Is one considered a disbeliever or an apostate if he prays Dhuhr at a late time, in accordance with the Maliki madhhab, and then prays Asr after the Asr adhan according to the other three madhhabs, claiming his prayer is valid based on the differing prayer times among the madhhabs, despite his contradiction of the practice in local mosques?

The man is not an infidel or an apostate because the view of the majority of scholars is that whoever intentionally leaves a prayer until its time has expired does not thereby leave the fold of Islam, especially since his action is based on an interpretation.

Scholars differ concerning the beginning of the Asr prayer's time. The majority hold that it begins when the shadow of an object becomes equal to its length after the zawal (midday) shadow. However, Abu Hanifa was of the opinion that it begins when the shadow of an object becomes twice its length. The view of the majority is more preponderant due to the authentic Ahadith supporting it.

The man must be cautious in matters of his religion and remove himself from this difference of opinion. He should be diligent in praying Dhuhr on time, because delaying it is sinful and warrants a warning according to the majority of scholars. Furthermore, cherry-picking opinions, especially the easier ones, is following one's whims and is blameworthy.