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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islamic Culture and Religious Studies Book - 1 Lesson 20 : Ghusle - Jum'uah Islam is a religion that gives much importance to both physical cleanliness and spiritual purity. Muslims are advised to always wear clean clothes. Washing ones hands before and after every meal and brushing ones teeth after every meal are also acts that are greatly recommended. A Muslim must take a bath everyday, so as to remain fresh and clean.

It is commonly said that "CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS". How true! If we think about it, we will appreciate the fact that it is only through the physical, mental and spiritual purity that we can attain nearness to Allah (S.W.T.). In Islam, the word Ghusl means 'the washing of one's body in a manner that is defined.' This is considered as one form of Ebadah (Worship) in Islam.

In some cases Ghusl becomes obligatory and is supposed to be performed in a specific way as prescribed by the Islamic law. At other times Ghusl is Mustahab. This means that it is highly recommended and given much reward but is not mandatory.Amongst these Mustahab Ghusl, one of the most highly recommended is Ghusle-Jum'uah (Friday Bath).

According to our sixth Holy Imam, Al-Sadiq (a.s.), "It is highly recommended to participate in the Friday prayers, wearing one's best, clean and perfumed clothes." The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) advised Imam Ali (a.s.) as follows: "One should never miss the opportunity of performing Ghusle-Jum'uah, even if one has to spend away hi money for food to buy the water for performing the Ghusl because Ghusle-Jum'uah is one of the exalted and the best recommended acts of worship in Islam." PERFORMING GHUSLE-JUM'UAH First and foremost, you must wash and remove all the dirt and impurities from your body with soap and water.

Then, perform the Ghusl in the following manner: First make a Niyyah that you are performing Ghusle-Jum'aah to seek the pleasure and happiness of Allah (S.W.T.). After that, run water over your head and neck with water, so that all the parts are washed - back and front. Next wash the right side of your body beginning from the neck downwards including shoulders, arms, hands and the lower body down to the soles of your feet. Leave no part of your body dry or unwashed.