Is it permissible to combine the Maghrib and Isha prayers if the rain stops a quarter of an hour before the Maghrib call to prayer?

Scholars differ on the ruling of combining prayers due to rain if the rain is not present at the beginning of the first prayer. Some prohibit it, while others permit it as long as rain is expected. In the latter case, the second prayer must be re-offered at its prescribed time if the rain does not materialize. The preferable and more cautious approach is not to combine the prayers, as the default is to perform each prayer within its designated time. Our website does not issue fatwas permitting the combining of prayers if the rain is not already present.