❖ Ruling on Reciting Full “Bismillāh al-Raḥmān al-Raḥīm” Before Wuḍūʼ ❖
✍ Response by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh
If one recites the full phrase “Bismillāh al-Raḥmān al-Raḥīm” instead of just “Bismillāh” before performing wuḍūʼ, is there any objection to this?
✔ According to the majority of scholars, where the authentic narrations mention only “Bismillāh”, one should suffice with just that.
✔ The full phrase “Bismillāh al-Raḥmān al-Raḥīm” is prescribed in places explicitly proven by authentic evidence, such as:
✔ For beginning wuḍūʼ, saying just “Bismillāh” is sufficient and Sunnah.
✔ However, saying the full phrase is not forbidden, but it is better to adhere to the specific Sunnah wording.
➊ Sunnah Practice: Before wuḍūʼ, one should say only “Bismillāh”.
➋ No Harm: If someone recites “Bismillāh al-Raḥmān al-Raḥīm”, it is not impermissible, but the preferred method according to the jumhūr is to recite the concise “Bismillāh” only.
✍ Response by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh
❖ Question:
If one recites the full phrase “Bismillāh al-Raḥmān al-Raḥīm” instead of just “Bismillāh” before performing wuḍūʼ, is there any objection to this?
✦ View of the Majority of Scholars (Jumhūr)
✔ According to the majority of scholars, where the authentic narrations mention only “Bismillāh”, one should suffice with just that.
✔ The full phrase “Bismillāh al-Raḥmān al-Raḥīm” is prescribed in places explicitly proven by authentic evidence, such as:
- At the beginning of reciting the Qur'an.
- At the start of formal letters or official writings.
✦ Specific Instruction Regarding Wuḍūʼ
✔ For beginning wuḍūʼ, saying just “Bismillāh” is sufficient and Sunnah.
✔ However, saying the full phrase is not forbidden, but it is better to adhere to the specific Sunnah wording.
Summary
➊ Sunnah Practice: Before wuḍūʼ, one should say only “Bismillāh”.
➋ No Harm: If someone recites “Bismillāh al-Raḥmān al-Raḥīm”, it is not impermissible, but the preferred method according to the jumhūr is to recite the concise “Bismillāh” only.
