Is the Basmala necessary before reciting the Quran in prayer, specifically before Al-Fatiha or any other surah?

The Basmalah (recitation of "Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim" - In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful) is legislated in prayer at the beginning of Al-Fatiha and at the beginning of every Surah, according to the majority of scholars. However, Malik and Al-Awza'i held the view that it should not be recited at the beginning of Al-Fatiha, citing the Hadith of Anas and Abdullah ibn Al-Mughaffal as their evidence. It is narrated from Abu Hurairah that he recited the Basmalah and said that his prayer most resembled the prayer of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. The more cautious approach for the worshipper is to recite the Basmalah silently, thus avoiding the difference of opinion.