Qabiysa ibn Hulb the Taab'iee narrates from
his father Hulb(رضي الله عنه) that, "I saw the Prophet(ﷺ) and he was turning to his right and left in the prayer and I saw that, in the prayer, he would place his right hand upon his left on his chest."(Musnad Imaam Ahmad, 5/226)

The Prophet(ﷺ) said: ...Pray as you have seen me praying.. (Sahih Bukhari Book 11 Vol 1 hadith 604)

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet(ﷺ) said, "The IMAM is to be followed. Say the Takbir when he says it; BOW if he BOWs; if he says 'Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida', say, ' Rabbana wa-laka-l-hamd', prostrate if he prostrates and pray sitting altogether if he prays sitting."(Sahih Bukhari Volume 1 Book #12, Hadith #701)

‘What has caused you to enter Hell?’43.
They will say: ‘We were not of those who used to offer their Salat (prayers)’” (Al-Muddathhir 74:42-43)

Narrated Ibn 'Umar :
Allah's Apostle said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles): 1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad(ﷺ) is Allah's Apostle.
2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.
3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity).
4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca).
5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.
حَدَّثَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُوسَى، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا حَنْظَلَةُ بْنُ أَبِي سُفْيَانَ، عَنْ عِكْرِمَةَ بْنِ خَالِدٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم "‏ بُنِيَ الإِسْلاَمُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ، وَإِقَامِ الصَّلاَةِ، وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ، وَالْحَجِّ، وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ"‏‏.‏ (Sahih Al-Bukhari #008, English translation: Volume 001, Book 002, Hadith #0008)

It was narrated from Ibn 'Abbas that:
The Prophet(ﷺ) said: "Whoever hears the call and does not come, his prayer is not valid, except for those who have an excuse." (Sahih)
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْحَمِيدِ بْنُ بَيَانٍ الْوَاسِطِيُّ، أَنْبَأَنَا هُشَيْمٌ، عَنْ شُعْبَةَ، عَنْ عَدِيِّ بْنِ ثَابِتٍ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُبَيْرٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ قَالَ ‏ "‏ مَنْ سَمِعَ النِّدَاءَ فَلَمْ يَأْتِهِ فَلاَ صَلاَةَ لَهُ إِلاَّ مِنْ عُذْرٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏(Ibn-Majah English reference: Vol. 1, Book 6, Hadith 793; Ibn-Majah Arabic reference: Book 5, Hadith 842)

It was narrated that Buraidah Al-Aslami said:
"We were with the Messenger of Allah on a campaign, and he said: 'Hasten to perform prayer on a cloudy day, for whoever misses the 'Asr prayer, all his good deeds will be in vain.'" (Sahih)
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الصَّبَّاحِ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا الْوَلِيدُ بْنُ مُسْلِمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا الأَوْزَاعِيُّ، حَدَّثَنِي يَحْيَى بْنُ أَبِي كَثِيرٍ، عَنْ أَبِي قِلاَبَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي الْمُهَاجِرِ، عَنْ بُرَيْدَةَ الأَسْلَمِيِّ، قَالَ كُنَّا مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ فِي غَزْوَةٍ فَقَالَ " بَكِّرُوا بِالصَّلاَةِ فِي الْيَوْمِ الْغَيْمِ فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ فَاتَتْهُ صَلاَةُ الْعَصْرِ حَبِطَ عَمَلُهُ " .(Ibn-Majah English reference: Vol. 1, Book 4, Hadith 694; Ibn-Majah Arabic reference: Book 3, Hadith 741)

Ibn 'Abbas and Ibn 'Umar narrated that:
They heard the Prophet(ﷺ) say on his pulpit: "People should desist from failing to attend the congregations, otherwise Allah will seal their hearts, and they will be among the negligent." (Sahih)
حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو أُسَامَةَ، عَنْ هِشَامٍ الدَّسْتَوَائِيِّ، عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ أَبِي كَثِيرٍ، عَنِ الْحَكَمِ بْنِ مِينَاءَ، أَخْبَرَنِي ابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ، وَابْنُ، عُمَرَ أَنَّهُمَا سَمِعَا النَّبِيَّ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ يَقُولُ عَلَى أَعْوَادِهِ ‏ "‏ لَيَنْتَهِيَنَّ أَقْوَامٌ عَنْ وَدْعِهِمُ الْجَمَاعَاتِ أَوْ لَيَخْتِمَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَى قُلُوبِهِمْ ثُمَّ لَيَكُونُنَّ مِنَ الْغَافِلِينَ ‏"‏ ‏.(Ibn-Majah English reference: Vol. 1, Book 6, Hadith 794; Ibn-Majah Arabic reference: Book 5, Hadith 843; Sahih Muslim English reference: Book 4, Hadith 1882; Sahih Muslim Arabic reference: Book 8, Hadith 2039)

It is narrated on the authority of Jabir that he heard
the Apostle(ﷺ) saying. "Verily between man and between polytheism(Shrik) and unbelief(Kufr) is the negligence of prayer. (Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith #0146), (Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith #0147)

It was narrated from Abu Al-Ja'd Ad-Damri-who was a Companion of the Prophet(ﷺ)- that
The Prophet(ﷺ) said: "Whoever missed three jumu'ahs out of negligence, Allah (SWT) will place a seal over his heart." (Hasan)
أَخْبَرَنَا يَعْقُوبُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو، عَنْ عَبِيدَةَ بْنِ سُفْيَانَ الْحَضْرَمِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي الْجَعْدِ الضَّمْرِيِّ، وَكَانَتْ، لَهُ صُحْبَةٌ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ مَنْ تَرَكَ ثَلاَثَ جُمَعٍ تَهَاوُنًا بِهَا طَبَعَ اللَّهُ عَلَى قَلْبِهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏(Sunan Nasai English reference: Vol. 2, Book 4, Hadith 1370; Sunan Nasai Arabic reference: Book 14, Hadith 1378)

It was narrated from Jabir bin 'Abdullah that:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whoever misses jumu'ah three times with no cogent excuse, Allah (SWT) will place a seal on his heart." (Hasan)
أَخْبَرَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ سَوَّادٍ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا ابْنُ وَهْبٍ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي ذِئْبٍ، عَنْ أَسِيدِ بْنِ أَبِي أَسِيدٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، - رضى الله عنه - أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ مَنْ تَرَكَ الْجُمُعَةَ ثَلاَثًا مِنْ غَيْرِ ضَرُورَةٍ طَبَعَ اللَّهُ عَلَى قَلْبِهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏(Sunnan Nasai English reference: Vol. 2, Book 4, Hadith 1370; Sunan Nasai Arabic reference: Book 14, Hadith 1379)

