(a) It is narrated through another chain that when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) recited while leading the people in prayer, he would begin the recitation with 'In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful' [Surah al-Fatihah: 1].
(b) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: It (Bismillah) is a verse of the Book of Allah; recite Surah al-Fatihah if you wish, for it (Bismillah) is its seventh verse.
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب الصلاة / 2396