A man asked Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) about the Friday bath, whether it is obligatory. He said: No, but whoever wishes may perform the bath. And I will tell you about the beginning of the bath: the people were needy (and poor), they wore woolen clothes and used to water the date palms by carrying water skins on their backs, while the Prophet’s Mosque was narrow and had a low roof. (One day it happened that) people came wearing those woolen clothes, they sweated in them, and the pulpit of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was also small, just three steps. When people sweated in the wool, a strong odor spread and they began to trouble each other, and this odor reached the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) while he was on the pulpit. At that time, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: O people! When you come for Friday (prayer), perform the bath, and if possible, use the best fragrance.