Narrated Abu Bakr bin Abi Musa: My father said, "Allah's Apostle said, 'Whoever prays the two cool prayers ('Asr and Fajr) will go to Paradise.' " (Sahih Bukhari, Vol.#1, Book:10, Hadith:548)

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet(ﷺ) said, "Allah will prepare for him who goes to the mosque (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer) an honorable place in Paradise with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings."(Sahih Bukhari, Vol.#1, Book:11, Hadith:631)

Narrated Samura bin Jundab: The Prophet(ﷺ) said in his narration of a dream that he saw, "He whose head was being crushed with a stone was one who learnt the Qur'an but never acted on it, and slept ignoring the compulsory prayers."
حَدَّثَنَا مُؤَمَّلُ بْنُ هِشَامٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَوْفٌ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو رَجَاءٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا سَمُرَةُ بْنُ جُنْدَبٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي الرُّؤْيَا قَالَ " أَمَّا الَّذِي يُثْلَغُ رَأْسُهُ بِالْحَجَرِ فَإِنَّهُ يَأْخُذُ الْقُرْآنَ فَيَرْفِضُهُ وَيَنَامُ عَنِ الصَّلاَةِ الْمَكْتُوبَةِ ".(Sahih Bukhari English reference: Vol. 2, Book 21, Hadith 244; Sahih Bukhari Arabic reference: Book 19, Hadith 1151)

“O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.” (Qur'an Surah Al-Maidah 5:6)

The Prophet(ﷺ) said, “Neither is the prayer accepted without purification nor is charity accepted out of the ill-gotten (wealth).” Narrated by Ibn-Umar Recorded in (Sahih Muslaim 2 The Book of Purification H #0433), (Tirmidhi, Ibn-Majah,) Authenticated "Sahih" by Albani in Sahih Al-Jaami #7384)

The Prophet(ﷺ) said,"The prayer of a person who does, Hadath (passes, urine, stool or wind) is not accepted till he performs (repeats) the ablution." (NARRATED BY ABU HURAIRAH RECORDED IN SAHEEH BUKHARI 1:137 3 (BOOK OF ABLUTIONS), (SAHEEH MUSLIM 435 4(THE BOOK OF PURIFICATION), ABU DAWOOD, TIRMIDHI, SAHEEH AL #JAAMI 7745)

Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab:
I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.(Sahih Bukhari Volume 1 Book #1, Hadith #1)

Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab:
Allah's Apostle said, "The reward of deeds depends upon the intention and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.(Sahih Bukhari Volume 1 Book #2, Hadith #51), (Sahih Bukhari Volume 3 Book #46, Hadith #706), (Sahih Bukhari Volume 5 Book #58, Hadith #238)

It was narrated that 'Umar bin Al-Khattab(رضي الله عنه) said that “The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) said:"Actions are but by intentions, and each man will have but that which he intended.” (Sunan Al Nasai Vol.4, Book 27, Hadith #3467)

The Niyat to pray Salah, should be within one's heart or mind only. There is not a single Hadith or even an Athar (teaching of a sahabi) which shows that either the Prophet(ﷺ) or the best of Muslims to have ever lived - his companions (r.a.a) ever, in their entire life uttered their Niyat (to pray) VERBALLY in words (either loudly or softly). The sahabas went to different countries wherein they found people belonging to different caste, culture and languages who came to them ( the companions r.a.a) to learn Islam (which included prayer). The sahabaas never taught anyone to make their niyat (intention) verbally in any language. So how can we do something which the Prophet(ﷺ) or his companions never did in Islam? We are neither better than them, nor are our scholars of today or past (All combined) better than them in understanding Islam,

On the contrary the Prophet(ﷺ) said: “The key to prayer is purification; its beginning is Takbeer and its end is Tasleem” (Sunan Abu Dawood, 61, 618), (Al-Tirmidhee, 3, 238), (Ibn Maajah, 275, 276) on the authority of `Alee bin Abu Taalib, Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree رضي الله عنهما and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee)

And elsewhere the Prophet(ﷺ) said, in the hadeeth about the one who prayed badly: “Then turn towards the qiblah and say Allahu akbar.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari, #6667)

Thus as we read , we see that the guidance (teaching) of the Prophet(ﷺ) in regards to one commencing his prayer is to face the Qiblah and say "Allahu-Akbar (takbeer)" . He (ﷺ) did not mention verbal utterance of niyah in arabic let alone in Hindi/Urdu/Bangla/etc. Hence this action of doing a verbal niyat (either loudly or softly ) is not proven from the Prophet(ﷺ) or his companions and is an innovation (Bid'at) in Islam and there are numerous hadiths warning against any Innovation in Islam. Out of many, See The below :

Narrated Aisha(رضي الله عنها): Allah's Apostle(ﷺ) said, “If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony (accordance) with the principles of our religion (Mine and my sahabas), that thing is rejected.” (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 49, Hadith 861)

On the Authority of Ali Ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه) : The Prophet(ﷺ) said: “If anyone introduces an innovation, he will be responsible for it. If anyone introduces an innovation or gives shelter to a man who introduces an innovation (in religion), he is cursed by Allah, by His angels, and by all the people”(Sunan Abu Dawood, Book 39, Hadith 4515. This hadeeth is Da'eef but the matan is supported from different texts such as Abu-Dawud Book 036, Hadith Number 5221 and Sahih Muslim Book 7, Number 3159)

So the act of verbally uttering one's niyat is not only religiously wrong but Also Illogical. e.g : You hear the Asr Adhan and you get up from your bed/office/room/work/desk etc and make wudhu, then you get out of the house, walk or ride towards the masjid. enter the masjid. and get ready to pray asr behind the Imam when the Iqama is heard. Now you did this only because you "INTENDED TO PRAY ASR" and not because "YOU WERE FAKING IT"

So we learn that our Niyat has been already made logically. and We all know that Allah has been called by the word "Bizatis Sudoor" in the Quran which means "knower of the hearts". So Allah knows what we intend and what we don't. If a person intends to pray asr for the sake of Allah then Allah knows his niyat and if a person is standing to fake his prayer then no matter how good his verbal niyat is, Allah knows what is in his heart.

Now we learn from above post's that Allah already knows what we are going to pray or how and etc. so now comes the Point that "if we pray only for the sake of Allah, and if Allah knows what we are going/intend to pray, and if we ourselves also know what we are going/intend to pray" then why are we reciting our niyat verbally?

Then why to utter it verbally? This is illogical and one should abstain from this for this is a cursed innovation in Islam.

