What is the ruling on seeking refuge with Allah (Al-Isti'adha) before performing Wudu'?

Some scholars have stated that seeking refuge (isti‘adhah) before ablution (wudu’) is commendable (mustahabb), but the numerous hadiths describing the Prophet's (peace be upon him) manner of performing ablution do not mention seeking refuge. The scholars who deemed it commendable did not provide any evidence for it, which indicates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not say it. The Permanent Committee for Issuing Fatwas was asked about the ruling on ablution without the tashahhud or ta‘awwudh. They responded that omitting the tashahhud, being a Sunnah, does not invalidate ablution. As for seeking refuge, it is not a Sunnah in ablution; rather, mentioning the Name of Allah (tasmiyah) is prescribed at its beginning. They also said: No remembrance (dhikr) should be recited during ablution or in its midst, except what has been narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him), which is saying "Bismillah (In the Name of Allah)" at its beginning, and after finishing it, saying: "Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh. Allahumma aj‘alni minat-tawwabin waj‘alni minal-mutatahhirin (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, alone without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. O Allah, make me among those who repent and make me among those who purify themselves)."