Ruling on delaying `Asr Prayer due to work

Q: What is the Shar`y (Islamic legal) ruling on delaying the performance of `Asr (Afternoon) Prayer until shortly before the time of Maghrib (Sunset) on account of being occupied dealing with some patients? Actually, the faculty does not permit us to go unless permission is given by the consultant after having finished treating a patient.

A: A surgeon has to take into account performing surgeries at times that will not cause missing the due time of Salah (Prayer). However, it is permissible in the case of necessity to combine two Salahs, such as Zhuhr (Noon) and `Asr (Afternoon) Prayers or Maghrib (Sunset) and `Isha' (Night) Prayers, at the time of the earlier or the later in proportion with the degree of necessity. As for Salahs that cannot be combined with the one after it, such as `Asr and Fajr (Dawn) Prayers, it will be good if they can be performed at their due time even if through shifts. If this option is unfeasible, there will be nothing wrong with delaying Salah until the surgery is finished due to necessity which should be assessed according to its extent.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.