If one arrives at Muzdalifah before the time of 'Isha', does he combine Maghrib and 'Isha' by advancing them?

Question : But if he arrives at Muzdalifah before the prayer of 'Isha', is it recommended for him to combine them by delaying, following the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)? Or is it said: Pray Maghrib, then wait until the time of 'Isha' comes? Or is it said: Pray Maghrib and 'Isha' combined by advancing? Yes.

Answer : Choose the easiest, choose the easiest. Yes, some scholars hold the first view and say that the Messenger combined them by delaying.
And some scholars hold the second view, citing the hadith of Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) that he arrived at Muzdalifah at 'Isha' or before 'Isha', then he prayed Maghrib; he called the adhan and prayed Maghrib, then he asked for his dinner and ate, then he called the adhan and prayed 'Isha'. The hadith is authentic. Some hold that he prays as soon as he arrives and combines them by advancing, saying that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) combined them by delaying because it was easier for the people. Now, what is easier for the people is that they pray combined as soon as they arrive. So if he arrives early, he combines Maghrib and 'Isha' by advancing. This is the appropriate course, especially in our current times, as it may be difficult for a person to find water to perform wudu' with. So it is easier for him to combine them by advancing as soon as he arrives.