Ruling on Saying Bismillah Before Wuḍū’: Farḍ, Sunnah, or Wājib?
Source: Fatāwā Muḥammadiyyah, Vol.1, p.148
The Question
Is it sufficient to say only “Bismillah” before Wuḍū’, or is it necessary to recite the full “Bismillāh al-Raḥmān al-Raḥīm”? Also, is this act Farḍ, Sunnah, or Wājib?
The Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd:
This matter has scope and flexibility:
◈ If a person recites the full phrase “Bismillāh al-Raḥmān al-Raḥīm” at the start of Wuḍū’, it is valid and correct.
◈ If a person suffices with only “Bismillāh”, it is also valid.
However, it is more appropriate to say: “Bismillāh” or “Bismillāh wal-ḥamdu lillāh.”
(
Mirʿāt al-Mafātīḥ, Vol.1, p.276)Different Juristic Opinions
① According to one narration from Imām Aḥmad, saying Bismillah before Wuḍū’ is Farḍ (obligatory).
② According to the Ḥanafīs, it is Sunnah.
③ According to ʿAllāmah Kamāl al-Dīn Ibn al-Humām, it is Wājib.
④ According to Shah Walīullāh رحمه الله, saying Bismillah at the beginning of Wuḍū’ is a Rukn (pillar) or Shart (condition) of Wuḍū’.
As for our view (the fatwā giver’s position), it is Farḍ.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
