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Can You Recite the Basmalah in the Middle of a Surah?

14-10-2023

Question 112111

Some of the jurists say that reciting the basmalah in the middle of a surah is recommended, because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Every important matter that does not start with ‘Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim (in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful),’ is devoid of blessings.” Is it recommended, or is it not prescribed?

Summary of answer:

If you are reciting the Quran from the middle of a Surah, then it is not recommended to recite the Basmalah.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

Shaykh Muhammad ibn `Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

The correct view is that if a person recites the Basmalah when beginning his reading of the Quran in the middle of a surah, that is not recommended, because Allah Says in His Book (interpretation of the meaning):

{When you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaytan.} [An-Nahl 16:98]

He did not instruct us to say anything else. Therefore so long as there is a specific text concerning the matter which states that what is required from the one who wants to read Quran is to seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaytan , this text makes specific what is mentioned in general terms in the Hadith, “Every important matter that does not start with ‘Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim (in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful), is devoid of blessings.” End quote. (Liqa’at Al-Bab Al-Maftuh, 1/177)

For more details, please see the following answers: 21722 , 173672 , 175312

And Allah knows best.

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