Is it permissible to combine the Dhuhr and Asr prayers without shortening them for employees who work in New York from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and then from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and are unable to perform the Asr prayer at its prescribed time or in congregation due to the closure of the workplace prayer room after the Dhuhr prayer?

The believer must prioritize God's command above all else, for God's law is suitable for every time and place. God has enjoined prayer at specific times and has permitted combining prayers when there is a necessity or hardship. One must strive to perform the prayer on time and resolve any conflict with work by explaining to the employer that the prayer time does not exceed ten minutes. It is not a condition to perform the prayer in congregation or in a designated place, for the entire earth is a mosque and a purification. If the employer does not agree, one must seek another job where prayer can be performed. Before finding another job, it is permissible to continue in the current job out of dire necessity and combine the Asr prayer with the Dhuhr prayer, bearing in mind that combining is a concession for hardship, not a regular practice. It is recommended to fear God and be mindful of Him, and to consider residing in non-Muslim lands only out of necessity.