In Hanafi practice the basmalah is quiet even when the remaining recitation is audible. Reports from Anas concerning prayer behind the Prophet and early caliphs are used in this discussion.
Al-Shafi‘i favors audible basmalah in audible prayers and cites other narrations together with the view that it is part of al-Fatihah. Hadith scholars debate wording and transmission of individual reports; the legal dispute is not adequately summarized by a single unqualified narration.
Opening interactive controls...
Seeking Refuge, Basmalah, Recitation and Ameen
In Hanafi practice the basmalah is quiet even when the remaining recitation is audible. Reports from Anas concerning prayer behind the Prophet and early caliphs are used in this discussion.
Al-Shafi‘i favors audible basmalah in audible prayers and cites other narrations together with the view that it is part of al-Fatihah. Hadith scholars debate wording and transmission of individual reports; the legal dispute is not adequately summarized by a single unqualified narration.