What is the jurisprudential ruling when the time for an examination conflicts with performing the Jumu'ah (Friday) and Asr (afternoon) prayers, knowing that those in charge of the examination prohibit prayer during it?

The jurists differed on the permissibility of combining Jumu'ah (Friday) prayer and Asr (afternoon) prayer during travel. The Hanbalis prohibited it, while the Shafi'is permitted it. Some scholars, such as Ibn Sirin, Rabi'ah, Ibn al-Mundhir, and al-Qaffal al-Kabir, permitted it when there is a need, to remove hardship and difficulty. They cited the Hadith (definition) of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) combined prayers in Medina without fear or rain, so as not to cause hardship to his ummah.

Therefore, it is permissible for the student to combine Jumu'ah and Asr prayers by performing Asr early, to remove hardship from him and enable him to take his exam. Alternatively, he may delay the Asr prayer until after the exam, provided that he prays it before sunset.