What is the ruling regarding the verse count of Surah Al-Kauthar and Surah Tabarak (Al-Mulk) in relation to 'Bismillahi r-rahmani r-rahim'?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The consensus among the people is that Surah Al-Kauthar consists of three verses, excluding 'Bismillahi r-rahmani r-rahim'; if it were included, it would possess four verses. Similarly, the narration concerning Surah Tabarak stating it is thirty verses that intercede for its reciter explicitly excludes 'Bismillahi r-rahmani r-rahim'. Since the placement of verses holds the same authority as the verses themselves, they must be established through *tawatur* (mass transmission), and 'Bismillahi r-rahmani r-rahim' was not transmitted this way in these contexts.
Supporting text
The statement of Umm Salamah regarding its status is considered her personal opinion, and disagreement on the matter is not to be condemned. However, the preferred view is that it is a distinct verse used solely for separation between the Surahs, which explains why it is inscribed on its own line in the Mus'haf.