so he compares and weighs the benefits, and does what is most fitting.
It is recommended that one perform ghusl, …
His statement, “It is recommended that one perform ghusl”: the jurists use the expressions “recommended,” “obligatory,” and “legislated.”
When they say “legislated,” it is a term that may indicate either obligation or recommendation. When they say “obligatory,” it indicates obligation. And when they say “recommended,” it indicates recommendation.
In the terminology of the jurists, a sunnah is that for which its doer is rewarded, while the one who leaves it is not punished. It thus falls between the obligatory and the permissible.
Therefore, his statement, “It is recommended that one perform ghusl,” means that performing ghusl for Friday is better; but if he does not perform ghusl, there is no sin upon him.
His statement, “that one perform ghusl,” does not specify how the ghusl is to be performed. However, when this word is used without qualification in the language of the Lawgiver, or in the terminology of the people of Islamic law—the jurists—it is understood to mean the legislated ghusl, not merely washing one’s body. Legislated ghusl has two forms:
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An obligatory form: to ensure that water reaches the entire body, even if this is done by immersing oneself in a pool, river, or sea.
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A recommended form: to first perform wudu as one does for prayer; then pour water over one’s head, running one’s fingers through the hair three times; and then pour water over the rest of the body.
The author’s statement, “It is recommended that one perform ghusl,” does not specify when this ghusl is to be performed.
Some scholars said that its time begins from the end of the night.