Q 3: How should two Salahs be combined(Prayers) in case of rain, severe winds or otherwise? Did the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to do it or not?

A: According to the strongest opinions of scholars, it is permissible to combine the Maghrib (Sunset) and the `Isha' (Night) Prayers in the time of the former, with one Adhan (call to Prayer) and an Iqamah (call to start the Prayer) for each. This is allowed because the rain wets one's clothing making it difficult to return to the Masjid (mosque) once again to offer the `Isha' Prayer.It is also permissible to combine them in the time of the former because of the mud, according to the strongest opinions of scholars. This concession is given in order to remove the hardship. Allah stated, ...and He has not laid upon you in religion any hardship He also says, Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. (Part No. 8; Page No. 136)  Aban ibn `Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) combined Maghrib and `Isha' Prayers on a rainy night with a group of the senior scholars of Tabi`un (Followers, the generation after the Companions of the Prophet). No one disagreed, so it was considered Ijma` (consensus of scholars). This was mentioned by Ibn Qudamah in his book Al-Mughny. It is also permissible for a person who is seriously ill to combine the Zhuhr (Noon) and `Asr (Afternoon) Prayers at the time of either of them, according to what is easier for them. Similarly, a person is allowed to combine the Maghrib and `Isha' Prayers so as to remove the hardship.It was authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he combined Zhuhr and `Asr Prayers in the Farewell Hajj while he was in `Arafah. When the time of the Zhuhr Prayer became due, the Prophet (peace be upon him) delivered a Khutbah (sermon) to the people. The Adhan and the Iqamah were pronounced, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) led people in Salah. Then, the Iqamah for the `Asr Prayer was pronounced, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) led people in Salah. He then stood on the mountain of `Arafah until sunset, and then left for Muzdalifah where he combined both Maghrib and `Isha' Prayers in the time of the latter with one Adhan and an Iqamah for each. It was authentically reported that he (peace be upon him) used to combine Salah while traveling at the time of one of them, according to what was easier for him. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.