Is it permissible to separate the Maghrib and Isha prayers combined at Muzdalifah?
Chapter on the Description of Hajj
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
If one performs the combined prayers individually, as one combines Dhuhr and Asr at Arafat, the combination is not invalidated, and this is permissible. This is because the second prayer (Isha) is being performed in its own time, unlike Dhuhr and Asr. Furthermore, separating them does not invalidate the joining itself, as evidenced by Usamah's narration where the Prophet prayed Maghrib, then people settled their camels, and then the Iqamah was made for Isha, and he prayed it. Similarly, Ibn Mas'ud's practice involved praying Maghrib, then resting, then praying Isha later, following the Prophet's example. The key principle is that if the joining is established during the time of the second prayer, separation has no detrimental effect.
Supporting text
The opinion that separation invalidates the combination is rejected because every pair of prayers that allows joining also allows separation, as seen with Dhuhr and Asr at Arafat. The Prophet's action of joining is understood to be the most excellent and preferred act, done to avoid interrupting the journey.