Reciting the Basmala aloud in the loud prayers

Q: One of the imams in the night prayer of Ramadan was reciting as usual, not reciting the Basmala aloud in al-Fatihah or any other surah. But when he reached Surah al-Falaq, he recited the Basmala aloud, and likewise in Surah al-Nas. Is there a basis in the pure Shari'ah for what he did?

A: The Sunnah is not to recite the Basmala aloud in the loud prayers. If one does so occasionally, there is no blame on him, so that the ma'mum knows that he is reciting the Basmala, and that reciting the Basmala is prescribed. This is because it is established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Rightly Guided Caliphs that they did not recite the Basmala aloud.