Question

Why doesn't Surah at-Tawbah begin with the basmalah?  Do we recite it anyway when we begin the Surah?

Answer

The Prophet , always began surah at-Tawbah without the basmalah (which means without saying bismillahi ar-Rahmaani ar-Raheem).  There are different theories as to why this is, the majority point to the content of the surah.  The surah focuses on the theme of jihaad.  We should not read the basmalah when starting this surah, but are allowed to use the basamalah, if desired, if we start anywhere in the middle of the surah, just as we are allowed to use the basmalah if we start in the middle of any other surah.  We should use the basmalah when starting all surahs other than at-Tawbah.