Friday Prayer - Sahih al-Bukhari 894

I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "Anyone of you coming for the Jumua prayer should take a bath."

Commentary on the Obligation of Ghusl

This noble hadith establishes the obligation of performing ghusl (ritual bath) for the Friday prayer. The command "should take a bath" indicates a strong recommendation approaching obligation according to the majority of scholars.

Imam al-Nawawi explains that this purification serves multiple purposes: physical cleanliness for congregation, spiritual preparation for standing before Allah, and honoring the sanctity of Friday, which Allah has distinguished among days.

Timing and Conditions

The bath is recommended after sunrise on Friday and before attending the prayer. If one performs ghusl earlier, it remains valid though the preferred time is closer to the prayer.

Scholars differ regarding strict obligation: the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools consider it strongly recommended (sunnah mu'akkadah), while some Hanafis and Malikis view it as obligatory for those attending the congregation.

Spiritual Significance

This purification symbolizes the Muslim's transition from worldly concerns to spiritual devotion. Just as the body is cleansed, the heart should turn toward Allah with presence and reverence.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that this command emphasizes the importance of physical and spiritual purity when gathering for communal worship, particularly on Friday which holds special merit in Islam.