Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “It is a duty for every Muslim to bathe once a week, washing his head and his body.”(Bukhari and Muslim.)
Purification - Mishkat al-Masabih 539
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon His final Messenger Muhammad.
The Text and Its Transmission
This noble hadith has been transmitted through the chain of Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) and recorded in the most authentic collections of Bukhari and Muslim, establishing it as mutawatir in meaning and sound in transmission.
The Obligation of Weekly Bathing
The phrase "it is a duty" (farḍun) indicates a strong recommendation approaching obligation (wājib) rather than absolute compulsion (farḍ 'ayn). The scholars of jurisprudence have differed on its precise ruling, with the majority considering it a emphasized sunnah (sunnah mu'akkadah) due to its consistent practice by the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Comprehensive Purification
The specification of "washing his head and his body" demonstrates that the bath must be complete, not partial. This includes rinsing the mouth, sniffing water into the nose, and ensuring water reaches all parts of the body, similar to the requirements of janabah purification.
Wisdom and Benefits
The wisdom behind this weekly purification includes: physical cleanliness which is part of faith; removal of accumulated impurities; refreshment for Friday congregational prayer; maintaining good health; and fostering personal discipline in accordance with Islamic teachings of hygiene.
Timing and Implementation
While the hadith does not specify a particular day, the practice of the Companions indicates preference for Friday before the congregational prayer. However, any day of the week suffices to fulfill this recommended act. The bath becomes particularly emphasized for Friday prayer according to separate authentic narrations.
Spiritual Dimensions
This physical purification serves as a means to spiritual purification. As the body is cleansed weekly, the Muslim is reminded to cleanse his heart from spiritual diseases - envy, pride, and hypocrisy. The outer washing symbolizes the inner purification Allah desires from His servants.