Ruling on Friday Ghusl: Is It Only for Men?
Source: Fatawa Arkan al-Islam
Question
Is the ruling of ghusl on Friday specific only to men?
Is beautification and adornment on Friday for both men and women?
What is the ruling on performing ghusl one or two days before Friday?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:
1. Ruling Specific to Men
- The rulings of ghusl and adornment on Friday are specific to men, because attending the Friday prayer is obligatory for them.
- Men are the ones addressed regarding cleanliness, fragrance, and adornment on Friday.
- These rulings do not apply to women, as they generally do not attend the Friday prayer in the mosque.
2. General Cleanliness for All
- Every person must clean themselves whenever dirt or impurity appears on the body.
- Cleanliness is among the beloved acts of Allah that should never be neglected — for both men and women.
3. Performing Ghusl Before Friday
- Performing ghusl one or two days before Friday does not count as the Friday ghusl.
- The ahadith clearly indicate that the Friday ghusl should be done on the day of Friday itself.
- The proper time is from Fajr until the time of the Friday prayer.
- Ghusl done before Friday, even with the intention of the Friday ghusl, will not replace the actual Friday ghusl.
