What is the ruling on performing wudu' inside the restroom and saying the basmalah?

Question:
He says: Is it permissible for me to perform wudu' inside the restroom and mention the name of Allah?

Answer:
This is a matter of consideration. Those who hold that mentioning the name of Allah during wudu' is a recommended practice (sunnah) say that one should not mention it inside the bathroom, because this is a recommended practice, and it is not permissible to mention Allah in the bathroom, or it is disliked to mention Allah there. This is the view of the majority; the majority hold that mentioning the name of Allah during wudu' is a recommended practice (sunnah). As for those who hold that mentioning the name is obligatory, Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) and those who follow him hold that mentioning the name is obligatory, and it is an obligatory part of wudu'. In their view, one mentions the name even in the bathroom, because this is obligatory. Mentioning Allah in the bathroom is disliked, but the obligatory act takes precedence, so one mentions the name of Allah at the beginning of wudu' in accordance with His saying: Yes.