The Ruling on Saying Bismillah before Wudhu'

Question

I make ablution and I forget to say Bismillah until after I have finished washing my hands, and whenever I remember, I repeat it again; what is the ruling on this?

Answer

The majority of the scholars agree that Wudhu is correct even without saying Bismillah, while some of the scholars hold that the Tasmiyyah is obligatory, so long as one knows and remembers it, based upon what was reported from the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam):

"There is no Wudhu for the one who does not mention the name of Allah upon it." [At-Tirmithi no.25 and Ibn Majah nos.397, 398, 399.]

But whoever left it due to forgetfulness or ignorance, his Wudhu is correct, and he does not need to repeat it, even if we accept that the Tasmiyyah is obligatory, because it is excused due to ignorance or forgetfulness, and the proof for that is in Allah’s words:

"Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error." [Al Baqarah: 286]

And it has been authentically reported from the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) that Allah, the Most Glorified, Most High has answered this supplication.

Shaikh Ibn Baz (Rahimahullah)

Reference: Fatawa Islamiyah Volume 2 Page 49