Ibn Taymiyah(رضي الله عنه) said : “The intention (for the prayer) should not be uttered (verbally) according to the consensus (Ijmaa) of the Imams of Islaam. Rather the place of intention is the heart , according to the consensus among them” (Fataawa al-Kubra, 1/214,215)

Ibn al-Qayyum(رضي الله عنه) said : “Doing intention from the tongue is not proven from the Prophet(ﷺ) nor a Sahaabi not a Tab'aee not from the 4 Imaams (Abu Hanifa, Al-Sha'afi, Hanbal and Maalik] [Ref: Zaad Al-Ma'ad Vol 1, Pg 201]Imam Ibn Qayyim al- Jauziyyah:"When the Prophet(ﷺ) stood up to pray, he would say: “Allaahu akbar,” and he did not say anything before that, or utter the intention (niyyah) out loud at all. He did not say, “I am going to pray such-and-such a prayer, facing the qiblah, four rak'ahs, as an imam or following an imam.” And he did not say “ada’an (on time)” or “qadaa’an (making up a missed prayer)” or “fard al-waqt (the obligatory prayer of this time).” These are all bid’ahs which were not narrated by any scholar with any isnaad, be it saheeh, da’eef, musnad or mursal … Neither was this narrated from any of the Prophet(ﷺ)’s companions, and none of the Taabi’een or the four imams described it as mustahabb.”(Zaad al-Ma’aad 1/201)

Conlusion : Uttering one's niyat (intention) verbally for any salah is against the teachings of Prophet(ﷺ) Muhammad (ﷺ) and logic

“Turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid- al-Haram” (Surah Baqarah 2:144)

“When the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) would stand for prayer, he would face the Qiblah [Ka’bah], raise both his hands, and say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar).” (Ibn Majah: 803, Chain Saheeh; Authenticated by Tirmidhi: 304; and Ibn Hibbaan: 1862; and Ibn Khuzaymah: 587)

Note: from Hadith #24, we learn that Prophet(ﷺ) used to face the Qiblah, and then without uttering his niyat verbally, raised his hands (Rafa 'Al yadain) directly to begin the prayer

Prophet(ﷺ) used to forbid prayer facing the grave, saying: “Do not pray towards the graves, and do not sit on them.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith #0972)

Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet(ﷺ) said, "Straighten your rows for I see you from behind my back." Anas added, "Everyone of us used to put his shoulder with the shoulder of his companion and his foot with the foot of his companion." (Sahih Bukhari: Vol. 1, Book 11, Hadith #692)

Abu Mas'ud reported: The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) used to touch our shoulders in prayer and say: Keep straight, don't be irregular, for there would be dissension in your hearts. Let those of you who are sedate and prudent be near me, then those who are next to them, then those who are next to them. Abu Mas'ud said: Now-a-days there is much dissension amongst you. (Sahih Muslim, Book 4, Hadith Number #0868, #0869, #0871, #0872, #0873, #0874, #0875)

Narated By Abdullah ibn Umar : "The Prophet(ﷺ) said: Set the rows in order, stand shoulder to shoulder, close the gaps, be pliant in the hands of your brethren, and do not leave openings for the devil. If anyone joins up a row, Allah will join him up, but if anyone breaks a row, Allah will cut him off. (Abu-Dawud, Chapter :Kitaab us Salah, Book 002, Hadith #0666)

Narated By An-Nu'man ibn Bashir : "The Apostle of Allah(ﷺ) used to straighten our rows when we stood up to pray, and when we were straight, he said: Allah is most great (takbir).(Abu-Dawud Book 002, Hadith Number #0665, Chapter : Kitaab us Salah)

Narated By Al-Bara' ibn Azib : "The Apostle of Allah(ﷺ) used to pass through the row from one side to the other; he used to set out chests and shoulders in order, and say: Do not be irregular. And he would say: Allah and His angels bless those who are near the first rows.(Abu-Dawud Book 002, Hadith Number #0664, Chapter : Kitaab us Salah)

Narated By Anas ibn Malik : "The Prophet(ﷺ) said: Stand close together in your rows, bring them near one another, and stand neck to neck, for by Him in Whose hand my soul is, I see the devil coming in through openings in the row just like a small black sheep. (Abu-Dawud Book 002, Hadith Number 0667, Chapter : Kitaab us Salah)

Section : Straightening the Rows.
Yahya related to me from
Malik from Nafi that: "Umar ibn al-Khattab used to order the rows to be straightened, and when they had come to him and told him that the rows were straight he would say the takbir.(Muwatta Imam-Malik, Book 009, Hadith #047,)

Section : Straightening the Rows.
Yahya related to me from
Malik from his paternal uncle,
Abu Suhayl ibn Malik, that his father said,
"I was with Uthman ibn Affan when the iqama was said for the prayer and I was talking to him about being assigned a definite allowance by him. I continued talking to him while he was levelling some small stones with his sandals, and then some men that he had entrusted to straighten the rows came and told him that the rows were straight. He said to me, 'Line up in the row,' and then he said the takbir." (Muwatta Imam-Malik, Book 009, Hadith #048,)

It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allaah(ﷺ) said: “Make your rows straight, stand shoulder to shoulder and close the gaps, and do not resist your brothers’ hands. Do not leave any gaps for the Shaytaan. Whoever complete a row, Allaah will reward him, and whoever breaks a row, Allaah will forsake him.”
Abu Dawood said: What is meant by “Do not resist your brothers’ hands” is that a man should be easy-going if his brother pushes him forwards or backwards to make the row straight. (‘Awn al-Ma’bood). (Abu Dawood, Hadith #0666), (Al-Nasaa’i, Hadith #0819. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, #0620.)

“Prophet(ﷺ) has given us permission to call out the Adhan and Iqamah even if we are travelling in a desert, or out on a mountain top whether we pray alone or with another person or with more no. of people.”
because of the evidence : “Sayyiduna Malik ibn al-Huwayrith (may Allah be pleased with him) says that two men came to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), wanting to travel. So the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “When you set out, give the Adhan and the Iqama and then the oldest of you should be the Imam.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith #0604)

And the evidence : “Sayyiduna Uqba ibn Amir(رضي الله عنه) relates that I heard the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) say: “Your Lord, the Exalted, is pleased with a shepherd of goats at the peak of a mountain, who makes the call to prayer (gives the Adhan) and offers prayer.
Allah, the Exalted, says: “Look at this servant of mine; he gives the Adhan and Iqama for prayer out of fear for me. I have forgiven my slave and entered him into Paradise.” (Sunan-Abi-Dawud, Hadith #1196), (Sunan Nasa’i, Hadith #0665), (Musnad Ahmad 4/157)

When we are praying Alone (if we miss the prayer in masjid due to some genuine reason) it is not neccessary for us to give the adhan or iqamah because that is a call for everyone to gather for prayer. however, if one wishes to give adhan and iqamah when he is praying alone then he may do so as there is permission for this.

If 2 (two) people intend to pray salah, it is recommended that they atleast give the Iqamah.

