What is the ruling on combining and shortening prayers for the people of Makkah at 'Arafah?

Question:
It is well known that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) combined and shortened the prayers with the people on the Day of 'Arafah for the people of Makkah and others. Did the people of Makkah combine and shorten as part of the rites of Hajj, or as travelers?

Answer:
There is scholarly disagreement on this matter:
Some said: The people of Makkah do not shorten or combine prayers at 'Arafah and Muzdalifah.
And some said: They combine but do not shorten.
And some said: They shorten and combine. This is the closest and most apparent position; because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) did not say to them: "O people of Makkah, complete your prayers," or: "Do not combine." Rather, he prayed with the people while knowing that among them were pilgrims from Makkah. This indicates that pilgrims from Makkah shorten and combine with the people, even if the distance is short. Perhaps this is for the sake of the rites of Hajj and to facilitate things for the Muslim in this great station, so that he is with his brothers, sharing in their prayer of combining and shortening with the strangers. It may be for another wisdom, and Allah knows best.
The point is that the best and strongest of the three opinions of the scholars is: the strongest is that the people of Makkah and those around them pray with the people at 'Arafah and Muzdalifah, shortening and combining, just as they shorten with them in Mina. This is the strongest of the three opinions.