Is it prescribed to say the Basmalah aloud before and after reciting Al-Fatihah in congregational prayers?

Scholars have differed regarding the audibility of the Basmalah before Al-Fatihah. Some are of the view that reciting it audibly is Sunnah (definition), while others believe in reciting it silently. Ibn Qudamah mentioned that the practice among most scholars, including the Rightly Guided Caliphs, was not to recite it audibly, whereas others, like Al-Shafi'i, held the view of reciting it audibly. The more preponderant opinion is that both audible and silent recitation of the Basmalah were reported from the Prophet, peace be upon him, but silent recitation was more frequent, and the Prophet did not always recite it audibly. Based on this, the Sunnah is to recite the Basmalah silently, and there is no harm in reciting it audibly occasionally.