Q: Is bismillah to be read in each rakat of fard before surah faatiha and after surah fatiha. What is established from Sunnah?
Answer) Walaikumsalam:
- It is sunnah to recite it in every rakat before the reciting of Surah Fatiha, however, it must be done softly.
With regards to after surah faatiha: (as stated in a previously answered inquiry)
2. If a person begins reciting a surah after reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, it is permissible and preferred to silently recite Bismillah to oneself. It is sunnah to do so. However, if one did not to do so, their prayer remains valid and complete.
Similarly, if a person starts reciting from anywhere within a surah, omitting Bismillah is also acceptable and it does not invalidate the prayer. It is good (hasn) to recite Bismillah when starting a surah but not an established sunnah.
It’s worth noting that if one recites Bismillah out of habit, it does not nullify the prayer, as the phrase “Bismillah” is also considered part of the Quran.
Allah Certainly Knows Best.
P.s. The above can be found in Darrul Muktar, a book used for fatwas by many of the Ahnaf.
Allah Certainly Knows Best.