this, with a punishment that compels him and others like him to fulfil this obligation.

For it is authentically reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“People must cease neglecting Friday prayers, or Allah will surely seal their hearts, and then they will surely be among the heedless.”

He also said:

“Whoever misses three Friday prayers out of carelessness, without an excuse, Allah will seal his heart.”

What we have stated—that those obliged to attend Friday prayer must be ordered to do so and forbidden from whatever prevents them from attending—is agreed upon by the imams. And Allah knows best.

Written by Ahmad ibn Taymiyya.

Shaykh al-Islām—may Allah have mercy on him—also said:

Praise be to Allah. Allah is sufficient for me, and He is the best Disposer of affairs.

It is forbidden to expose the parts of the body that must be covered, whether in the bathhouse or elsewhere, without a justification recognized by Islamic law. The ruler—may Allah strengthen him—must prevent people from doing so through lawful means. He must also require the lessee of the bathhouse not to allow anyone to enter it in the prohibited manner. No one obliged to attend Friday prayer may miss it without an excuse, and merely going to the bathhouse is not an excuse for missing it. And Allah knows best.