Others said: rather, it begins at the break of dawn, because the daytime does not begin until dawn breaks.

Others said: rather, it begins at sunrise, because the period between dawn and sunrise is allotted to a particular prayer—namely, the dawn prayer—and its time does not end until sunrise. Accordingly, the time for performing ghusl begins at sunrise. This is the more cautious of the three views, because whoever performs ghusl after sunrise has acted in accordance with all of them. The time for ghusl ends, according to all the views, when one becomes required to set out for the Friday prayer.

His statement, “It is recommended that one perform ghusl,” does not specify who is to perform it: men or women?

The sunnah indicates that ghusl is specific to those who attend the Friday prayer, for the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, said: “When one of you comes to the Friday prayer, let him perform ghusl” (1). He also said: “Friday ghusl is obligatory upon every adult” (2). The word “Friday” here may refer either to the prayer or to the day; but his saying, “When one of you comes to the Friday prayer,” establishes that what is meant is the prayer. Accordingly, ghusl is not recommended for women, nor is it recommended for one who does not attend the Friday prayer due to an excuse.

The author’s statement, “It is recommended that one perform ghusl,” represents the established position of the school of law, and it is the view held by the majority of scholars.

Some scholars, however, held that ghusl is obligatory.