Performing Ghusl (by those who attend the Friday congregational prayer)  

Sources:

• The Clarified Ruling of Mistakes done in the Salaat by Mashhur al-Hasan
•  Fat-h Dhil-Jalaali wal-Ikraam bi Sharh Bulugh al-Maraam by Shaikh ibn ‘Uthaimeen
• Riyadhus-Saliheen by Darus-Salaam

Ibn ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When anyone of you intends to come for the Friday prayer, he should take a bath.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Taking a bath (before coming to Friday prayer) is obligatory on every adult.”  [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Commentary:  

On the strength of this Hadeeth, some ‘Ulama’ have regarded taking a bath for Salaat al-Jumu’ah as Waajib (obligatory), and those who differ from this view, like Imam an-Nawawi, resort to the interpretation of Waajib made here. Whether Ghusl is Waajib or desirable, it applies to women as well, if they like to go to the Mosque for Salaat al-Jumu’ah. The manner of taking a bath for Friday prayer is similar to the manner of performing Ghusl after sexual intercourse.

Shaikh Ibn ‘Uthaimeen (Rahimahullaah) said in ‘Fat-h Dhil-Jalaali wal Ikraam bi Sharh Bulugh al-Maraam’: “The aforementioned narration is a clear evidence that Ghusl on Friday is obligatory. The ‘Ulama’ differed whether it is obligatory or Sunnah. However, the proofs entail that Ghusl is absolutely obligatory because the narrations are all general.”

What proves its obligation is that once the Ameer of the believers, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was giving the Khutbah (the religious sermon on Friday) and ‘Uthmaan (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) entered. ‘Umar rebuked him for his delay. ‘Uthmaan (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “By Allaah! O Ameer of the believers, I just performed Wudu’, then I came.”  ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “Wudu’ also, in fact the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Whoever attends Friday prayer should take a ritual bath.’” So ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) blamed ‘Uthmaan (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) for his excuse of performing only Wudu’. ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was the Caliph of the Muslims and the one whom he blamed was ‘Uthmaan (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) the best of the Companions after him. ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) would not blame or rebuke ‘Uthmaan (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) for just performing Wudu’ in this congregation – despite his status- except that performing Ghusl (taking the ritual bath) is obligatory.

The most correct point of view with me is that performing the ritual bath on Friday is obligatory. But this does not mean that one’s prayer will not be accepted or is not correct. Rather, his Salaat is correct but he will be considered a sinner by having left the Ghusl.” [End quote]

The Shaikh was asked: “If a woman intends to attend the Friday congregational prayer, is Ghusl obligatory on her?” He (Rahimahullaah) answered:  “Basically, Friday congregational prayer is not obligatory upon the woman. Accordingly, Ghusl is not obligatory on her.”