Performing the Salah of Zuhr and Asr separately

Q. Why do the scholars say that on the day of Arafah, one must perform the Salah of Zuhr and Asr separately and at their respective times, when it is stated in a hadith that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) combined these two Salahs at the time of Zuhr, meaning he performed both Salahs at the time of Zuhr?

A. In principle, the scholars ('Ulama) do not issue verdicts based on passion or personal opinions. They always refer to the Qur'an-e-Kareem, the Ahaadith, the practices of the Sahabah Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) and the Taabi'in (Rahimahumullah), as well as the explanations and interpretations of the famous Aimmah Mujtahideen (Rahimahumullah).

After this clarification, which is necessary to enlighten the public, we can address your question.

It is a fact, unanimously established, that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) combined the Salah of Zuhr and Asr at the time of Zuhr on the 9th of Zul Hijjah in the plain of Arafah. This practice is known as 'Jama' Taqdeem'.

In fact, there are two special practices of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) on the day of Arafah: 'Jama' Taqdeem' and 'Qasr' (performing 2 Rak'ahs instead of 4 for the Farz Salah).

The Aimmah Mujtahideen (Rahimahumullah) are not unanimous regarding the primary reason for performing 'Jama' Taqdeem'.

For Imam Malik (Rahimahullah), Imam Shafi'i (Rahimahullah), and Imam Ahmad Bin Hambal (Rahimahullah), the main reason for 'Jama' Taqdeem' is Safar. Safar here refers to undertaking a journey of 48 miles or more from one's home, which makes one a Musafir, thus permitting the performance of Qasr.

However, Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahimahullah) holds that the primary reason for performing 'Jama' Taqdeem' is being in the state of Ihram and performing Salah with Jama'ah behind an Imam chosen by the state. In Arafah, the Imam chosen is normally a resident of Makkah, and since the distance from Makkah to Arafah is less than 48 miles, such an Imam is not a Musafir. According to all four Aimmah (Rahimahumullah), an Imam who is not a Musafir cannot lead the Salah for Musafir pilgrims. However, the Salah will still be valid if it is led by a Musafir pilgrim (for example, one coming from Madinah).

According to Imam Malik (Rahimahullah), Imam Shafi'i (Rahimahullah), and Imam Ahmad Bin Hambal (Rahimahullah), such an Imam cannot perform 'Jama' Taqdeem' because he is not a Musafir.

Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahimahullah) holds that the issue is with 'Qasr' rather than 'Jama' Taqdeem'. Such an Imam is not permitted to perform Qasr because he is not a Musafir. It should be noted that Imam Shafi'i (Rahimahullah) and Imam Ahmad Bin Hambal (Rahimahullah) also believe that an Imam who is not a Musafir cannot perform Qasr in Arafah. Furthermore, the Salah of all the Muqtadis (followers) who perform Salah behind such an Imam will not be valid.

This is why the 'Ulama discourage Hajis from joining the 'Jama' Taqdeem' on the day of Arafah. Our Hajis should, in this case, form their own Jama'ah in their camp and, instead of 'Jama' Taqdeem', perform the two Salahs (Zuhr and Asr) separately at their respective times.

It should also be noted that according to Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahimahullah), an Imam who resides in Makkah can lead the Salah of 'Jama' Taqdeem' provided that he is a pilgrim and does not perform Qasr. He must perform the full 4 Rak'ahs for Zuhr and 4 Rak'ahs for Asr.

[English version of "Accomplir la Salaah de Zouhr et A'ssr séparément" – Al Haadi – Vol. 2 No. 4]