twelve o’clock, and the afternoon prayer is at approximately half past four, then delaying the noon prayer until it cools would be until about four o’clock.

“Even if he prays alone, or in cloudy weather for one who prays in congregation,” …

His statement, “Even if he prays alone”: the phrase “even if” indicates a point of scholarly disagreement, because some scholars say that delaying the prayer until it cools applies only to one who prays in congregation (1). Some added: if his home is far away, such that he would be harmed by going to the prayer (196).

This restricts what the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, stated without restriction: “When the heat becomes intense, delay the prayer until it cools.” The address is to everyone, and we have no right to restrict what the Lawgiver has left unrestricted. The Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, did not explain this in terms of the hardship of going to the prayer; rather, he said: “The intense heat is from the scorching blast of Hell” (2). This applies both to one who prays in congregation and to one who prays alone. Women are included in this as well: it is recommended for them to delay the noon prayer until it cools when the heat is intense.

His statement, “or in cloudy weather for one who prays in congregation,” means that it is recommended to delay the noon prayer in cloudy weather for one who prays in congregation—meaning, a congregation in the mosque.

They explained this by saying that it is easier for the people, so that they may go out for the noon and afternoon prayers in a single trip. This is because cloudy weather will generally bring rain, and if that is so, people should not be put to hardship. Rather, the noon prayer should be postponed until it draws near to the afternoon prayer, so that people leave their homes for the mosques once for both the noon and afternoon prayers; then the noon prayer is performed. This is the view adopted by the author, and its rationale is as mentioned above.