During the lifetime of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), Muslims were mostly enduring hard times, with many Arabian tribes and other forces lined up against them.
Moreover, they suffered economic siege for long periods. Therefore, they were mostly poor. Their clothes were simple, rough and hardly suitable for the climate. Many did not have more than one robe which they would wear every day, at work and other places. With the hot climate in Arabia they were bound to sweat. This often gave them a bad smell.
When they came to the mosque, particularly on Friday, the smell was often too sharp for comfort. Some of them complained to the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).
He advised all his companions to take a shower on Friday before coming to the prayer.
Abu Said Al Khudri reports: “I bear witness that God’s messenger (Peace Be Upon Him) said: ‘Taking a bath on Friday is a duty on everyone who has attained puberty, as is cleaning his teeth and wearing some perfume if he finds it.’” (Related by Al Bukhari).
This Hadith is the strongest with regard to the standards of cleanliness that we should observe on Friday.
There are other Hadiths which may give more details, but they make clear that such actions are strongly recommended, not duties. The difference is that a duty involves clear instruction that must be obeyed. If it is not, then the person who neglects it leaves himself open to punishment by God.
A recommended action is less important. It earns reward for us when we do it, because by doing it we show our obedience to God and His messenger. If we fail to do it, we incur no sin and are liable to no punishment, but we deprive ourselves of the reward that goes with it.
The great majority of scholars are of the view that taking a bath or shower on Friday is strongly recommended, before going out to attend the Friday prayer, which must be offered in congregation.
The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) also recommended us to use a toothbrush to clean our teeth and mouths. This would ensure that no one will have a bad mouth smell when they come to the mosque. In addition, he has recommended us to wear some perfume.
He made it clear that this is recommended, adding the phrase “if he finds it” to indicate that it is not obligatory.
Scholars agree that all these actions should be done before we go out to attend the Friday prayer, which falls due just after midday. However, if one takes a bath early, or at anytime after dawn prayers, he does well.
Needless to say, the closer one does this to the time of Friday prayer, the better. However, the matter is left to people’s convenience.
It may be that an earlier bath is more convenient for some people, particularly when several adults live in the same house. If they all want to take a bath shortly before the prayer, they may be in each other’s way.
It must be made clear that taking a bath or shower on Friday applies to everyone who attends the prayer, man or woman. It does not apply to children, below the age of puberty, because prayer is not obligatory to them.
However, if they are going to the mosque, it is better if they are instructed to take a bath so that they develop this habit at an early age. Friday prayer in the mosque is not obligatory to women, but they are welcome to attend it if they so wish. They are also recommended to follow the same practices of cleanliness.
Friday prayer is very special. It is the only weekly prayer that must be offered in congregation at a mosque, or a place known to the local community.
As we pray five obligatory prayers every day, it is the only one in 35 prayers that has these conditions. It is at midday, so that everyone is able to attend, even those who work in night shifts. It is preceded by a speech delivered by the Imam, who is required to remind his congregation of the Day of Judgment and address some of the issues that are very important to the community.
Islam attaches particular importance to cleanliness and purity, both physical and spiritual. Since Friday prayer must be in congregation, mosques are always full when it is offered.
In order that people do not find at the mosque what makes them dislike attendance there, Islam requires that we observe certain rituals when attending Friday prayer. These are summed up in the following Hadith in which Salman Al Farisi quotes the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) as saying: “Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifying himself as much as he can, and then applies a touch of oil or uses some of the perfume of his household, then goes out to prayer, making sure that he does not separate two people, then prays whatever is assigned to him, then listens when the Imam speaks, will have all his sins forgiven between that day and the other Friday.” (Related by Al Bukhari).
The emphasis on cleanliness and good presentation is clear. The first thing one does on Friday is to take a bath or a shower before going out to the mosque. Then one applies oil or a similar product to make himself more presentable: His hair will be tidy and his appearance pleasant. He should also wear some perfume. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) speaks of the “perfume of his household” to indicate that perfume should be in every Muslim’s home so that wearing it is common practice, done by everyone.
In another version of this Hadith, the phrase used is “his wife’s perfume” to indicate that if one does not normally use perfume, then he should borrow a touch of perfume from his wife.
In the same version, reported by Abdullah ibn Umar, there is an added phrase: “then wears some of his better clothes”, which confirms the Quranic directive: “Dress well when you attend any place of worship.” (7: 31)
When one goes out, heading for the mosque, one should walk normally, without rushing or running. He must not engage in any heated argument or use vulgar language. When he arrives at the mosque, he must not go in between people sitting close to each other. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) expresses this as “separating two people”.
We all know that some people come late and yet try to move up to the middle or the front of the mosque, disturbing a few people as they walk through the rows. Instead, one should sit where there is a vacancy.
When the Imam delivers his speech, everyone should listen attentively, trying to make the maximum benefit from the sermon. No side talk is permissible when the Imam is speaking.
Observing all these simple instructions ensures good attendance at mosques and keeps mosques clean.
What is more for the individual is forgiveness of sins for a week. Scholars say that the Hadith could be taken as indicating forgiveness of sins of the week that has already passed, or the forthcoming week. They also indicate that this applies to minor sins. Cardinal sins require more than attending Friday prayers to be forgiven. The first thing required is repentance and appealing for God’s forgiveness. Added to that is a firm resolve that one is not going to commit those sins again.
(islamonline.com)