Narrated that Jaabir(رضي الله عنه) said: “I prayed with the Prophet(ﷺ) and stood on his left. He took me by the hand and made me stand on his right.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith #3014)

Note : Apart from the above hadith, there are other ahadith showing that when there is a neccessity of moving in prayer like filling in the gaps between the rows, or correcting the position of the muqtadi, or walking out when one breaks wind holding his nose and etc is allowed. If the excuse is not genuine then one should not move and he should focus in his salah.

Case 2 : When there are more than 2 people, say for e.g a total number of 3 people including the Imam, then the muqtadis should stand behind the Imam.

Narrated that Jaabir(رضي الله عنه) said: “I prayed with the Prophet(ﷺ) and stood on his left. He took me by the hand and made me stand on his right. Then Jabbaar ibn Sakhr came and did wudoo’, then he came and stood on the left of the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ). The Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) took hold of our hands and made us stand behind him.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith #3014)

Narrated Ibn `Abbas(رضي الله عنه): “Once I passed the night in the house of my aunt Maimuna. The Prophet(ﷺ) stood for the night prayer (tahajjud) and I joined him and stood on his left side but he drew me to his right by holding me by the head.” (Sahih Bukhari, Vol.1, Book 11, Hadith #0667)

Note: If two male individuals are praying in a jamaat then the muqtadi should stand on the right hand side of the Imam and he should be (exactly) in line with him i.e neither ahead nor slightly behind because of the following evidence. . .

Imam Bukhari (r.h) has put the above hadith (of Ibn 'Abbas) under the chapter in his Saheeh Al Bukhaari with a title “If there are two people praying then one stands equally next to the one leading prayer.” (Al Hafidh Ibn Hajar (r.h) confirmed this understanding in his Fath hul Bahree : 2/160 and this is the madhhab of the Hanbalis, as stated in Manaar al-Sabeel, 1/128)

Also Abdur razzaq narrates from Ibn Juraij who said :
“I said to ‘Atta Ibn Abi Rai’ba (the great ta’abi and teacher of Imam Abu Haneefa) “A man prays along with another man, then where should he stand?
He (‘Atta) answered: On his right hand side.
So I asked: “Does he stand equal to him so that he is in line with him and one is not ahead of the other?
He (‘Atta) answered : “Yes”
I asked: “Do you like that they stand equal so there is no gap between them?” He answered “Yes”.
- عَنِ ابْنِ جُرَيْجٍ قَالَ: قُلْتُ لِعَطَاءٍ: أَرَأَيْتَ الرَّجُلَ يُصَلِّي مَعَهُ الرَّجُلُ قَطُّ فَأَيْنَ يَكُونُ مِنْهُ؟ قَالَ: «كَذَلِكَ إِلَى شِقِّهِ الْأَيْمَنِ»، قُلْتُ: أَيُحَاذِي بِهِ حَتَّى يُصَفَّ مَعَهُ لَا يَفُوتُ أَحَدُهُمَا الْآخَرَ؟ قَالَ: «نَعَمْ» قَالَ: قُلْتُ: أَيَجِبُ أَنْ يَلْصَقَ بِهِ حَتَّى لَا يَكُونُ بَيْنَهُمَا فُرْجَةٌ؟ قَالَ: «نَعَمْ، هَا اللَّهِ إِذًا» (Musnaf Abd al-Razzaq vol.2 pg.406 ,Hadith #3870)

Yahya related to me from Malik from Ibn Shihab that Ubaydullah ibn Abdullah ibn Utba said, “I visited Umar ibn al-Khattab just before noon and found him praying a voluntary prayer. So I stood behind him, but he pulled me nearer and put me next to him, on his right hand side, and then Yarfa came and I moved back and we formed a row behind him.. Shaikh Albani has authenticated this Athar tracing back to Umar ibn khattab.” (Muwatta Malik, Book 9, Hadith 364 or Muwatta Malik, Book 9, 9.9.35)

Women should stand behind men. there are many evidences for this but i shall give only one

Narrated from Anas ibn Maalik that: his grandmother Mulaykah invited the Messenger of Allaah(ﷺ) to come and eat some food that she had prepared for him. He ate some, then
he said: “Get up and I will lead you in prayer.”
Anas said: “The Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) stood up, and the orphan and I stood in a row behind him, and the old woman stood behind us, and the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) led us in praying two rak’ahs, then he left.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith #0380), (Sahih Muslim, Hadith #0658)

Narrated by Anas bin MalikThe Prophet(ﷺ) said,
“What is wrong with those people who look towards the sky during the prayer?" His talk grew stern while delivering this speech and he said, "They should stop (looking towards the sky during the prayer); otherwise their eye-sight would be taken away."(Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Book 12, Hadith no. 717)

Jabir b. Samura reported:
The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) said: “The people who lift their eyes towards the sky in Prayer should avoid it or they would lose their eyesight." (Sahih Muslim Book #004, Hadith #0862), (Sahih Muslim Book #004, Hadith #0863)

It is Narrated that ‘A’isha(رضي الله عنها) said: “The Messenger of Allaah(ﷺ) entered the Ka’bah and his gaze did not go beyond the site of his prostration until he came out (meaning during prayer rasool(ﷺ) kept his gaze near the sujood area).” (Ibn Hibbaan (4/332) and al-Haakim (1/625))

“He(ﷺ) used to incline his head during prayer and fix his sight towards the ground.” (Baihaqi and Haakim, who declared it saheeh and it is as he said. It also has a strengthening hadeeth reported by ten of his Companions: transmitted by Ibn `Asaakir (17/202/2). SeeIrwaa' (354))

“Ibrahim Nakhai (Rahimahullah) did not like one to gaze beyond the place of Sajdah (prostration). [Ibn Abi Shaybah]

He(ﷺ) said “So when you pray, do not look here and there, for Allaah sets His Face for the face of his slave in his prayer as long as he does not look away.” (Bukhaari, Muslim & Siraaj)

He(ﷺ) also warned about looking here and there by saying : “"it is a snatching away which the devil steals from the slave during prayer.” (Bukhaari and Abu Daawood)

He(ﷺ) also said: “Allaah does not cease (stop) to turn to a slave in his prayer as long as he is not looking around; when he (the slave) turns his face away, Allaah turns away from him.” (Transmitted by Abu Daawood and others. Ibn Khuzaimah and Ibn Hibbaan declared it saheeh. See Saheeh at-Targheeb No.#555)

He(ﷺ) “forbade three things: pecking like a hen, squatting (iq'aa') like a dog and looking around like a fox (i.e gazing around ) (Ahmad and Abu Ya`laa. See Saheeh at- Targheeb (no. 556)

“When the Messenger of Allaah(ﷺ) would stand for prayer, he would face the Qiblah [Ka’bah], raise both his hands, and say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar)” (Ibn Majah: 803, Chain Saheeh; Authenticated by Tirmidhi: 304; and Ibn Hibbaan: 1862; and Ibn Khuzaymah: 587)

