Ibn 'Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed in Medina seven (rak'ahs) and eight (rak'ahs), i. e. (be combined) the noon and afternoon prayers (eight rak'ahs) and the sunset and 'Isha' prayers (seven rak'ahs).
Hadith Text & Reference
Ibn 'Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed in Medina seven (rak'ahs) and eight (rak'ahs), i. e. (be combined) the noon and afternoon prayers (eight rak'ahs) and the sunset and 'Isha' prayers (seven rak'ahs).
Source: Sahih Muslim 705f | Book: The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Commentary on the Permissibility of Prayer Combination
This narration establishes the legal validity of combining prayers (jam' bayn as-salatayn) while resident in one's city, not merely during travel. The Prophet (ﷺ) combined Dhuhr with 'Asr to make eight rak'ahs total, and Maghrib with 'Isha to make seven rak'ahs, while in Medina.
Scholars interpret this as evidence that combining prayers is permissible due to various legitimate needs beyond travel, such as illness, heavy rain, or other genuine hardships that make separate prayers difficult.
Method of Combination
The combination mentioned is "jam' taqdim" - performing both prayers in the time of the earlier prayer. Dhuhr and 'Asr were combined during Dhuhr time, while Maghrib and 'Isha were combined during Maghrib time.
This demonstrates flexibility in Islamic law, showing that the religion considers human circumstances and removes unnecessary hardship while maintaining the obligation of prayer.
Scholarly Positions
The majority of scholars hold that combination is primarily for travelers, but many including the Hanbali school and some Shafi'i scholars permit it for residents with valid excuses.
This hadith serves as a primary evidence for those who broaden the scope of permissible combination beyond travel alone, emphasizing the principle of ease in Islamic jurisprudence.