How to Combine Maghrib and Isha Prayer when Travelling

Dear scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. I commute 80 miles each day to work by bus; it takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Due to the short time in the winter, I’m unable to perform my Prayer on time, especially Maghrib Prayer. Please advise me if I can wait until I get home and combine. Jazaka Allahu khayran.

Wa `alaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

If you are traveling 80 miles each way, you definitely fall under the category of a musafir (traveler); and therefore you are allowed to combine Maghrib and `Isha’ as well as between Zhuhr and `Asr while you are still traveling.

During the journey you are allowed to combine certain Prayers either by advancing them or postponing them: For example, you may postpone Maghrib to the time of `Isha’ or advance `Isha’ to the time of Maghrib.

In your case, while commuting, you can make the intention of doing Maghrib with `Isha’ when you reach home.

I must, however, caution you that you are not allowed to pray Fajr with Zhuhr, `Asr with Magrib, or `Isha’ with Fajr since the permissibility of Jam` (combining prayers) is only applicable to Zhuhr and `Asr, and Maghrib and `Isha’.

The ruling that a traveler can combine the prayers has been the authentic view of the vast majority of scholars and imams; it is based on the authentic practices of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), his companions and the pious predecessors (As-Salaf As-Salih