And he(ﷺ) would say [to his companions]: “When you stand (begin) for Prayer, say Takbeer” (Sahih Bukhaari, Hadith #0757), (Sahih Muslim, 45/397)

Aisha (رضي الله عنه) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to open his prayer with takbeer (‘Allaahu akbar’).” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith #0498)

Narated By Abu Huraira : Allah's Apostle used to keep silent between the Takbir and the recitation of Qur'an and that interval of silence used to be a short one. I said to the Prophet(ﷺ) "May my parents be sacrificed for you! What do you say in the pause between Takbir and recitation?" The Prophet(ﷺ) said, "I say, 'Allahumma, ba'id baini wa baina khatayaya kama ba'adta baina-l-mashriqi wa-l-maghrib. Allahumma, naqqim min khatayaya kama yunaqqa-ththawbu-l-abyadu mina-ddanas. Allahumma, ighsil khatayaya bil-ma'i wa-th-thalji wal-barad (O Allah! Set me apart from my sins (faults) as the East and West are set apart from each other and clean me from sins as a white garment is cleaned of dirt (after thorough washing). O Allah! Wash off my sins with water, snow and hail.”(Sahih Bukhari, Vol.#1, Book:012, Hadith:711)

Narrated Muhammad bin 'Amr bin 'Ata': “I was sitting with some of the companions of Allah's Apostle and we were discussing about the way of praying of the Prophet(ﷺ)(P.B.U.H).
Abu Humaid As-Saidi said, “I remember the prayer of Allah's Apostle better than any one of you. I saw him raising both his hands up to the level of the shoulders on saying the Takbir.”(Sahih Bukhari Volume 1 Book #12, Hadith #791)

Narrated Salim bin 'Abdullah: My father said, "“Allah's Apostle used to raise both his hands up to the level of his shoulders when opening the prayer.” (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1 Book #12, Hadith #0702)

Salim narrated it on the authority of his father who reported: “I saw the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) raising his hands apposite the shoulders at the time of beginning the prayer.” (Sahih Muslim Book #004, Hadith #0758)

Malik b. Huwairith reported: “The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) raised his hands apposite his ears at the time of reciting the takbir (i. e. at the time of beginning the prayer).” (Sahih Muslim Book #004, Hadith #0762)

Wa'il b. Hujr reported: “He saw the Apostle of Allah(ﷺ) raising his hands at the time of beginning the prayer and reciting takbir, and according to Hammam (the narrator), the hands were lifted opposite to ears.” (Sahih Muslim Book #004, Hadith #0792)

NOTE:-- TOUCHING THE EARLOBE IS BIDDAH (INNOVATION)

Conclusion: Therefore, it is permissible to do both ways. It should be noted that it is not proven from any hadith or athar to hold the ear or touch the ears or ear lobes while raising the hands for takbeer. This [distinction] is also not proven that the men should raise them up to their ears, and the women up to their shoulders, rather as stated in the begining of this document, the prayer posture for women and men are the same.Touching the ear lobes is not taught by rasool (ﷺ) therefore we must avoid it.

“ He(ﷺ) used to do rafa al -yadain (raising both hands) while widening his fingers.” (Abu Dawood: 753, Chain Saheeh, Authenticated by Ibn Khuzaymah: 459; Ibn Hibbaan: 774, al-Ihsaan; and al-Haakim: 1/234, Dhahabi followed him)

Meaning: rasool (ﷺ) used to spread his fingers or keep some space between his fingers and not keep the fingers intact/tight or closed while doing rafayadein (i.e. raising the hands for takbeer), therefore we must also copy him as he is our teacher and keep some space between our fingers while raising our hands. [See Fig Above or View Image : http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/2561/rafayaden1.jpg]

Narated By Tawus: “The Apostle of Allah(ﷺ) used to place his right hand on his left hand, then he folded them strictly on his chest in prayer.” (Abu-Dawood Book 002, Hadith Number #0758)

Wail bin Hujr (ra) says: 'I prayed with the Prophet(ﷺ) (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and he placed his right hand over his left on his chest.(Ibn Khuzaimah,Hadith:479)

Wail ibn Hujr (ra) narrates: “I was present with the Prophet(ﷺ) (Salallahu alahyi wasalam]. He rose, went towards the masjid and entered the mihraab. He raised his hands with takbeer and then placed his right hand over his left upon his chest.” (Bayhaqi Hadith:2335)

Aqabah bin Sahban reports that: “Sayyiduna Ali (ra) commenting on the verse So pray unto thy Lord, and sacrifice] explained, that this means to place the right hand upon the middle of the left upon the chest.” (Bayhaqi Hadith:2337)

same hadith is in Sh'ubah, Abdul Wahid, and Zubair bin Muawiyah as in Imam.” (Musnad-e-Ahmad Hadith:18398, 18371, 18397)

Wa'il b. Hujr reported: He saw the Apostle of Allah(ﷺ) raising his hands at the time of beginning the prayer and reciting takbir, and according to Hammam (the narrator), the hands were lifted opposite to ears. He (the Holy Prophet(ﷺ) then wrapped his hands in his cloth and placed his "right hand over his left hand". And when he was about to bow down, he brought out his hands from the cloth, and then lifted them, and then recited takbir and bowed down, and when (he came back to the erect position) he recited: "Allah listened to him who praised Him." And when prostrates, he prostrated between the two palms.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Hadith No. #0792, Chapter : Argument of those who assert that Bismillah is a part of every Sura except Sura Tauba

“He (ﷺ) used to place his right hand over his left hand, on his chest.” (Musnad Ahmed: 5/226 H. 22313, Chain Hasan; and Ibn al-Jawzee narrated from him in al-Tahqeeq: 1/283 H. 477)

Comments:-The word used in Arabic in  the above Hadith is ‘’yad’’ meaning ''complete Hands''  not “Kuf’’ Meaning ''Fist,(Mutthi)''  Now,how hard u try u can't place ur complete hands below the navel hope u got my point

Other ahadith instructing folding or placing our hands at our chest can be found at these references : Zaidah as in Imam Ahmad's Musnad, Darimi, Abu Dawood. Nasai and Baihaqi (Musnad-e-Ahmad 18391, Darimi 1357, , Nasai 889 and Baihaqi 2325) Bishr bin al Mufaddhal as in Ibn Majah, Abu Dawood and Nasai (Ibn Majah 810, Abu Dawood 726 & 957, and Nasai 1265 Sunan Nisae Hadees-490 Khubaisa bin Hulab Musnad-e-Ahmed vol.5 Hadees 226,Ibne Khazeema:= 1/2430)

One can either grasp his left wrist with his right hand placing them on the chest or place his entire right hand including the elbow over the left hand + elbow, over the chest.

