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English translation
353. 'Ikrimah reported that a group of people came to Ibn 'Abbās from Al-'Irāq. They said: "O Ibn 'Abbās, do you think that Ghusl on Friday is obligatory?" He replied: "No, but it is purer and better for the one who performs Ghusl. And whoever does not perform Ghusl, then it is not obligatory for him. And I will inform you how (this) Ghusl started. People used to work hard; they would wear wool garments, and work with their backs (meaning, manual labor). And their Masjid was small, with a low roof, made out of palm-leaves. One day, the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ came out on a hot day, and people were sweating in their wool garments, until the stench from them harmed (disturbed and distracted) others. When the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ smelt this odor, he said: 'O people! When this day arrives, then perform Ghusl, and let everyone of you apply the best oil and
fragrance that he has.” Then Ibn ‘Abbās said: “After this, Allāh, Exalted is His remembrance, blessed (the Muslims) with much good, and so they wore other than wool, and did not have to work (themselves), and their Masjid was expanded. So the matter which used to trouble them, of (the stench) from their sweat, was removed.” (Hasan)
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Commentary
These narrations are proof for the majority, those who say that Ghusl for the Friday prayer is recommended, and more virtuous, but not absolutely obligatory. In the explanation of Ibn ‘Abbās, the causes of the order to perform Ghusl are explained in detail, making it the most complete and comprehensive means of Fiqh (understanding) of this topic, and harmonizing all of the narrations related to it. Since he said: "I will inform you how (this) Ghusl started..." and, that on this occasion, Allāh's Messenger ﷺ said: "O people! When this day arrives, then perform Ghusl..." So Ibn ‘Abbās is one of those who reported the order to perform Ghusl on Friday. Scholars consider the explanation of the circumstances surrounding a Hadith, as they consider the explanation of the circumstances of the revelation of a Verse of the Qur'ān — as well as the interpretation of a Companion who narrated the Hadith — among the safest means of attaining Fiqh from the text.
