Four modes when transitioning between surahs:
- Stop, then basmala, then start — preferred by most
- Connect with basmala without independent stop — valid
- Stop without basmala, start next surah directly — valid
- Connect everything — disputed by some scholars
Exception — At-Tawbah: No basmala at its beginning by consensus — whether starting from its beginning or coming from Al-Anfal.
Wisdom of basmala: Declares each surah as independent revealed Quran — part of Al-Fatiha in Ibn Kathir's and Shafi'i's opinion.
Question: Why does At-Tawbah have no basmala, and what are the rules between it and Al-Anfal?
Answer: No basmala by consensus — the Prophet ﷺ did not command it there. Between Al-Anfal and At-Tawbah: either connecting (no basmala or stop) or stopping (no basmala) are valid.