Explanation of the author's statement: "…or with clouds for those who pray in congregation…"
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The Shaykh :"Or with clouds for those who pray in congregation" Is his statement "or with clouds" included under his statement "if," or is it an independent issue? This is an independent issue, because it is the norm for clouds to appear in the days of winter, not in the heat of summer. Consequently, it is not included under his statement "if", meaning except in the heat of summer, or with clouds for those who pray in congregation. The best course is to delay the prayer. If there are clouds, it is recommended to delay the prayer for those who pray in congregation in the mosque. Why? They said it is so that people go out to pray the midday and afternoon prayers in a single outing. It is the norm that if there are clouds, rain will occur. If that is the case, it is not befitting for us to burden the people; rather, we should wait. When the time approaches the afternoon prayer, such that people leave their homes for the mosques in a single outing for the midday and afternoon prayers, we delay it. This is the view of the author, and the cause is as you heard. However, this cause is defective from two aspects. The first aspect is that it contradicts the generality of the evidence indicating the virtue of praying at the beginning of the time. The second aspect is that clouds may occur without rain, and this is common. Great clouds may form and the sky may become overcast, yet it does not rain. Is that not so?
The audience: Yes.
The Shaykh : Now, if that is the case, we say that with clouds, if we assume it is in the heat of summer, we might say, "Do not cool down," because the clouds prevent the heat of the sun. Thus, it is defective in that it contradicts what? The generality of the evidence indicating the virtue of praying at the beginning of the time. Second, it is often not the case; it is not an established fact that whenever clouds come, rain comes. Therefore, the correct view is not to make an exception for this situation, and it is recommended to advance the midday prayer except in what? Only in the heat of summer. In all other cases, it is best to pray at the beginning of the time.
The audience: Yes.
The Shaykh : Now, if that is the case, we say that with clouds, if we assume it is in the heat of summer, we might say, "Do not cool down," because the clouds prevent the heat of the sun. Thus, it is defective in that it contradicts what? The generality of the evidence indicating the virtue of praying at the beginning of the time. Second, it is often not the case; it is not an established fact that whenever clouds come, rain comes. Therefore, the correct view is not to make an exception for this situation, and it is recommended to advance the midday prayer except in what? Only in the heat of summer. In all other cases, it is best to pray at the beginning of the time.