Question Summary:
Other than the combined salaah of a traveler, what other factors validates the combining of salaah for non-travelers?

Question Detail:

Other than the combined salaah of a traveler, what other factors validates the combining of salaah for non-travelers?

Answer :

Assalāmu `alaikum Warahmatullāhi Wabrakatuh,
 
From the outset, it is essential to understand the concept of combining salah. According to the Hanafi Mazhab there are two dimensions pertaining to “combining” salah. The first relates to where, in reality, one salah is performed in another salah time, for example, the Asr salah is performed in the Zuhr time. In the second dimension however, both the salah are read within their individual allotted time but since they are performed so close to each other, it appears that one is read in the other salah time. For example, the Zuhr salah is performed just prior to the Zuhr time elapsing whilst the Asr salah is performed immediately upon entry of the Asr time.
Now with the rulings –
As for the first dimension, where one salah is performed in another salah time, this is only permissible during the days of Hajj and on two occasions only (if the requirements are met). Nonetheless, the first occurs on the day of Arafah where the Asr salah is performed in the Zuhr time (Jam’a Taqdeem); whilst, the second occasion is in Muzdalifah, where the Maghrib salah is delayed and performed in the Esha time (Jam’a Ta’kheer).^[1]
(Al Bahrur Raiq Pg.1, Vol. 3)
Apart from the 9^th day of Hajj, it is not permissible to combine two Salats in one time.
As for the second dimension, where both the salah are read in their individual allotted time but since they are performed so close to each other, it appears that one is read in the other salah time. We should consider that the Jurists of Islam (Fuqaha) have stipulated preferable times during which the daily salah ought to be performed. For example, the Maghrib salah should be performed immediately after sunset, whilst Fajr should be performed about 20 minutes to half an hour before sunrise, etc. These times have been extracted from the Ahadith and life of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and so, adhering to these is of great benefit and will assure our salah to be in constant check. Furthermore, on occasions of travel (as you have asked), illness, etc. if one cannot perform the salah on the recommended times, it may be performed in other suitable times (however, within that specified salah time, i.e. Asr in the Asr time, and Esha in the Esha time, and so on). Salah performed out of its stipulated time will render the salah qadha (postponing the salah), and one would be sinful for doing so.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Maulana Zeyad Danka
Student, Darul Iftaa
South Africa
Checked and Approved by,
Muftī Ebrahim Desai.
www.daruliftaa.net