What is the meaning of the Hadith: "I have learned that there are souls with you, so would you not perform ghusl (ritual purification)?" narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari?

The wording reported in Sahih (definition) al-Bukhari on the authority of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, is: "The companions of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, were workers for themselves, and they would have odors. So they were told: 'If only you would bathe.'"

The meaning of the hadith (definition) is clarified by what is narrated in Sahih Muslim on the authority of Aisha: "People were workers and did not have enough (servants to wash their clothes), so they would have body odor. So they were told: 'If only you would bathe on Friday?'"

The meaning is that the Companions worked with their own hands, so they would sweat, and unpleasant odors would emanate from them. They would attend Friday prayer in this condition, so they were told: "If only you would bathe, that odor would leave you, and you would attend Friday prayer in the best appearance." "Al-Arwah" (الأرواح) means unpleasant odors.

It is understood from the hadith that the Companions preferred to earn their living with their own hands and were characterized by humility. It also indicates the desirability for whoever intends to go to the mosque or sit with people to avoid unpleasant odors in their body and clothes.