Is it permissible to combine the Asr prayer with the Dhuhr prayer by advancing it when the examination time clashes with the beginning of the Asr prayer, or is that limited to the fear of missing the Asr prayer before the Maghrib adhan, and is it better to combine the prayers in this case or to pray each at the end of its time?

Prayer holds a great status in Islam; it is the second pillar after the two testimonies and the first deed of a Muslim to be examined. Whoever neglects it or loses it, Allah has promised them severe punishment. Allah Almighty says: "Then, there succeeded them a posterity who neglected prayers and pursued desires; so, they are going to meet Ghayy (destruction)." Every obligatory prayer has a specific time prescribed by Islamic law. Allah Almighty says: "Indeed, performing prayers is a duty on the believers that is tied to specific times." So, if it is possible to perform the Asr prayer inside the examination hall, then that is obligatory. If it is not possible and it is highly probable that the exam will finish before the time for Asr prayer expires, then one should wait and pray it after the exam. However, if it is highly probable that the exam will not finish until after sunset, then it is permissible to combine Asr with Dhuhr prayer by performing it earlier (Jam' Taqdim). Some scholars permit combining prayers due to hardship and difficulty.