(the wife of the Prophet) The people used to come from their abodes and from Al-`Awali (i.e. outskirts of Medina up to a distance of four miles or more from Medina). They used to pass through dust and used to be drenched with sweat and covered with dust; so sweat used to trickle from them. One of them came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) who was in my house. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to him, "I wish that you keep yourself clean on this day of yours (i.e. take a bath)."
The Excellence of Purification for Friday Prayer
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 902, transmitted by Umm al-Mu'minin 'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), establishes the importance of physical purification for the Friday congregational prayer. The companions would travel considerable distances from Al-'Awali and other outskirts of Medina, enduring physical hardship with dust and sweat.
Scholarly Commentary on the Prophetic Guidance
The Prophet's statement "I wish that you keep yourself clean on this day" indicates the recommended (mustahabb) nature of performing ghusl (ritual bath) for Friday prayer. Classical scholars like Imam al-Nawawi explain this demonstrates the importance of presenting oneself in a state of cleanliness when attending the Friday congregation.
Ibn Hajar al-'Asqalani in Fath al-Bari comments that the Prophet's gentle instruction shows his concern for both the spiritual and physical aspects of worship. The companions' dedication in traveling long distances despite hardship highlights the great virtue they attached to Friday prayer.
Legal Rulings Derived from this Hadith
The majority of scholars consider Friday bath (ghusl al-Jumu'ah) to be strongly recommended (sunnah mu'akkadah) rather than obligatory. This position is based on the Prophet's expression of wish rather than command.
Maliki and Hanbali scholars particularly emphasize this practice, noting that it purifies the worshipper and shows respect for the sanctity of Friday gathering. The optimal time for this bath is after sunrise on Friday morning before attending the prayer.