Ibn ‘Umar reported God’s messenger as saying, “When any of you goes to the Friday prayer he should bathe.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Purification: The Excellence of Ghusl for Friday Prayer
From the esteemed compilation "Mishkat al-Masabih" (Hadith 537), we examine this profound teaching of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) concerning the purification required for the congregational Friday prayer.
The Command of Purification
The command to perform ghusl (ritual bath) before attending Friday prayer demonstrates the immense honor and sanctity Allah has bestowed upon this weekly congregation. Just as the heart must be purified from spiritual impurities, the body must be cleansed from physical impurities to stand before the Almighty in collective worship.
This injunction serves multiple divine wisdoms: it prepares the believer physically and spiritually for the sacred gathering, fosters unity and dignity among Muslims, and elevates the consciousness of approaching Allah in the purest state possible.
Scholarly Interpretation
The majority of scholars consider this ghusl to be highly recommended (mustahabb) rather than obligatory, though some early scholars regarded it as compulsory. The wisdom behind this recommendation includes honoring the sacred time, preparing for the sermon and prayer, and ensuring cleanliness when gathering closely with fellow believers.
The optimal time for this purification is after the dawn prayer on Friday morning, though it remains valid if performed any time after the previous Friday prayer concludes. The complete ghusl should include the intention of purification for Friday prayer along with the standard components of ritual bathing.
Spiritual Dimensions
Beyond physical cleanliness, this command teaches us about the spiritual preparation required for divine audiences. Just as we cleanse our bodies, we must cleanse our hearts from hatred, envy, and worldly distractions before standing before our Lord.
The Friday prayer represents a weekly renewal of our covenant with Allah, and the ghusl symbolizes the washing away of minor sins and spiritual impurities accumulated throughout the week, allowing us to approach our Creator with renewed purity and devotion.