If a person performs wudu' and forgets the basmalah, is the wudu' valid?
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The questioner : This questioner asks, "O honorable Shaykh, if I perform wudu' and forget the basmalah, is the wudu' valid?"
The Shaykh : The basmalah in wudu' is a recommended practice (sunnah), not obligatory. Rather, it is one of the complements of wudu', because most of those who described the wudu' of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not mention that he said the basmalah. However, it was reported from him (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said:Sunan Abi Dawud 102Sahih Maqtu' (Al-Albani).
The scholars differed regarding the authenticity of this hadith. Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "Nothing is established in this chapter", as transmitted by the author of al-Bulugh.
Some scholars considered this hadith as proof, meaning that it is established in their view from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). However, the issue remains regarding this negation: is it a negation of validity or a negation of perfection? If the texts reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding his wudu' did not mention this basmalah in most of what was reported, if not all of what was reported of the actions of the Messenger (may Allah's prayer and peace be upon him), then it is necessary to interpret that as pertaining to perfection. Thus, the basmalah in wudu' is more perfect, but if a person intentionally leaves it out, his wudu' is valid and he has committed no sin. Yes.
The questioner : May Allah reward you, O honorable Shaykh, and may Allah bless you and your knowledge, and benefit the Muslims through you.
The Shaykh : The basmalah in wudu' is a recommended practice (sunnah), not obligatory. Rather, it is one of the complements of wudu', because most of those who described the wudu' of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not mention that he said the basmalah. However, it was reported from him (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said:
the ablution of a person who does not mention the name of Allah is valid
لا وضوء لمن لم يذكر اسم الله عليهThe scholars differed regarding the authenticity of this hadith. Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "Nothing is established in this chapter", as transmitted by the author of al-Bulugh.
Some scholars considered this hadith as proof, meaning that it is established in their view from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). However, the issue remains regarding this negation: is it a negation of validity or a negation of perfection? If the texts reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding his wudu' did not mention this basmalah in most of what was reported, if not all of what was reported of the actions of the Messenger (may Allah's prayer and peace be upon him), then it is necessary to interpret that as pertaining to perfection. Thus, the basmalah in wudu' is more perfect, but if a person intentionally leaves it out, his wudu' is valid and he has committed no sin. Yes.
The questioner : May Allah reward you, O honorable Shaykh, and may Allah bless you and your knowledge, and benefit the Muslims through you.