Is uttering 'Bismillah' (In the name of God) obligatory during ritual purification (*tahara*)?
Chapter on Siwak and the Sunnah of Wudu
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The utterance of the Basmalah (saying 'Bismillah') is recommended (*sunnah*) in all forms of purification related to ritual impurity (*taharat al-ahdath*), including wudu, ghusl, and tayammum, according to Ahmad and a narration from a group of his companions. However, the established narration from Ahmad suggests it is permissible to omit it. This view is also held by Sufyan al-Thawri, Malik, Shafi'i, Abu Ubaidah, Ibn al-Mundhir, and the People of Opinion (*Ahl al-Ra'y*). Conversely, another narration from Ahmad holds that it is obligatory in all forms of purification. This latter view is chosen by Abu Bakr and is the position of Hasan al-Basri and Ishaq, based on the Hadith stating, 'There is no wudu for one who does not mention God's name upon it,' reported by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi. Imam Ahmad considered the Hadith narrated by Abu Sa'id to be the best in this chapter.
Supporting text
The argument for it being recommended is that purification is an act of purity, similar to purifying from *najasah* (impurity), or it is an act of worship (*ibadah*) where the utterance is not strictly obligatory like in other acts of worship, and the default ruling is non-obligation unless established by Shari'ah. Some scholars, upon examining the chain of transmission for the Hadith of obligation, questioned the authenticity and strength of the chains, suggesting that even if authentic, the statement implies only the reinforcement of recommendation and negation of completeness without it, similar to the ruling regarding the neighbor of the mosque.