Do we have to do Wudu before bath?

Question:
Do we have to do Wudu before bath?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Making wudhu’ before Ghusl is from the sunnah acts of Ghusl (bath). Allamah Shurumbulali rahimahullah mentions in Nur al Iedaah wa Najat al Arwaah:

Chapter with regards to Sunnah acts of Ghusl

Twelve acts are sunnah in Ghusl

1. To begin by mentioning the name of Allah

2. To begin with intention.

3. Washing the hands to the wrists

4. Washing an impurity that is on the body

5. Washing the private parts

6. Then to perform ablution in the manner of a normal ablution, thus washing thrice and wiping the head

7. If a person whilst performing ritual bath is standing in a place where water gathers then washing the feet is delayed

8. Then pour water over the body thrice

9. To begin with the head when pouring water

10.Washing the right, then left, shoulder after washing the head

11.Rubbing the limbs of the body

12.Maintaining continuity when washing the body¹

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Mufti Faisal bin Abdul Hameed al-Mahmudi
www.fatwa.ca