Is it permissible for a person who works in an embassy to combine Salahs due to the nature of his hard work?

Q: I would like to inform Your Eminence that I am a Saudi citizen who has been working for the Embassy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the Republic of Philippines for two years. I would also like to describe in brief the nature of work, which is very burdensome and requires me to stay at the office for a long period. During this period, I edit and type very urgent tasks, answer the phone and receive foreign visitors. This is in addition to many occasions which my job requires me to attend at different times. All these tasks cause me, sometimes, to miss performing some obligatory Salahs at their due time, especially Zhuhr (Noon) Prayer. (Part No. 7; Page No. 39) I also sometimes miss `Asr (Afternoon), Maghrib (Sunset) and `Isha' (Night) Prayers. In light of Islamic tolerance and ease, I hope that Your Eminence will instruct me on the easiest manner to offer Obligatory Prayers while in such awkward situations. Please, tell me whether it is permissible to combine Zhuhr and `Asr Prayers and Maghrib and `Isha' Prayers as I am mostly busy during their due times? Please be informed that I live in the Philippines where my work is located. May Allah reward you with the best!


A: It is impermissible to combine two Salahs except for a Shar`y (Islamic legal) valid excuse, such as traveling or illness. As for work, it is not a valid excuse for combining Salahs as it is within your capacity to offer each Salah at its due time in the workplace. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Verily, As-Salât (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours. This means that Salah must be performed at certain times and may not be delayed thereafter.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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