Combining means praying Dhuhr and Asr together, or Maghrib and Isha together, in the time of one of them. Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet combined prayers on journeys, and the Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools take this at face value for any genuine travel. The Hanafi school reads those reports differently and limits real combining to the pilgrimage itself (at Arafah and Muzdalifah) while allowing an apparent combining at the edges of prayer times. What no school disputes: the traveller shortens the four-unit prayers to two units. That concession is by clear agreement.
who allows it, exactly? Schools differ
Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali scholars allow combining for genuine travel, with slightly different conditions on when the journey must begin and end. Hanafi scholars limit it to Arafah and Muzdalifah during Hajj, and instead suggest praying each prayer at the edge of its time.
how do i actually do it?
Pray the two prayers back to back in the time of either one (Dhuhr then Asr, or Maghrib then Isha), each with its own iqamah. Shorten the four-unit prayers to two while you are at it; that part is agreed.
where this comes from
Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of God combined Dhuhr with Asr, and Maghrib with Isha, when he was on a journey.
views of the schools
All four schools agree the traveller shortens four-unit prayers to two (qasr).
Mainstream views shown fairly; we never rule one school correct.
Sources
AlAnswer curates and links established scholarship; we do not issue original rulings. Read the full sources for complete context. General education, not a personal ruling. For your specific situation, ask a local scholar.
people also ask
How far must I travel to shorten?
Most schools say around 80 km one way; the Hanafis count roughly three days' walking distance. Local scholars can confirm your case.
Can I combine at home for rain or hardship?
Hanbalis allow it for genuine hardship such as heavy rain; other schools are stricter. It should stay an exception, not a habit.
Do I still shorten if I combine?
Yes. A travelling person both shortens the four-unit prayers and may combine them, per the schools that allow combining.