Qatada informed in writing that
Anas b. Malik had narrated to him: "I observed prayer behind the Apostle of Allah(ﷺ) and Abu Bakr and Umar and 'Uthman. They started (loud recitation) with: AI-hamdu lillahi Rabb al-'Alamin [All Praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds] and did not recite Bismillah ir- Rahman-ir-Rahim (loudly) at the beginning of the recitation or at the end of it."(Sahih Muslim Book #004, Hadith #0788) ''Audhu billahi mina shaitaan nir rajeem"
(I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected Satan)
This should only be said in the first Rakat.
So when you want to recite the Qur'ân, seek refuge with Allâh from Shaitân (Satan), the outcast (the cursed one). (Qur'an 16:98)

Narrated by 'Ubada bin As-Samit: Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever does not recite Al-Fatiha in his prayer, his prayer is invalid."(Sahih Bukhari Vol.:#1, Book:#12, Hadith:723)

It was narrated that Ubadah bin As-Samit said: "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) led us in one of the prayers in which the recitation is done out loud, and he said: 'None of you should recite when I recite out loud, apart from the Umm Al_quran (Al Fatihah).'" (Sahih)
أَخْبَرَنَا هِشَامُ بْنُ عَمَّارٍ، عَنْ صَدَقَةَ، عَنْ زَيْدِ بْنِ وَاقِدٍ، عَنْ حَرَامِ بْنِ حَكِيمٍ، عَنْ نَافِعِ بْنِ مَحْمُودِ بْنِ رَبِيعَةَ، عَنْ عُبَادَةَ بْنِ الصَّامِتِ، قَالَ صَلَّى بِنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم بَعْضَ الصَّلَوَاتِ الَّتِي يُجْهَرُ فِيهَا بِالْقِرَاءَةِ فَقَالَ " لاَ يَقْرَأَنَّ أَحَدٌ مِنْكُمْ إِذَا جَهَرْتُ بِالْقِرَاءَةِ إِلاَّ بِأُمِّ الْقُرْآنِ " .(Sunan Nasai English reference: Vol. 2, Book 1, Hadith 921; Sunan Nasai Arabic reference: Book 11, Hadith 928)

Abu As-Sa'ib- the freed slave of Hisham bin Zuhrah-said:
I heard Abu Hurairah say, The Prophet(ﷺ) said: "Whoever offers a prayer in which he does not recite Umm Al-Quran (Al Fatihah), it is deficient, it is deficient, it is deficient, incomplete."
I (Abu As-Sa'ib) said: 'O Abu Hurairah, sometimes I am behind the Imam.?
He(Abu Hurairah) poked me in the arm and said: 'Recite it to yourself, O Persian! For I heard the Prophet(ﷺ) say:

Allah says: "I have divided prayer between Myself and My slave into two halves, and My slave shall have what he has asked for.'
The Prophet(ﷺ) said: "Recite, for when
The slave says: All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of all that exists,
Allah says: 'My slave has praised Me.'
And when he says: The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,
Allah says: 'My slave has extolled Me.'
And when he says: The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection),
Allah says: 'My slave has glorified Me'-and on one occasion He said: 'My slave has submitted to My power'.
And when he says: You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help (for each and everything),
Allah says: 'This is between Me and My slave, and My slave shall have what he has asked for.'
And when he says: 'Guide us to the straight way, the way of those on whom You have bestowed Your grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray,
Allah says: 'This is for My slave, and My slave shall have what he asked for.'" (Sahih)
أَخْبَرَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، عَنْ مَالِكٍ، عَنِ الْعَلاَءِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ أَبَا السَّائِبِ، مَوْلَى هِشَامِ بْنِ زُهْرَةَ يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ، يَقُولُ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ مَنْ صَلَّى صَلاَةً لَمْ يَقْرَأْ فِيهَا بِأُمِّ الْقُرْآنِ فَهِيَ خِدَاجٌ هِيَ خِدَاجٌ هِيَ خِدَاجٌ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ غَيْرُ تَمَامٍ ‏.‏ فَقُلْتُ يَا أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ إِنِّي أَحْيَانًا أَكُونُ وَرَاءَ الإِمَامِ ‏.‏ فَغَمَزَ ذِرَاعِي وَقَالَ اقْرَأْ بِهَا يَا فَارِسِيُّ فِي نَفْسِكَ فَإِنِّي سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏"‏ يَقُولُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ قَسَمْتُ الصَّلاَةَ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ عَبْدِي نِصْفَيْنِ فَنِصْفُهَا لِي وَنِصْفُهَا لِعَبْدِي وَلِعَبْدِي مَا سَأَلَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ اقْرَءُوا يَقُولُ الْعَبْدُ ‏{‏ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ ‏}‏ يَقُولُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ حَمِدَنِي عَبْدِي ‏.‏ يَقُولُ الْعَبْدُ ‏{‏ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ ‏}‏ يَقُولُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَثْنَى عَلَىَّ عَبْدِي ‏.‏ يَقُولُ الْعَبْدُ ‏{‏ مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ ‏}‏ يَقُولُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مَجَّدَنِي عَبْدِي ‏.‏ يَقُولُ الْعَبْدُ ‏{‏ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ ‏}‏ فَهَذِهِ الآيَةُ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ عَبْدِي وَلِعَبْدِي مَا سَأَلَ ‏.‏ يَقُولُ الْعَبْدُ ‏{‏ اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ * صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ الضَّالِّينَ ‏}‏ فَهَؤُلاَءِ لِعَبْدِي وَلِعَبْدِي مَا سَأَلَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏(Sunan Nisai English reference: Vol. 2, Book 1, Hadith 910; Sunan Nisai Arabic reference: Book 11, Hadith 917)

'Ubada b. as-Samit reported from
The Apostle of Allah (ﷺ): He who does not recite Fatihat al-Kitab is not credited with having observed the prayer. (Sahih Muslim Book:4, Hadith: #0771,#0772,#0773,#0774,#0775,#0776,#0777,#0778,#0779,#0780,#0781,#0782)

Narrated by Talha bin 'Abdullah bin 'Auf: I offered the funeral prayer behind Ibn Abbas and he recited Al-Fatiha and said, "You should know that it (i.e. recitation of Al-Fatiha) is the tradition of the Prophet(ﷺ) Muhammad(ﷺ).(Sahih Bukhari, Vol.:2, Book:23, Hadith:419)

Narrated by Abu Huraira: The Qur'an is recited in every prayer and in those prayers in which Allah's Apostle recited aloud for us, we recite aloud in the same prayers for you; and the prayers in which the Prophet(ﷺ) recited quietly, we recite quietly. If you recite "Al-Fatiha" only it is sufficient but if you recite something else in addition, it is better(Sahih Bukhari, Vol.:1, Book:12, Hadith:739)

