Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to offer these two prayers together on journeys i.e. the Maghrib and the `Isha'.
Shortening the Prayers (At-Taqseer)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 1108
Textual Analysis
The noble hadith establishes the permissibility and practice of combining Maghrib and Isha prayers during travel. This indicates the flexibility and ease granted by Islamic law to travelers.
Legal Ruling
The consensus of scholars holds that combining prayers while traveling is permissible, with most preferring to combine at the time of the earlier prayer (jam' taqdim). The Prophet's consistent practice indicates this is a recommended sunnah, not merely an occasional concession.
Conditions and Application
The distance qualifying as travel is generally considered to be approximately 48 miles (80 km) according to most classical scholars. The combination may be done either by advancing Isha to Maghrib time or delaying Maghrib to Isha time, though the former is more commonly practiced.
Wisdom and Benefits
This ruling demonstrates Islam's practical nature, alleviating hardship for travelers. It facilitates devotion while acknowledging the challenges of journeying, embodying the principle that "Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship" (Quran 2:185).