It is narrated from Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (may Allah be pleased with them all) would all begin the recitation in prayer with «الحمد لله رب العالمين» . Imam Darimi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: This is what we say, and I do not consider it correct to say «بسم الله الرحمٰن الرحيم» aloud.