❖ Scholarly Review: 3 Positions on Saying "Bismillah" Before Wudhu
Question:
Is reciting “Bismillah” before beginning Wudhu (ablution) a condition, an obligation, or a Sunnah?
If a person intentionally omits it, is the Wudhu still valid?
1. Rajih View – Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh
According to him:
➤ If a person intentionally omits "Bismillah", the Wudhu is not valid.
➤ If forgotten, however, the Wudhu is valid and the mistake is excused.
2. Shaykh Wājid Iqbāl ḥafiẓahullāh
His view is:
➤ Whether forgotten or deliberately left out, the Wudhu remains valid.
➤ However, it is recommended not to omit it deliberately.
3. Shaykh Ikrāmullah Wāḥidī ḥafiẓahullāh
He maintains:
➤ Forgetfulness is excused, and the Wudhu is valid in that case.
➤ However, deliberately leaving out “Bismillah” is not permissible, and may render the Wudhu invalid.
➤ He notes that there is difference of opinion among scholars on this matter.
Summary of the Scholarly Differences
➤ There is valid scholarly disagreement on whether “Bismillah” is essential or recommended before Wudhu:
① View 1 (Conditional/Obligatory):
▪ Deliberate omission invalidates Wudhu.
▪ Supported by scholars like Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir and Shaykh Ikrāmullah Wāḥidī.
② View 2 (Sunnah):
▪ Wudhu remains valid whether "Bismillah" is said or not.
▪ Backed by scholars like Shaykh Wājid Iqbāl.
③ Consensus in case of forgetfulness:
▪ All agree that if “Bismillah” is forgotten, the Wudhu is valid.
Conclusion:◈ Saying “Bismillah” before Wudhu is at minimum highly recommended.
◈ Avoid intentionally omitting it, especially according to the stricter opinions.
◈ In case of forgetfulness, there is no harm, and the Wudhu is valid.
وَاللهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
And Allah knows best what is correct.
