion for the rain that permits combining the prayers? And is it permissible to combine the two midday prayers because of the rain?

Answer:
Combining the sunset and night prayers because of the rain is what is established and is common. Yes. Among the people, because the people are in the night and darkness and have a need for combining. So if the rain leaves puddles between you and the mosque, or leaves mud and clay between you and the mosques, combining is permissible. Combining is permissible; it is not a recommended practice, it is permissible for the sake of need. Yes. As for between the midday and afternoon prayers, this is a matter of scholarly disagreement. And Shaykh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him) used to combine the midday and afternoon prayers. Yes.