as though the author of al-Rawd overlooked the statement of the author of the main text. For, in his discussion of the categories of water, the latter said: “If it has been used for a recommended purification, such as renewing one’s ablution or the Friday ghusl.” This explicitly states that the Friday ghusl is recommended. It seems that the author of al-Rawd merely said, “There is room for consideration in this,” because he saw that the author had not mentioned it in the chapter on ghusl, whereas it is the customary practice of jurists to mention recommended ghusls in the chapter on ghusl.

“And that he cleanse himself and apply perfume …”

His statement, “And that he cleanse himself,” means that it is recommended for him to cleanse himself, as established in the sunnah from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: “No man performs ghusl on Friday and purifies himself as thoroughly as he is able …” (1)

Cleansing oneself is something additional to bathing. It means removing unpleasant odours and their causes. Among the causes of unpleasant odour are hair and nails, which the Lawgiver has commanded to be removed. Accordingly, it is recommended to shave the pubic hair, pluck the underarm hair, trim the moustache closely, and clip the nails. Yet it is known that this will not be done every Friday, for a person may find nothing to remove of these four matters. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, set a limit for these four practices: they should not be left for more than forty days. (2) The jurists have said that the moustache should be trimmed closely every Friday.

His statement, “And apply perfume,” means that it is likewise recommended for him to apply perfume, as established in the sunnah (3), using any type of fragrance, whether oil or incense, on his clothing and body. This is because people gather together in one place, since it is customary