Whether workers in the Civil Defense Department should use concessions of traveling

Q: We work for the Civil Defense and are charged every year with serving the pilgrims. We offer the obligatory congregational Salahs (Prayers) at different Masjids (mosques) whether inside places of performing the rites or outside them. We do not shorten the Salah (Prayer) as we begin staying in the same place early before the start of the Hajj season. Nevertheless, on the day of Day of `Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah) some of us shortened and combined Zhuhr (Noon) and `Asr (Afternoon) Prayers to imitate the pilgrims. Some others shortened the two Salahs without combining them while others prayed each one of the two Salahs at their due times and with the full number of Rak`ahs (units of Prayer). Everyone acted according to their own discretion and the same happens regarding the Salahs of Maghrib (Sunset) and `Isha' (Night) in Muzdalifah. Please clarify this matter for us and tell us whether the Salah that we performed is permissible? How do our colleagues who stay in `Arafah have to pray? How do this small group of us who are not pilgrims but who move with the pilgrims (Part No. 6; Page No. 411) to all the places of performing rites have to pray? Provide us with your beneficial answer please. May Allah reward you with the best.

A: If you are not pilgrims and you intend to stay for more than four days, you must perform the full number of Rak`ahs for your Salah at its time. However, those who have already shortened or combined their Salahs do not have to make up for them as this was a doubtful matter for them.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.