Explanation of the circumstances in which it is permissible to delay the prayers

Question:
What are the circumstances in which it is permissible to delay the prayer? And is it permissible for an individual to delay joining the congregation because of food?

Answer:
There are reasons for delaying the prayer, whether traveling or residing. When residing, if there are reasons for the people of the mosque, for example, if the rain becomes heavy and they wish to delay so that they can pray in the mosque, they delay because of the rain, or if they are afflicted with illness, they delay, or something similar, or to wait for the congregation for the 'Isha' prayer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would hasten it if they gathered, and delay it if they were late. Or for a funeral that is present so that it can be prayed over, so that the prayer over it is not neglected, or something similar from the legitimate excuses and legitimate objectives.
The individual does not have the right to delay; rather, he must hasten and rush to the prayer with the congregation. It is not permissible for him to delay; rather, he must hasten and rush to the congregational prayer, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: .
And Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: We seek refuge in Allah.
And when the blind man sought his permission, he said: "I have no guide to lead me to the mosque. Do I have a dispensation? Or should I pray in my house?" He said: "Do you hear the call to prayer?" He said: "Yes." He said: "Then respond." So he did not grant a dispensation to the blind man who did not have a guide accompanying him; rather, he ordered him to attend the congregation and perform the prayer in congregation.
But if the prayer is established, or the time for prayer arrives, and his food has been brought, or his food is present, he should start with it; because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So if food is present, he starts with it, even if he misses the congregation. But he should not make this a habit. If the time for prayer comes, he should not say, "Give us food." No, this is not permissible. But if it happens that the food is brought, and then the mu'adhdhin calls, he should start with the food that has been brought. As for making it a habit, that means he intends thereby to neglect the congregation, and this is not permissible. This is from the actions of the hypocrites. But whenever it happens that the food is brought, or the call is made and the food is being served, he should start with it.