Source: Fatawa Arkan al-Islam
Ruling:
Reciting Bismillah before wudu is not obligatory, but Sunnah.
The reason is that the hadith reported on this matter has issues regarding its authenticity.
Evidence and Scholarly Statements:
- Imam Ahmad رحمه الله said:
“No hadith in this chapter is established.”
He was among the great imams and preservers of hadith; if he declares a narration as non-authentic, then it certainly raises concern over its reliability.
Principle:
- When there is no definite proof from the Prophet ﷺ, it is not permissible to impose something as obligatory on people.
- On this basis, saying Bismillah before wudu is Sunnah.
If Someone Believes the Hadith is Authentic:
- For those who accept the hadith as established, acting upon it becomes obligatory for them because:
- In the wording “لَا وُضُوءَ“ (“No wudu for one who does not mention Allah’s Name”), the particle “لا“ — according to the stronger opinion — negates validity, not just completeness.
✅ Final Ruling:
- Majority opinion: Sunnah.
- If hadith is deemed authentic: Obligatory for the one who holds that view.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
