Ghusl on Fridays

Q: Is the Ghusl (full ritual bath) for Jumu`ah (Friday Prayer) obligatory or Mustahab (desirable) that could be replaced by Wudu' (ablution) because it presents a hardship in winter when the weather is too cold? Please advise and may Allah protect us all for He is All-Hearer and Responsive!

A: Friday is the best day of the week when the Muslims gather to offer the Jumu`ah Salah and listen to the Khutbah (sermon). Hence, it is Mustahab for those attending the Jumu`ah to perform Ghusl to be clean and eliminate any foul odors from their bodies and apply perfume. If one only performs Wudu', (Part No. 7; Page No. 70) this is sufficient as it was authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said: If any one of you performs Wudu' on Friday, that will be all right; and if any of you performs Ghusl, this will be better. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.