The ruling on reciting the basmalah in every rak'ah of the prayer for rain

Q: Is it prescribed to recite the basmalah in every rak'ah of the prayer for rain, and what is the prescribed statement for the sitting between the two prostrations?

A: It is prescribed to recite the basmalah in every rak'ah before reciting Surat al-Fatihah and other surahs, except for Surat al-Tawbah. After the imam recites Surat al-Fatihah, he recites the basmalah before it. In the first rak'ah, he seeks refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan, then he recites the basmalah. In the subsequent rak'ahs, if he seeks refuge, there is no harm; and if he limits himself to reciting the basmalah, the basmalah suffices.
As for what is said between the two prostrations, one asks Allah for forgiveness and says: "My Lord, forgive me. My Lord, forgive me. O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, heal me, provide for me, and keep me safe." This is because it is established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he used to say this between the two prostrations. It is obligatory to say this once. If one repeats it three times or more, that is better. There is no difference in this between the obligatory prayer, the festival prayer, the prayer for rain, and other voluntary prayers.