What should a worshipper recite in a loud prayer according to the Shafi'i school, and is reciting Al-Fatiha sufficient or should he listen, and why do some imams not recite the Basmala at the beginning of Al-Fatiha?

Scholars have differed on the ruling regarding the follower's recitation behind the Imam. The Hanafis hold that there should be no recitation whatsoever. The Malikis recommend recitation only in silent prayers. The Hanbalis hold that recitation is permissible in silent prayers and in loud prayers before the Imam recites. The Shafi'is, however, deem it obligatory for the follower to recite Al-Fatiha in both silent and loud prayers.

Scholars also differed on whether the Basmala is a verse of Al-Fatiha and of every Surah. The Malikis, Hanafis, and Hanbalis hold that it is not a verse of Al-Fatiha or of every Surah, but rather a single verse revealed to separate between the Surahs. The Shafi'is, on the other hand, hold that it is a complete verse of Al-Fatiha and of every Surah.

This difference led to their disagreement on the ruling of reciting the Basmala aloud in loud prayers. The Hanafis and Hanbalis hold that it should be recited silently in both silent and loud prayers. The Shafi'is, however, hold that it should be recited aloud in loud prayers, citing as evidence what Ibn Abbas narrated, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, recited it aloud. However, this Hadith is weak.