My father said , "I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) delivering the Khutba on the pulpit and he said, 'Whoever comes for the Jumua prayer should take a bath (before coming).' "
The Obligation of Purification for Friday Prayer
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 919 establishes the fundamental requirement of ritual purification (ghusl) for those attending the Friday congregational prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) delivered this instruction from the pulpit, indicating its importance and public nature.
Scholarly Commentary on the Command
The scholars have differed regarding the exact ruling of this bath. The majority consider it strongly recommended (sunnah mu'akkadah), while some early scholars held it to be obligatory (wajib). The consensus, however, emphasizes its great virtue and that neglecting it without valid excuse is blameworthy.
The wisdom behind this purification includes both physical cleanliness and spiritual preparation. The Friday prayer gathers Muslims in large numbers, and proper hygiene respects fellow worshippers and maintains the sanctity of the mosque.
Timing and Scope of the Ruling
The bath is valid if performed any time from dawn on Friday until the prayer time. It suffices to perform the complete ghusl as one would for major ritual impurity. The command applies to all adult Muslims residing in towns and cities where Friday prayer is established.
This ruling particularly emphasizes the special status of Friday (Yawmul Jumu'ah) in Islam, which requires additional acts of worship and purification beyond the daily prayers.