Is the Sunnah to recite the Basmalah aloud or quietly in prayer?

Question:
Is the recitation of the Basmalah in the loud prayers done quietly or aloud?

Answer:
The Sunnah is to recite it quietly. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), Abu Bakr, and 'Umar did not recite the Basmalah aloud. They recited "All praise is due to Allah" aloud, which is the first thing they recited: They recited "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful" and the seeking of refuge quietly. This is established in the authentic hadiths from Anas and others that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) did so, and likewise Abu Bakr and 'Umar did not recite the Basmalah aloud. The first thing people heard them recite was "All praise is due to Allah." Yes.