Is the recitation of 'Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim' legislated at the beginning of Al-Fatiha and other Surahs in prayer?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The recitation of 'Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim' is legislated at the beginning of Al-Fatiha and the beginning of every Surah, according to the majority of scholars. Evidence supporting this includes the practice of Abu Hurairah, who recited it and stated his prayer was closest to the Prophet’s. Furthermore, evidence suggests the Prophet (PBUH) recited it, and Umm Salama narrated that the Prophet recited it and counted it as one verse, with 'Alhamdulillah Rabbil 'Alamin' as the second verse.
Supporting text
Malik and Al-Awza'i state that it should not be recited at the beginning of Al-Fatiha, citing the narration from Anas that he never heard the Prophet or the first two Caliphs say it audibly in prayer. This is reconciled by holding that Anas did not hear the *Bismillah* because it was recited silently, which aligns with the reports that state the *Bismillah* was recited secretly by the Prophet, Abu Bakr, and Umar.