Combining and shortening Salah although returning home before the time of the later Salah becomes due

Q: We live in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and work as teachers in a school located in Al-Layth Governorate. We travel daily from Makkah to the school where we catch the Zhuhr Prayer in this governorate. We shorten and combine the Zhuhr and `Asr Prayers. The school is 135 kilometers away from Makkah. We reach Makkah before the time for the `Asr Prayer is due. Is our Salah valid? Please enlighten us, may Allah reward you! (Part No. 6; Page No. 452

A: The Salah you offer is valid because you travel a distance over which it is permissible to shorten Prayers. Arriving to your residence before the time of `Asr is due has nothing to do with the validity of offering it with Zhuhr. You avail yourselves of the prescribed concessions of traveling and perform your obligations. However, it is better to offer Zhuhr Prayer at its due time before traveling and postpone `Asr Prayer to be offered in full in your country, if you are sure of catching it in congregation.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.