Is it permissible to combine the Dhuhr and Asr prayers by performing them earlier (jama' taqdeem) when setting out on a journey? Is it permissible to shorten the four-rak'ah prayers while traveling from Italy to Morocco? And is it permissible to combine the Maghrib and Isha prayers by performing them earlier (jama' taqdeem) in the airport waiting lounge when non-mahram men are present?

One is not permitted to shorten the prayer (qasr) until after embarking on the journey and departing from the city. However, it is permissible to combine prayers (jam‘) in the city before traveling if there is a difficulty that would prevent performing the second prayer at its designated time. This is done to alleviate hardship and difficulty. It is also recommended to seek a place for prayer away from the sight of men, unless there is a fear of the prayer time expiring.