Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Is it sunnah to recite silently the basmala before reciting the 2nd sura after Surah al-Fatiha? Please include also the collections of fiqh which support or disproves this issue.
Walaikum assalam,
1. It is a confirmed sunna to recite the basmala (saying Bismillah…) quietly in every rakat of the prayer, for other than the follower (who does not recite). [Tanwir & Durr]
2. It is not a confirmed sunna to recite the basmala between the Fatiha and a Sura. This is not disliked, however. [Tanwir & Durr]
3. If one recites the basmala between the Fatiha and Sura, it is good (hasan). [Radd al-Muhtar] This is only, however, if one is reciting from the beginning of the surah. [Ibid.]
Walaikum assalam,
Faraz Rabbani.