What is the ruling on combining two prayers due to rain for residents living near the mosque, or for those who are able to go to it without being exposed to rain? And should the easier opinion be given to people in this situation?

It is permissible to combine two prayers by advancing the second due to rain that wets clothes, for those who are bothered by it, such as someone who comes to the mosque from afar and experiences hardship. Scholars differed on the permissibility of combining prayers for someone who is already in the mosque or is not bothered by the rain. Some permitted it due to the general excuse, while others forbade it, restricting it to those who experience hardship.

Scholars have mentioned that the Imam and those living near the mosque may combine prayers with the congregation. Furthermore, the Malikis even held that it is permissible for a woman and a weak man to combine prayers in their homes adjacent to the mosque, following the congregation.

Therefore, the questioner is permitted to combine prayers with the congregation, even if he is already in the mosque.