And the case for its being obligatory is stronger than that for performing witr (the odd-numbered prayer), reciting the basmala (“In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful”) in prayer, performing ablution after touching women, performing ablution after touching the penis, performing ablution after laughing aloud during prayer, performing ablution after a nosebleed, cupping or vomiting, invoking blessings upon the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, in the final tashahhud (testimony of faith), or reciting the Quran when praying behind an imam.

There are three views concerning its obligation: that it is not obligatory; that it is obligatory; and that a distinction should be made between someone whose bodily odor requires a bath to remove it (1), for whom it is obligatory, and someone who has no need of it, for whom it is recommended. All three views are found among the scholars of Ahmad’s school (2).

The fifth distinctive feature: Applying perfume on this day. It is better on this day (3) than on other days of the week.

The sixth distinctive feature: Using the tooth-stick on this day. This has greater merit than using it on other days.

The seventh distinctive feature: Going early to the prayer.

The eighth distinctive feature (4): Occupying oneself with prayer, remembrance of Allah and recitation of the Quran until the imam comes out.

The ninth distinctive feature (5): Listening silently to the sermon when one hears it is obligatory according to the sounder of