Fogs do not constitute an excuse for allowing combining Salahs

Q: Living in Al-Bahah recently, heavy fog, sometimes obstructing vision, is always there plus rain that falls every now and then accompanied by severe cold. Actually, we do not know whether it is permissible for us to combine Salahs (Prayers) under such circumstances. Please be informed that some of us who go to the village that is 10 km or more away from the workplace arrive there after the Salah time has elapsed. We hope that Your Eminence will instruct us in this regard. May Allah safeguard and protect you!

A: It is permissible to combine Maghrib (Sunset) and `Isha' (Night) Prayers if there is rainfall that might have the effect of (Part No. 7; Page No. 27) wetting people's clothes or causing the road to be muddy making it difficult to go to the Masjid (mosque). This is meant to avert hardship from the praying people. However, fog is not a valid excuse for combining Salahs. As for those whose location is so far away from the Masjid that they cannot hear Adhan (call to Prayer), they may offer Salah (Prayer) in congregation at their place.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.