Narated By Ubadah ibn as-Samit : We were behind the Apostle of Allah(ﷺ) at the dawn prayer, and he recited (the passage), but the recitation became difficult for him. Then when he finished, he said: Perhaps you recite behind your imam? We replied: Yes, it is so, Apostle of Allah. He said: Do not do so except when it is Fatihat al-Kitab, for he who does not recite it is not credited with having prayed. (Abu-Dawud Book 002, Hadith Number #0822. Chapter :Kitaab us salat)

Narated By Anas ibn Malik : The Prophet(ﷺ) had himself cupped three times in the veins at the sides of the neck and on the shoulder. Ma'mar said: I got myself cupped, and I lost my memory so much so that I was instructed Surat al-Fatihah by others in my prayer. He had himself cupped at the top of his head. (Abu-Dawud, Chapter:Medicine Book 022, Hadith Number #3851)

'Ata' narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira who said that: "one should recite (al-Fatiha) in every (rak'ah of) prayer. What we heard (i. e. recitation) from the Messenger of Allah(may peace be upon him), we made you listen to that. And that which he (recited) inwardly, we (recited) inwardly for you. A person said to him: If I add nothing to the (recitation) of the Umm al Qur'an (Surat al-Fatiha), would it make the prayer incomplete? He (AbuHuraira) said: If you add to that (if you recite some of verses of the Qur'an along with Surat at-Fatiha) that is better for you. But if you are contented with it (Surat al-Fatiha) only, it is sufficient for you. (Sahih Muslim, Book:#4, Hadith:#0779)

Narrated by Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle said : "When the Imam says: 'Ghair-il-Maghdubi 'Alaihim Walad-Dallin (i.e. not the path of those who earn Your Anger, nor the path of those who went astray Surah Faitha ch.1.v.7)), then you must say, 'Ameen', for if one's utterance of 'Ameen' coincides with that of the angels, then his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Bukhari, Vol.:6, Book:60, Hadith:#2), (Sahih Muslim, Book:4, Hadith:#0811,#0809,#0814,#0813), (Malik, Hadith:#196), (Musnad-e- Ahmad, Hadith #7174), (Darimi, Hadith #1246), (Nasai, Hadith #927).and (Ibn Hibban #1801),Imam Nimawi says that its isnad is saheeh (376).

Narated By Wa'il ibn Hujr : When the Apostle of Allah(ﷺ) recited the verse "Nor of those who go astray" (Surah al-Fatihah, verse 7), he would say Amin; and raised his voice (while uttering this word).(Abu-Dawood, Book #2, Hadith:#932)

Narated By AbuHurayrah : When the Apostle of Allah(ﷺ) recited the verse "Not of those with whom Thou art angry, nor of those who go astray," he would say Amin so loudly that those near him in the first row would hear it.(Abu-Dawood, Book #002, Hadith #0934)

Section : Saying 'Amin' behind the Imam.
Yahya related to me from
Malik from Ibn Shihab that
Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab and
Abu Salama ibn Abd ar-Rahman told him from
Abu Hurayra that
the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) said: "When the imam says 'Amin', say 'Amin', for the one whose 'Amin' coincides with the 'Amin' of the angels - his previous wrong actions are forgiven him."
Ibn Shihab said: "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to say'Aameen' (extending it)."(Muwatta Imam-Malik, Book #003, Hadith #047)

Section : The Opening of the Prayer.
Yahya related to me from
Malik from
Ibn Shihab from
Salim ibn Abdullah from
Abdullah ibn Umar that: The Prophet(ﷺ), used to raise his hands to the level of his shoulders when he began the prayer and when he raised his head from the ruku he raised them in the same way,saying, "("Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida)''Allah hears whoever praises him, our Lord and praise belongs to You." He did not raise them in the sujud.(Muwata Imam Malik, Book 03, Hadith #0017)

Narrated by Nafi': Whenever Ibn 'Umar started the prayer with Takbir, he used to raise his hands: whenever he bowed(ruku), he used to raise his hands (before bowing) and also used to raise his hands on saying, "Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida", and he used to do the same on rising from the second Rak'a (for the 3rd Rak'a). Ibn 'Umar said: "The Prophet(ﷺ) used to do the same." (Sahih Bukhari, Vol.01, Book #12,Hadith #706)

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Umar: I saw Allah's Apostle opening the prayer with the Takbir and raising his hands to the level of his shoulders at the time of saying the Takbir, and on saying the Takbir for bowing he did the same; and when he said,
"Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida ", he did the same and then said, "Rabbana wa laka-l-hamd." But he did not do the same on prostrating and on lifting the head from it.” (Sahih Bukhari, Volume.01, Book 12, Hadith Number #0702,#0703,#0705), (Sahih Muslim, Book 4, Hadith Number #0758, #0759, #0761, #0762), (Muwatta Imam Malik: Book 003, Hadith Number #019, #021), (Abu-Dawud Book 002, Hadith Number #0725, #0737, #0957)

It was narrated that Malik bin Al-Huwairith said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) raise his hands until they reached the highest part of his ears, when he said the takbir, when he bowed and when he raised his head from bowing.”(Sahih) (Sunan Nasai Volume. 2, Book 1, Hadith Number #1025,#1026,#0877,0878,#0879,#0881), (Sunan Nasai Volume. 2, Book 2, Hadith #1057,#1103,#1086,#1060, #1089,#1056,#1157,#1083), (Sunan Nasai Vol. 2, Book 3, Hadith #1264,#1266)

It was narrated from Muhammad ibn ‘Amr ibn ‘Ata’ that Abu Humayd al-Saa’idi said: “I heard him when he was among ten of the companions of the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ),
One of whom was Abu Qataadah ibn Rib’i, saying: “I am the most knowledgeable of you about the prayer of the Messenger of Allaah (S). They said: You are not among the senior of us in terms of companionship and you are not among those who met him often. He said: Yes I was. They said: Then tell us. He said: When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stood up to pray, he stood up straight and raised his hands until they were in line with his shoulders. When he wanted to bow in rukoo’, he raised his hands until they were in line with his shoulders, then he said “Allaahu akbar” and bowed, and he made his backbone straight, neither raising his head nor lowering it, and he put his hands on his knees. Then he said “Sami’a Allaahu liman hamidah (Allaah hears those who praise Him),” and raised his hands and stood up straight until every bone went back to its place. Then he went down in prostration, then he said “Allaahu akbar” and held his upper arms away from his body and spread out his toes. Then he would tuck his foot under his body and sit on it. Then he sat upright until every bone has returned to its place. Then he went down in prostration. Then he said Allaahu akbar and tucked his foot under his body and sat on it. Then he sat upright until every bone has returned to its place. Then he got up, then he did likewise in the second rak’ah , and when he stood up after two rak’ahs, he said takbeer and raised his hands until they were in line with his shoulders, as he did when he started the prayer, then he did likewise until, in the rak’ah with which he ended his prayer, he pushed back his right foot and sat on his left buttock mutawarrikan (with the left upper thigh on the ground and both feet protruding from one (i.e., the right) side), then he said the salaam.” ( Narrated by al-Tirmidhi #0304), (Abu Dawood #0730), (Al-Nasaa’i #1181), and (Ibn Majaah #0862). Classed as saheeh by al-Tirmidhi, al-Nawawi in al-Majmoo’ (3/447) and al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi)

