Basmalah being obligatory on commencing Wudu'

Q: Should we say anything before performing Wudu’ (ablution) or is it enough to have the intention? Is it desirable to recite Surah Al-Qadr: Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’ân) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree). After Wudu’?

A: All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, and his family and Companions. It is prescribed to say Basmallah (saying, "Bismillah Al-Rahman, Al-Rahim [In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful]") before performing Wudu’. It is enough to have the intention in the heart; and it is impermissible to verbally utter your intention of performing Wudu’ because this is a Bid‘ah (innovation in religion). As far as we know, there is no proof supporting the recitation of the Surah Al-Qadr: Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’ân) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree). After Wudu‘. It is however, permissible to say the following Du‘a’ (supplication) after Wudu‘: [“I testify that there is no god but Allah and I testify that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger. O Allah! Make me of those who are constantly repentant and of those who often purify themselves”].May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.