What is the ruling on combining the Dhuhr and Asr prayers, and the Maghrib and Isha prayers, for one accompanying a patient? And does the ruling differ if the patient combines the prayers?

The fundamental principle is that prayer should be performed at its legally prescribed time, as Allah Almighty says: "Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a book [due at] fixed times." However, it is permissible to combine two prayers due to legitimate excuses. Accompanying a sick person does not permit combining prayers unless the accompanying person fears harm to the patient if each prayer is performed at its own time, and due to the hardship involved in not combining them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) combining prayers in Medina without fear or rain indicates the permissibility of combining prayers to remove hardship from the Ummah. The Hanbali school of thought permits combining prayers when there is an excuse that permits abstaining from Friday prayer and congregational prayer, such as nursing a sick person if the accompanying person fears for the patient, or if there is no one else to nurse them.