The Salaf would bathe between Maghrib and ‘Ishaa

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Chapter 39: Virtues of the Last Ten Days of Ramadhaan
Haafidh Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee (d.795) [May Allaah have Mercy on him] says in his book Lataa'if al-Ma'aarif (Pg. 142-149)

From the Hadeeth above of ‘Aaishah [May Allaah be Pleased with her] is that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] used to bathe between Maghrib and ‘Ishaa. It is also narrated on the authority of ‘Alee [May Allaah be Pleased with him] that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] would bathe between the two ‘Ishaa’s every night during the last ten nights of Ramadhaan.

There is also another narration that supports this one of ‘Alee via the route of Huthayfah who said that he stood with the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] during the night in Ramadhaan, covering him whilst he bathed and then the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] covered Huthayfah whilst he bathed.  This was narrated by Ibn Abee ‘Aasim.

Ibn Jareer at-Tabaree [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said: 

It is Mustahab to wash every night during the last ten nights of Ramadhaan. This was also the practice of Nakha’ee, he would bathe every night during the last ten nights also. Others said it is Mustahab to apply nice perfume during these nights as well because during these ten nights there is Laylat al-Qadr. For this reason, it is narrated that Anas bin Maalik [May Allaah be Pleased with him] would perfume himself and take out a special garment he would save only for the twenty fourth of night of Ramadhaan, once the night was over he would fold it and put it away only to wear it again the following year on the same night.

Ayoob al-Sakhteeyaanee [May Allaah have Mercy on him] would have a bath on the twenty third and twenty forth nights and he would wear special clothes that he would keep only for these two nights.

Hammaad bin Salamah [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said that Thaabit al-Binaanee  and Humayd at-Taweel [May Allaah have Mercy on them] would wear their best clothes and apply their best scents on these nights and they would spread a pleasant aroma in the Masaajid, hoping that they will meet Laylat al-Qadr.

Thaabit would say, “Tameem ad-Daaree [May Allaah be Pleased with him] had a suit that he bought for one thousand dirhamna he would only wear it at night hoping that he meet Laylat al-Qadr.”

All of this explains that it is Mustahab to clean yourself and make yourself smell nice during the last nights of Ramadhaan in order to meet Laylat al-Qadr in the best state, just as we do for Friday and ‘Eid prayers. This doesn’t mean we don’t wear nice clothes for our normal Salawaat, as Allaah, the Most High, says:

“O Children of Adam! Take your adornment (by wearing your clean clothes), while praying and going round (the Tawaf of ) the Ka'bah…” [al-A’raaf 7:31]

Ibn ‘Umar [May Allaah be Pleased with him] said about this, “It is a right of Allaah that you give yourself the best of presentations in front of Him.”

It is also narrated that he said, “Do not make your outer selves beautiful whilst not doing the same for your inner-selves. So make Tawbah and return to Allaah, the Most High, and make yourselves pure from sins and its traces. As for your outer-selves then this is to beautify yourself from any form of defect. Allaah, the Most High, says:

“O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc.) and as an adornment; and the raiment of righteousness, that is better.” [al-A’raaf 7:27]

It is not appropriate for you to meet a king whilst you haven’t taken the precautions to beautify yourself, inwardly and outwardly. So how about a King Who Knows your inner thoughts as well and nothing is hidden from Him and He is the One Who Looks towards your deeds and hearts? So whoever stands in front of Him, it is imperative that he makes his outer garment attractive as well as his heart covered with the clothe of Taqwa.