Q 2: What is the ruling on reciting Basmallah (saying, "Bismillah Al-Rahman, Al-Rahim [In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful]") in Salah?

A: The most correct view of the scholars is that a person who performs Salah should say Basmallah subvocally before reciting Al-Fatihah in every Rak`ah of his Salah in which the Qur'an is recited silently or loud, due to what is authentically reported on the authority of Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), that he said, I performed Salah with the Prophet (peace be upon him), Abu Bakr, and `Uthman I did not hear any of them saying Bismillah Al-Rahman, Al-Rahim [In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful]). Narrated by Ahmad and Muslim. In another wording of the same Hadith, I performed Salah behind the Prophet (peace be upon him), Abu Bakr, `Umar and `Uthman and they were not saying Bismillah Al-Rahman, Al-Rahim aloud. Related by Ahmad and Al-Nasa'y with a Sanad (chain of narration) that is in accordance with the conditions of the Sahih. (Part No. 6; Page No. 380) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.