What is the ruling on stopping after the Basmalah in Surahs Al-Qiyamah, Al-Mutaffifin, Al-Balad, and Al-Humazah?

The imams of Qira'at (recitations) narrated different approaches regarding the Basmalah between surahs. Some hold the view that it should be recited between every two surahs, except for Al-Anfal and At-Tawbah. Some prefer omitting it, while others allow a choice between reciting and omitting it.

When reciting the Basmalah, it is permissible to connect it with both surahs, or to pause at the end of the first surah and connect the Basmalah with the second, or to pause at the end of the first surah and then pause again at the Basmalah. However, it is not permissible to connect the Basmalah with the first surah, then stop, and then begin the other surah.

Some scholars of Qira'at have recommended reciting the Basmalah between certain surahs because they deemed the connection of some words to be aesthetically displeasing. However, some scholars objected to this interpretation, arguing that the name of Allah, Ar-Rahim (The Most Merciful), should be treated with the same reverence as the name of Allah and "As-Sabr" (patience).

Perhaps those who pause at the Basmalah in your country intended to avoid connecting the name Ar-Rahim with negation and woe. In this case, pausing at the end of the first surah becomes obligatory.