The Book of Prayer - Friday

Sahih Muslim 844 a

Hadith Text

"When any one of you intends to come for Jumu'a prayer, he should take a bath."

Commentary

This hadith establishes the obligation of performing ghusl (ritual bath) for the Friday prayer. The scholars have differed regarding its ruling: the majority consider it strongly recommended (sunnah mu'akkadah), while some hold it to be obligatory.

The wisdom behind this injunction includes purification from minor impurities, physical cleanliness to prevent offensive odors in congregation, and spiritual preparation for this blessed gathering. The bath should be performed on Friday before the prayer, preferably close to its time.

This purification extends beyond physical cleanliness to encompass spiritual readiness, as the Friday prayer holds special merit and requires the worshipper to be in a state of complete purity, both outwardly and inwardly, when standing before Allah.