Question Summary:
Sunnah not to bath for days?

Question Detail:

I live in an area where there are many Muslims- Alhamdulillah- but at times, ones views may come in to conflict with another’s. An issue kept arising and after much effort, I could not resist. A few of the brothers are of the view that it is Sunna not to shower for days on end.
Although they have the right intention, we, being around them all the time, have to put up with the rather unpleasant odors. It gets to the point where it is hard even being in their company even though they are good, pious bothers. Furthermore, being Muslims, it is important that when we go out in public, we leave a good impression of Islam on others. However, before I sat down with them, I wanted to be sure I gained the correct knowledge and made sure that I am actually in the right with regards to this issue. 
What is the correct view and the best way to tackle this issue?

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
The view of the brothers in reference that it is Sunnah not to bath for days on end is incorrect. There is no mention in the Ahadith that Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) did not specifically bath for days on end or even advised the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu Anhum) to do so. Taking a bath is based on personal need and circumstances and may be even compulsory every day.
Furthermore, Shariah has emphasized on being considerate to people around us. If a person’s body gives out a foul odour, one should bath and remove the odour. Consider the following Hadith:
Hadhrat Aisha (Radhiyallahu ‘Anha) narrates that the people used to come from their abodes and from Al-'Awali (outskirts of Medina) on the day of Jum’uah. They used to pass through dust and used to be drenched with sweat and covered with dust; they would perspire. One of them came to Rasulullah (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) while he was in my house. Rasulullah (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) said to him, "I wish that you keep yourself clean on this day of yours (i.e. take a bath)." [1]
In another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) is reported to have said,
الطهور شطر الايمان
Translation: Cleanliness is half of faith[2]
Shariah has even advised us not to eat raw garlic and onion when coming to the Masjid as the strong smell is offensive to people and angels.[3] Consider the following Hadith:
 من أكل ثوما أو بصلا فليعتزلنا 
Translation: Whoever has eaten garlic or onion, should keep away from us... [4]
You enquire what is the best way to address the misunderstanding.
It is possible that the brothers may not be even aware that their bodies are giving out an offensive smell. Apply wisdom and bring this issue to their attention. In doing so, do not humiliate them and cause any pain to them. It may be an idea to advise people in general that when being in the company of people, they should offer their colleagues an opportunity to be open to them and to bring their shortcomings to their attention.
You may also forward a copy of this fatwa to the brothers.
 
 
 
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Fahad Abdul Wahab
Student Darul Iftaa
USA
Checked and Approved by,
 Mufti Ebrahim Desai                                                                              
www.Daruliftaa.net