wear it; if a person wore it in public, people would find it strange, whereas in the past they found it strange when someone did not wear it.

His statement, “and goes early to it,” means that it is sunnah to go early for the Friday prayer.

The evidence for this is the hadith of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him: “Whoever bathes on Friday, then goes in the first hour, it is as though he has offered a camel in sacrifice. Whoever goes in the second hour, it is as though he has offered a cow in sacrifice. Whoever goes in the third hour, it is as though he has offered a horned ram in sacrifice. Whoever goes in the fourth hour, it is as though he has offered a chicken in sacrifice. And whoever goes in the fifth hour, it is as though he has offered an egg.” (1)

This indicates that going early is best, but only after bathing, cleansing oneself, applying perfume, and wearing one’s finest clothes.

His statement, “walking,” means that it is sunnah to go to the Friday prayer on foot. The evidence is that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Whoever washes himself thoroughly and bathes, goes early and arrives early, draws near to the imam, and walks rather than rides...” (2) Thus, he said, “walks rather than rides.” Walking is closer to humility than riding, and with every step a person is raised one degree and has one sin erased; therefore, walking is better than riding.

But if his home is far away, or if he is weak or ill,