Is it permissible for the imam to say the basmalah out loud?

Question: Is it permissible for the imam to say the basmalah (i.e., the phrase “Bismillah ir-Rahmaan ir-Raheem”) out loud?

All praise to Allah.

Short Summary:

The majority of scholars from the Hanafi and Maliki schools of thought believe that the basmalah should be recited silently. The Shafi’i school holds that it should be recited aloud, while the Hanbali school offers both opinions but generally leans towards silent recitation. In either case, it has NO effect on the validity of Salah.

Detailed Answer:

Saying the basmalah aloud in al-Faatihah during prayer is permissible; it is neither bid‘ah (Religious innovation) nor haraam. However, most of the time, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) recited it quietly rather than aloud.

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), as well as Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both), began the prayer with the words “Al-hamdu Lillahi Rabbi l-‘Aalameen (Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds).”
Narrated by al-Bukhari, 743

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah explained that while the correct view is that it should not be recited aloud, there are instances where it is prescribed to do so if it serves a definite interest. For example, the imam may recite it aloud occasionally to teach those praying behind him. It is permissible for worshippers to recite a few words aloud sometimes, and it is also permissible for an individual to forego something preferable to soften hearts and unite people.

For instance, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) refrained from rebuilding the Ka‘bah on the foundations of Ibrahim because the Quraysh had recently embraced Islam and he feared they might be put off by this action. Ibn Mas‘ood prayed in full behind ‘Uthmaan, although he disliked it and had objected to it, stating, “Dissent is evil.”

This approach is supported by leading scholars such as Ahmad and others, who apply the same reasoning to the basmalah, the prayer of Witr as three continuous rak‘ahs, and other issues where it might be preferable to turn to what is permissible for the greater good of softening hearts or teaching the Sunnah.

Majmoo‘ al-Fataawa (22/436, 437).

And Allah Knows Best.