What is the ruling on starting wudu with the left limbs before the right, and what is the ruling on the prayer performed with this wudu, and is it obligatory to repeat it?
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The questioner : What is the ruling on starting with the left limbs before the right in wudu? And is the prayer performed in this manner valid, or is it obligatory to repeat it?
The Shaykh : Starting with the left before the right in wudu, in washing the hands and feet, is contrary to the Sunnah. The Sunnah is for a person to start with the right, based on the statement of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her):Bulugh al-Maram 44 and His saying (peace and blessings be upon him): So starting with the right is better. But if one starts with the left, he is acting contrary to the Sunnah, and his wudu is valid, because he did not leave out anything obligatory in wudu. Leaving the recommended practices in acts of worship does not invalidate them; it only makes them deficient. The more complete the act of worship, the greater its reward. The conclusion is that the wudu of this man who started with his left before his right in his wudu is valid, and the prayer he prayed with this wudu is valid.
The questioner : Even if he did it intentionally, not out of forgetfulness?
The Shaykh : Yes, even if he did it intentionally, because, as I said, it is a Sunnah and not obligatory.
The questioner : May Allah bless you.
The Shaykh : Starting with the left before the right in wudu, in washing the hands and feet, is contrary to the Sunnah. The Sunnah is for a person to start with the right, based on the statement of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her):
Allah’s Messenger (rad) loved to begin with the right while putting on his shoes, combing his hair, in his purification and in all his affairs
كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يعجبه التيامن في تنعله وترجله وطهوره وفي شأنه كلهStart with the right, start with the right, start with the right.
ألا فيمنوا، ألا فيمنوا، ألا فيمنواThe questioner : Even if he did it intentionally, not out of forgetfulness?
The Shaykh : Yes, even if he did it intentionally, because, as I said, it is a Sunnah and not obligatory.
The questioner : May Allah bless you.