Question
Reciting ‘Bismillah’ before commencing wudu will suffice. Some books mention ‘Bismillahi wal hamdulillah’. Which one is preferred?
Answer
This is not a contradiction.
Although reciting Bismillah will suffice, you should endeavour to recite ‘Bismillahi wal hamdulillah’. By reciting ‘Bismillahi wal hamdulillah’ a person will continue receiving rewards until he breaks the wudu.
Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
O Abu Hurayrah! When you [intend to] make wudu, then say ‘Bismillahi wal hamdulillah’, for the guarding angels will continue writing rewards until you break that wudu.
See here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar