When I am studying abroad, due to the short period between prayers, I missed some prayer times. For example, I go shopping in the morning, and can't return home till way after Asr prayer time. Can I combine the two prayers together (that is dhuhor and asr) in this case, because I can't find a place to pray while I am shopping (in Europe)? Thanx

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

It is obligatory on every Muslim to perform the prayer at its prescribed fixed time. Allah Says (what means): {Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.} [Quran 4:103]

Hence, in your situation, you should first of all struggle to perform every prayer at its prescribed fixed time. When you cannot find a neat place and you fear that the time of the prayer will expire, then in this condition you may combine the two prayers. But don't take this as a habit. It should be implemented only when necessary.

For more benefit on the ruling on shortening and combining the prayers, please refer to Fataawa 362857, 83821, 90615, 90113, 88402, and 350368.

Allah knows best.