I testify that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The taking of a bath on Friday is compulsory for every male Muslim who has attained the age of puberty and (also) the cleaning of his teeth with Siwak, and the using of perfume if it is available." `Amr (a sub-narrator) said, "I confirm that the taking of a bath is compulsory, but as for the Siwak and the using of perfume, Allah knows better whether it is obligatory or not, but according to the Hadith it is as above.")
The Excellence of Friday Preparations
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 880 establishes three essential preparations for Jumu'ah prayer: ritual purification through bathing, oral hygiene with siwak, and applying perfume. These acts demonstrate the sanctity Allah has bestowed upon Friday, making it superior to other days of the week.
Scholarly Commentary on Obligation
The majority of scholars hold that the Friday bath is obligatory (wajib) for every pubescent male Muslim attending the prayer, based on the clear wording "compulsory" in the hadith. This purification removes minor impurities and prepares one for congregational worship.
Regarding siwak and perfume, scholars differ in opinion. Some consider them emphasized sunnah acts, while others view them as recommended (mustahabb). The sub-narrator Amr's caution reflects this scholarly discretion, acknowledging that while the Prophet emphasized these practices, their obligation level may differ from the bath.
Spiritual Significance
These preparations serve both physical and spiritual purposes. The bath purifies the body, siwak cleanses the mouth for reciting Quran and remembering Allah, and perfume honors the gathering of Muslims. Together, they cultivate external and internal readiness to receive the special blessings of Friday.
The comprehensive nature of these preparations teaches Muslims to honor religious gatherings with full attention to cleanliness and pleasant demeanor, reflecting the dignity of Islamic worship and the brotherhood of believers.