Nafi' reported that when Ibn 'Umar was in a state of hurry on a journey, he combined the sunset and 'Isha' prayers after the twilight had disappeared, and he would say that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was in a state of hurry on a journey, he combined the sunset and 'Isha' prayers.
The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Sahih Muslim 703 b
Textual Analysis
This narration from the esteemed companion Abdullah ibn 'Umar, transmitted through the reliable narrator Nafi', establishes the permissibility of combining prayers (jam' al-salat) during travel. The specific combination mentioned is that of Maghrib (sunset) and 'Isha' (night) prayers.
Conditions for Combination
The hadith specifies that this combination occurs "after the twilight had disappeared," indicating the proper time for 'Isha' has commenced. The condition of being "in a state of hurry on a journey" shows this is a concession (rukhsa) for travelers experiencing difficulty or urgency.
Legal Ruling
Scholars of jurisprudence agree that combining prayers while traveling is permissible, based on this and similar authentic narrations. The majority hold that one may combine either by advancing (jam' taqdim) or delaying (jam' ta'khir), though this particular narration demonstrates jam' ta'khir - performing Maghrib at the time of 'Isha'.
Prophetic Practice
Ibn 'Umar's statement "he would say that when the Messenger of Allah was in a state of hurry..." confirms this was not merely his personal opinion but established Prophetic practice. This emphasizes following the Sunnah in utilizing the concessions Allah has granted His servants during hardship.