Bathing on Fridays

With regard to bathing on Fridays, there is a narration in which Hazrat Abu Hurairah (ra) states, “Hazrat Umar (ra) bin Khattab was delivering the Friday Sermon before a congregation when Hazrat Uthman (ra) bin Affan entered. Hinting towards Hazrat Uthman (ra), Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘What is the matter with the people that they arrive late after the azan has been called!’ Upon this, Hazrat Uthman (ra) stated, ‘O Leader of the Faithful! As soon as I heard the azan, I performed the ablution and made my way straight here.’ Hazrat Umar (ra) stated, ‘You only performed the ablution? Have you not heard the Holy Prophet (sa) say that whosoever goes for the Friday prayers, they ought to bathe?’”

(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Jumuah, Hadith 1956)

If there is water available and one has access to water, it is imperative to bathe.