extends until the twilight disappears. [The second view is based on the position that it does not extend until the twilight disappears.] Combining prayers because of rain differs from combining them for a traveller or a sick person—in that they are combined before the twilight disappears or at sunset—because bringing them forward offers no ease to the traveller or the sick person. In rain, however, bringing them forward before the twilight disappears makes things easier for people, allowing them to return home while some daylight remains.
Section
According to the view that Maghrib has only one preferred time, it may not be delayed beyond sunset without an excuse. Likewise, ‘Ishā’ may not be brought forward before the twilight disappears without an excuse. Since both alternatives are thus on an equal footing, the course that offers people greater ease should be followed: combining the prayers immediately at sunset, so that they can return home while there is still ample daylight. This explains why, according to this view, the prayers are combined early, at sunset. Success comes from Allah.
Section
Prostration upon Recitation of the Quran
The foundation of this subject is Allah’s saying, exalted and majestic is He:
“When the verses of the Most Merciful were recited to them, they fell down in prostration and weeping.” [Maryam: 58]
And His saying, exalted and majestic is He:
“Say, ‘Believe in it or do not believe. Indeed, those who were given knowledge before it, when it is recited to them, fall upon their faces in prostration.’” [al-Isrā’: 107]
And His words, exalted and majestic is He, in the verse:
“So what is the matter with them that they do not believe?” [al-Inshiqāq: 20] “And when the Quran is recited to them, they do not prostrate?” [al-Inshiqāq: 21]
This subject revolves around four questions: identifying the established prostration passages [as distinct from other passages; determining whether prostration at them is obligatory; identifying those for whom prostration at them is obligatory and those for whom it is not; and, fourth, understanding the rulings and conditions of prostration.