Q 1: Studying medicine is such a hard task, as known to everyone. Under very tight time, we sometimes have to combine two Prayers, such as Zhuhr (Noon) and `Asr (Afternoon) Prayers, at the time of `Asr or even Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer due to the unavailability of time or a proper place for Salah (Prayer).

A: You should offer each Salah at its respective due time and may not delay it or combine it with an earlier or later Salah. Applied to your case is the ruling pertaining to residents not travelers. In fact, the circumstances you referred to above do not constitute valid excuses for (Part No. 7; Page No. 31) delaying the performance of Salah after the lapse of its time. A Muslim has to perform Salah at its due time as long as they are sane. However, a traveler is entitled to the Rukhsah (concession) of combining Zhuhr and `Asr Prayers or Maghrib and `Isha' (Night) Prayers at the time of the earlier or the later, whichever is easier. In this regard, Allah (Exalted be He) says: Verily, As-Salât (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours. According to the Ayah (Qur'anic verse), each Salah is obligatory at a certain defined respective time. The Prophet (peace be upon him) defined the time of each Salah and warned against delaying Salah until after the elapse of its time. Furthermore, he (peace be upon him) was punctual in performing each Salah at its due respective time even under the severest and most difficult circumstances, such as Jihad (striving/fighting) in the Cause of Allah in compliance with the Ayah that reads: Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawât (the prayers) especially the middle Salât (i.e. the best prayer - ‘Asr ). And stand before Allâh with obedience [and do not speak to others during the Salât (prayers)]. And if you fear (an enemy), perform Salât (pray) on foot or riding. And when you are in safety, offer the Salât (prayer) in the manner He has taught you, which you knew not (before). Therefore, you should repent to Allah of the sin you committed, i.e. delaying the performance of Salah until after the elapse of its time under no Shar`y (Islamic legal) excuse. You should also be keen in the future to perform Salah at its due time as defined by the Prophet (peace be upon him). Undoubtedly, Salah is the most important pillar of Islam following in rank only the Two Shahadahs (Testimonies of Faith). Furthermore, you should be meticulous to have a deeper understanding of the religion and ask reliable scholars to clarify your uncertainties. (Part No. 7; Page No. 32) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.