Hadith of Anas (رضي الله عنه):
Anas (رضي الله عنه) narrated:
"I prayed with the Prophet (ﷺ), Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه), Umar (رضي الله عنه), and Uthman (رضي الله عنه), and I did not hear any of them recite 'Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim'."
(Sahih Muslim: 399)
In another narration, transmitted by Al-Awza’i from Qatadah, he wrote to him informing him about Anas bin Malik (رضي الله عنه), who said:
"I prayed behind the Prophet (ﷺ), Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (رضي الله عنهم). They would begin the recitation with 'Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen' and would not mention 'Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim' at the beginning or the end of the recitation."
(Sahih Muslim: 399, reported via Al-Awza’i)
Hadith of Abu Huraira (رضي الله عنه):
Na’eem Al-Mujmir narrated:
"I prayed behind Abu Huraira (رضي الله عنه). He recited 'Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim', then recited Surah Al-Fatihah until he reached 'Wa la-d-daalleen', then he said 'Ameen', and the people also said 'Ameen'. Every time he prostrated, he said 'Allahu Akbar', and when he rose from sitting, he also said 'Allahu Akbar'. When he completed the Salah, he said: 'By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, I am the one among you who most closely resembles the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).'"
This hadith was recorded by Al-Hafidh Abu Muhammad Ibn Jarud, Al-Daraqutni, and Al-Bayhaqi, who stated that all narrators of this hadith are trustworthy (thiqat).
(References: An-Nasa’i 2/134, Ibn Khuzaymah 499, Ad-Daraqutni 1/305-306, Al-Bayhaqi 2/58, Al-Mustadrak of Al-Hakim 1/232)
Key Points & Rulings:
① "Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim" is unanimously agreed to be a part of every Surah.
② In Salah, recitation should begin with "Bismillah" before Surah Al-Fatihah and before every Surah.
③ There is a difference of opinion on whether "Bismillah" should be recited aloud or silently in Salah:
- Hadith scholars (Muhaddithin) prefer reciting it silently, though reciting it aloud is also permissible.
- Hanafis believe that "Bismillah" should not be recited aloud.
④ There is no contradiction between different narrations—some indicate that "Bismillah" was recited aloud, while others indicate it was recited silently.
⑤ "Umm al-Kitab" and "Fatihatul-Kitab" are names of Surah Al-Fatihah.
⑥ Saying "Ameen" aloud is permissible for both the Imam and the followers (Ma'moom).
⑦ Every transition (raising and lowering) in Salah should be accompanied by "Takbir" (saying "Allahu Akbar"), as it indicates movement from one position to another.
⑧ An Imam should say "Takbir" clearly so that the followers can follow along properly.
⑨ Swearing by Allah to confirm a statement or action is permissible.
⑩ Abu Huraira (رضي الله عنه) was an expert in the Salah of the Prophet (ﷺ), and his prayer was closest to that of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).
⑪ All souls are in the control of Allah Almighty.
This content is taken from "Dhiya al-Islam fi Sharh al-Imam bi Ahadith al-Ahkam" by Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.