Is the ghusl or minor ablution valid when a person forgets to make intention or to recite Basmalah?
It is sunnah to make intention and recite Basmalah while starting to perform ablution and ghusl (Marghinani, al-Hidayah, I, 98,103). In this respect, the ablution and ghusl performed without intention and Basmalah are valid. However, forgetting to make intention or recite Basmalah before ablution and ghusl will result in being deprived of the reward of practicing a sunnah act.
According to the Shafi’i school, intention is fardh in minor ablution and ghusl, and reciting Basmalah before ghusl is a sunnah (Shirbini, Mughni al-Muhtaj, I, 85-86, 125; Ardabili, al-Anwar, I, 31-39).
Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWAS
How is Ghusl Performed in Accordance With The Sunnah?
