What is the Shar'i criterion for the hardship that permits combining prayers due to rain? Is light rain that does not wet clothes considered a hardship that permits combining? Is it permissible to lead people in prayer without conviction regarding the issue of combining, in order to avoid fitna?

It is permissible to combine the Maghrib and Isha prayers due to rain, but it is not obligatory. For the permissibility of combining, it is a condition that the rain be present at the time the concession is utilized. Some scholars stipulate the presence of rain at the beginning of the first prayer and at the beginning of the second. The Malikis are of the view that the cessation of rain after starting the first prayer does not prevent combining. It is a condition for the rain that permits combining that it wets the clothes. The continuous falling of rain is not a condition for the validity of combining. If the conditions for combining are met, then it is preferable to combine with the people. If they are not met, then it is not permissible. People should be advised and the religious ruling explained to them with gentleness and wisdom.