A traveler joins a congregation offering the `Asr Prayer with the intention of offering the Zhuhr Prayer

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Q: We traveled from Ha’il to Makkah. During our journey, we saw a group of people who were performing the ‘Asr (Afternoon) Prayer. We had not yet performed the Zhuhr (Noon) Prayer, because we were combining prayers. One of us joined this congregation and another performed the Zhuhr Prayer alone and then joined the congregation for the ‘Asr Prayer. The one who joined the ‘Asr Prayer with the congregation completed it with them, and after it performed the Zhuhr Prayer. We hope that you will explain to us what is correct. (Part No. 6; Page No. 438

A: First: If anyone is a traveler and is delaying the Zhuhr Prayer to the time of ‘Asr, it is obligatory on them to perform the Salah in order. They should perform the Zhuhr Prayer first and then the ‘Asr Prayer. If they come across people who are performing the ‘Asr Prayer in congregation in a Masjid (mosque), they should join them intending to perform the Zhuhr Prayer. After finishing the Salah, they should perform the ‘Asr Prayer, even if they do so alone. As for those who performed the ‘Asr Prayer and then the Zhuhr Prayer, they have to perform the ‘Asr Prayer again.Second: If a traveler performs a Salah behind someone who is performing a complete Salah, it is obligatory on them to perform the Salah in full, because that is what is prescribed in this case.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.