Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
1- It is recommended for men and women coming for Friday prayer to take a bath.
2- However, it isn’t an obligation on anyone who isn’t coming for Friday prayer to have a bath rather it is just recommended.
Answering your question, the General Iftaa’ Department in Jordan, states the following:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The taking of a bath on Friday is compulsory for every male (Muslim) who has attained the age of puberty.” (Al-Bukhari)
Samurah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “It suffices to perform wudu properly for the Friday prayer; but it is better to take a bath.” (At-Tirmithi)
Commenting on the first narration, Ibn Battal said, “The word “compulsory” means that the bath is compulsory in light of Prophetic Sunnah and noble manners.”
Moreover, Al-Shirbini commented on the second narration, reported by Samurah, where he said, “It indicates that the Friday bath is recommended, not mandatory.” (Mughni Al-Muhtajj)
In fact, Friday bath is required from men and women coming for Friday prayer; whereas, `Eid bath is required from everyone, whether they are coming to `Eid prayer or not.
An-Nawawi (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Friday bath is recommended, not mandatory. It is recommended for anyone coming for Friday prayer: men, women, children, travelers, salves, etc., as concluded from the apparent meaning of the narration reported by Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them), and since the aim is achieving cleanliness, which concerns everybody.” (Al-Majmu`)
However, it isn’t obligatory on anyone who isn’t coming for Friday prayer to have a bath since Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Men and women coming for the Friday prayer should take a bath, but those who aren’t, shouldn’t.” (Al-Baihaqi)
“It is recommended for anyone coming for Friday prayer to take a bath, even if that prayer isn’t incumbent upon them, such as women and children, based on the narration: “Anyone of you coming for the Friday prayer should take the bath” and the narration of Al-Baihaqi, who said, “Anyone of you, men and women, coming for Friday prayer should take the bath, but those who aren’t, shouldn’t.” (Nihayat Al-Muhtaj)
Almighty Allah knows best.
Source: www.aliftaa.jo