Ruling on delaying the prayer due to the absence of water

Question:
Our work requires us to travel frequently. On one occasion, when the first time for the Maghrib prayer entered, we had no water with us to perform wudu. The nearest city is forty kilometers away to the city exit, and then approximately five kilometers after the exit. In other words, the time it takes to cover this distance is one hour and fifteen minutes after the time has entered. Should we perform tayammum and pray? Or should we go to the city and perform wudu with the water that is certainly available there?

Answer:
It is better for you to pray with tayammum so that you pray within the time, and praise be to Allah. Allah the Exalted says: [Al-Ma'idah: 6]. So it is better for you to pray with tayammum because the distance is far. If you delay and pray in the city with water, and the time remains without fear of it ending, there is no harm. If it is the beginning of the Maghrib time, and you are able to reach the water in the city before the time for Isha enters, before the twilight disappears, there is no blame on you for delaying. However, it is better for you not to take the risk, but to pray Maghrib with tayammum, and then pray Isha with the people in the town, if Allah wills. And if you combine the prayers, there is no harm either. You are travelers. If you combine the prayers while you are still traveling, and forty kilometers remain of the distance, this is a long distance. You may combine Maghrib and Isha. Then, when you enter the town, you have the choice. If you pray Isha with the people as a voluntary prayer, there is no harm. Otherwise, you have already performed the obligatory prayer, and praise be to Allah. Yes.

The presenter : May Allah reward you with good.