Question
In the absence of Jumu’ah prayers at the masjid, is there still rewards on the day of Jumu’ah?
Answer
In Islam, we have a beautiful principle: God’s mercy extends to everyone; therefore, if someone is prevented, for no fault of his or her’s, from doing an obligatory duty, they will be compensated if they were to do whatever other good deeds they can. So, those who cannot afford to go to Jumu’ah in this crisis can reap the same rewards by occupying themselves with dhikr, reading the Quran and performing nawaafil or optional prayers.
This is what the Prophet told the poor companions who complained to him that the rich have scooped up the rewards as they do everything they do and they also give charities. The Prophet told them they can catch up with them by making dhikr, and engaging in other charitable works.
Question
Is a bath still obligatory (or recommended) on the day of Jumu’ah?
Answer
It would be good and rewarding to do so, although it is not obligatory unless one is ritually impure.
One of the wisdom of the Sharia is that we should not skip the good deeds that we do habitually. Islamic spiritual psychology teaches that the deeds we do consistently form our character. That is why the Prophet (peace be upon him) was always consistent with the good deeds he used to, as Aisha, his beloved wife, told us.
In conclusion, it is good to continue habits such as removing nails and bathing, etc. on Fridays.