Is it permissible for an individual who faces no hardship (like a person praying alone, or someone whose path to the mosque is shielded from rain, or someone already present in the mosque) to combine prayers (Jam')?
Chapter on the Traveler's Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
There are two opinions regarding the permissibility of combining prayers for someone who faces no apparent hardship. The first opinion states that combination is permissible. This is argued because when the underlying reason (like rain or need) is established, the ruling applies equally whether hardship is present or absent, similar to the ruling concerning travel. Furthermore, when a general need exists, the ruling is established even for those who do not individually experience the need, analogous to the permissibility of keeping dogs for hunting or livestock in cases where necessity is absent. Evidence cited suggests the Prophet (peace be upon him) combined prayers while the distance between his dwelling and the mosque was short, implying no significant hardship.
Supporting text
The second opinion mandates prohibition. This view holds that combining prayers is a concession granted due to hardship, and therefore it must be restricted only to those who genuinely experience that hardship. This is analogous to the concession allowing absence from Friday and congregational prayers, which is specific to those facing difficulty, not those who are already present at the mosque or in its immediate vicinity.