If the basmalah is omitted at a mid-sūrah starting point, the notes allow either joining istiʿādhah to the next passage or pausing before it.
However, if the passage begins with a divine name or attribute, the marginal discussion advises separating it from the istiʿādhah, to avoid an objectionable link in meaning. The book's examples include اللّٰهُ, هُوَ اللّٰهُ and الرَّحْمَٰنُ.
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Beginning mid-sūrah without basmalah
Istiʿādhah, Basmalah and the Rules of Joining and Pausing
If the basmalah is omitted at a mid-sūrah starting point, the notes allow either joining istiʿādhah to the next passage or pausing before it.
However, if the passage begins with a divine name or attribute, the marginal discussion advises separating it from the istiʿādhah, to avoid an objectionable link in meaning. The book's examples include اللّٰهُ, هُوَ اللّٰهُ and الرَّحْمَٰنُ.