[freddystone]

If any Muslim writes a book on a secular, non-Islamic subject (particularly in a non-Arabic language), should he or she start the book with the same way as books on Islamic subject are started, with "In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Gracious" and "All praises are due to Allah," and then sending blessings and peace of Allah on the Prophet .??

If one writes it, is it better to write it in English or keep it in Arabic?

Has anyone seen a book written by a Muslim on any secular, technical subject with basmala and al-hamd in the beginning of the book?

[MondayBlues]

While I don't know whether it's right or wrong but I've been doing it for a long time.
Whenever I start a test at uni, I always start by writing '786' at the top.

[9Goarveboofe]

There are 5 ahkaam pertaining to the basmalah & hamd. You need to first know the nature of the book.

For shafi’s its wajib to read basmalah for salah for the fatihah
Sunnah for any action that holds importance like eating or even entering the toilet.
Makru for the action which is makru, like shaving the beard or mustache.
Mubaah for any action that holds no religious respect like starting your car, switching on your computer.
Haram when the action you about to do is haram. Drinking alcohol, or rolling the dice when gambling.

The hamd have the same rules.

[Pearlking]

It is an interesting question. I believe the choice depends on the author's intent and the book's target audience. While starting with the traditional Islamic phrases adds a cultural touch, it might not align with the context of secular subjects. I haven't seen it often in technical books, but it is a personal choice.