377 – Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Whoever performs ghusl, then comes to the Friday prayer, prays whatever has been decreed for him, then listens attentively until the imam finishes the sermon, and finally prays with him—will have his sins forgiven from this Friday until the next, plus an additional three days.” Reported by Muslim (1).

Vocabulary of the ḥadith
– man: a conditional particle that governs two verbs—the first is the condition, ightasala (he performs ghusl), and the second is the consequence, ghufira (he is forgiven).
– mā quddira lahu: lit. “whatever has been allotted for him,” meaning he prays according to what Allah enables and destines for him.
– anṣata: to listen attentively while remaining silent.

Points derived from the ḥadith

1. Whoever bathes, comes for Jumuʿah, prays whatever optional units he can while waiting for the preacher, then listens quietly to the sermon until it ends, and finally performs the Friday prayer with the imam, will have his sins forgiven from that Friday to the next, with an extra three days added.
2. The stated forgiveness is conditioned upon carrying out all of these commendable acts related to Jumuʿah: taking a ritual bath, going to the mosque, praying whatever is facilitated there, listening attentively to the sermon, and performing the Friday prayer. The forgiveness is linked to the whole sequence.
3. The ḥadith indicates the recommendation of ghusl for Jumuʿah. The earlier discussion detailed the difference of opinion regarding its obligation; the sound view is that it is recommended, except for a person whose offensive odor would harm the congregation—in his case the bath becomes mandatory.