What is the ruling on ablution before the revelation of the verse enjoining ablution for prayer?

The summary of the Fatwa is: Wudu (ablution) was obligatory before the revelation of the verse in Surat Al-Ma'idah, according to the consensus of scholars. It was practiced in Mecca based on the Sunnah, and then made obligatory in Medina. Verifying scholars hold that there is no textual evidence to the contrary, and no practical consequence results from the difference of opinion on this matter.