Is it permissible for an elderly person to combine the Zuhr and 'Asr prayers in the mosque if he finds it difficult to return to the mosque?

Question:
Shaykh Salih, a man of advanced age, finds it difficult to come to the mosque for all five prayers. He asks: Is it better for me, if I come for the Zuhr prayer, to combine the 'Asr prayer with it in the mosque, or should I go to my house after Zuhr and pray 'Asr at its time? Knowing, O Shaykh, that if I combine them, I might find someone to pray with me.

Answer:
No, my brother, it is not permissible to combine prayers except for the traveler, the sick person, and in the rain between Maghrib and 'Isha'. As for you, it is not permissible for you to combine; you must pray every prayer in its time. If you are able to perform it in the mosque, it is obligatory for you to do so; the congregational prayer in the mosque is obligatory for you. If you are unable to go to the mosque, pray in your house, and you are excused. Pray the prayer at its time, as the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said, and as Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) said: "Indeed, prayer has been ". Strive to attend, even if you have to be carried in a car. The Salaf, as Ibn Mas'ud said, would bring a man who was carried between two men until he was placed in the row. Yes. If you are able to come to the mosque and pray with the congregation to attain the great reward, this is obligatory for you. If you cannot, pray in your house. Fear Allah as much as you are able. Yes.