Wa `alaykum As-Salamu waRahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

 

I must commend you for your desire to enhance your knowledge and practice of Islam. I also pray to Allah to inspire you to make choices that are pleasing to Him.

 

Before answering this question, let me ask you:

 

1- Have you inquired into the possibility of space in the library or anywhere in the common rooms, etc. of the university where you can pray.

 

2- Is there a chapel you can go where you are allowed to pray, knowing that Fard prayer would only take five minutes. As for the Sunnah, you can make up at home at your leisure.

 

3- If there is nothing, will it be possible for to speak to the students’ counselor at the university if they are open to accommodate your prayer needs (explain to them all it takes is a few minutes)?

 

If none of the above options are available, then can you get home before you miss both Zhuhr and `Asr? If you start at the time of Zhuhr, you can pray both Zhuhr and `Asr and go to the class; if on the other hand, you start before Zhuhr and you can return home before the expiry of `Asr, you can combine both prayers upon reaching home.

 

If you are driving, then, if left with no other choice, you can pray in your car.

 

Can you also think of speaking to other Muslim students to find a place nearby where you can pray?

 

4- Praying in a moving bus should be last resort if you cannot even combine the two prayers such as Zhuhr and `Asr as you fear that times of both prayers will be over before you get home. In such case, you may pray in the bus while sitting.

 

Allah says, “Be mindful of Allah – as best you can.” And the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “If I order you something, do it according to the best of your ability.”

 

In light of this, you don’t need to feel guilty as long as you have tried your best to pray – in the given circumstances you face. Allah says, “God wants for you ease; He does want to impose hardship on you.”

 

Almighty Allah knows best.