What is the ruling on the Isti‘adhah and the Basmalah?

The majority of scholars hold that seeking refuge (isti‘adhah) before recitation in prayer is sunnah, based on the Almighty’s saying: “So when you recite the Qur’an, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy].” The isti‘adhah should be said silently, not audibly. As for outside of prayer, there is no disagreement on its permissibility for anyone who wishes to recite.