‘Uqbah ibn Aamir (r.a) reported that the prophet (ﷺ) said “For every indication a man does (with his hands) in his prayer, ten good deeds are written for him; with each finger constituting a good deed.” (Abu Uthman al Baheere in al-Fawaaid (2/39); and Daylami (4/344); Imam al Haythami in Majma’ az-Zawaid (2/103) titled this under the chapter of Raf’al yadain, tracing it back to Tabraani and declared it to have a fair chain; so did al Bayhaqi)

For a detail discussion on this topic click here : http://the-finalrevelation.blogspot.in/2013/04/the-superb- virtue-of-rafaydain-rafal.html

Some of our Muslim brothers following certain sects or madhabs (Maslaks) say that. “Rafayden is not a confirmed Sunnah” or that “Rafayden should be left out” or that “Rafayden is not to be done at all because it is not a sunnah” and some of them even go to the extent of fabricating stories such as “Prophet (ﷺ) commanded for rafa 'al yadain only in the early stages in order to avoid people from holding idols in their armpits during prayer”

To Address the Above Accusations without further prolonging this, I'd say that all those narrations which negate rafayden have been declared severely weak or forged by the muhaditheen and some of the narrations given by our brothers to negate rafayaden , are often quoted out of context. The no. and volume of evidences from sahabis, tabain, tabe tabain, scholars and rasool (ﷺ) doing and teaching rafayden are so huge that there cannot be any doubt that rafayden IS a CONFIRMED Sunnah. Even Imam Bukhari (r.h) wrote an entire book refuting all those who negated rafayaden called Juzz al Rafayaden.

However, since this is a matter of Fiqh, one cannot say that the one who avoids rafayden is a kaafir naudhubillah or a deviated muslim or that his salah is not valid for we have no authority to say such things to a Muslim brother. what can be said is that "the person is leaving out a confirmed sunnah of the prophet (a.s) and following the weak or rejected reports over what is assured and verified.”

“After the recitation, he (ﷺ) used to pause for a while before going to rukoo.” (Abu Dawood: #0777, #778), (Ibn Majah: #0845, Hadeeth Saheeh)

“Then he (ﷺ) used to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar) for rukoo.” (Al-Bukhaari: #0789), (Muslim: 28/392)

“He (ﷺ) used to raise both his hands up to his shoulders (rafayden).” (Bukhaari: #0738), (Muslim: 22/390)

“He (ﷺ) used to raise both his hands (before and after rukoo), then (after that) he used to say takbeer (i.e also after getting or while getting up from rukoo he used to say takbeer.” (Muslim: 22/390)

“If the takbeer is said first and rafa al- Yadain is done after that, then this is permissible as well. Abu Humayd as-Saa’idi (radiallah anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) used to say takbeer and then do rafa al-yadain.” (Abu Dawood: 730, Chain Saheeh)

Note : One can raise his hands (do rafayden) either along with his saying the takbeer or after or almost before

“When he (ﷺ) would do ruku’, he would grab his knee firmly with his hands then he would bend his back (and make it straight) His head would neither be higher (than his back) nor lower (than his back) (rather it would be straight).” (Al-Bukhaari: #0828), (Muslim: 240/498)

It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to bow with his hands on his knees and his upper arms held away from his sides.” (English print : Sunan ibn Maajah, Vol. 1, Book 5, Hadith 874)

It was narrated that Mus'ab bin Sa'd said: "I prayed beside my father and I put my hands between my knees(while bowing), and he told me: “Put your hands on your knees.' Then I did that again and he struck my hands and said: 'We were forbidden to do that, and we were commanded to put our hands on our knees.” ( Sunan an-Nasa'i 1032 or English print : Vol. 1, Book 5, Hadith 873)

Abu Abdur-Rahman As-Sulami said: "Umar bin Al-Khattab(RA): “The knees are the Sunnah for you, so hold the knees.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi #0258), Also see (Sunan An-Nasa'i #1034, #1035)

“He(ﷺ) used to put both his palms on his knees, then he would do ruku’ with I’tidaal (standing straight) , he would neither lower his head (too much) nor would he raise it (too much) Meaning, his head would exactly be aligned with his back.” (Abu Dawood: #0730, Chain Saheeh)

“When he made rukoo', he would spread his back and make it level", "such that if water were poured on it, it (the water) would stay there (i.e., not run off)." He also said to "the one who prayed badly", When you make rukoo', put your palms on your knees, spread your back (flat) and hold firmin your rukoo.” (The Prophet's Prayer From The beginning To The End As Though You See It, By Shaikh Al Albani, pg. no. 38-39, Translated by Usama ibn Suhaib Hasan)

It was narrated that Rashid said: “I heard Wabisah bin Ma’bad saying: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) performing prayer, and when he bowed he made his back so straight that if water were poured on it, it would have stayed there.” (Ref: Sunan ibn Maajah, Chapter on Establishing the prayer and Sunnah regarding them, Book 5, Hadith 921, Graded as Hassan wa Saheeh by al Safaarni al Hanbali in his Kashf (2/322); al Albaane in Saheeh ibn Maajah (719), Al-Suyuti in Jaami' al-Sagheer 6709, For other ahadeeth explaining the same posture see Sunan Abi Dawud 730 in Chapter titled the Begining of the prayer; then Jami` at-Tirmidhi 304 in Chapter: What Has Been Related About The Description Of The Salat; Saheeh al Bukhaari Vol. 8, Book 78, Hadith 660 and Volume 1, Book 12, Number 791. Note that Shaykh Albaane has cited more references in his work such as : Bukhaari, and Baihaqi with a saheeh isnaad, Tabaraani in Mu`jam al-Kabeer and Mu`jam al-Sagheer, `Abdullaah b. Ahmad in Zawaa'id al-Musnad & Ibn Maajah.and for the latter part which shaykh Albaane wrote the ref is : Ahmad & Abu Daawood with a saheeh isnaad......Also for the statement " he would not let his back be higher or lower but keep it straight see Abu Daawood & Bukhaari in Juz' al- Qiraa'ah with a saheeh isnaad and Muslim & Abu `Awaanah. End Quote from Shaikh Albaanee's reference.)

“He would neither let his head droop nor raise it ( higher than his back)", but it would be in between.” (The Prophet's Prayer From The beginning To The End As Though You See It, By Shaikh Al Albani, pg. no. 38-39, Translated by Usama ibn Suhaib Hasan)

Abi Qatadah(ra) reported that the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) said: “ The worst thief is one who steals in his prayer." Then the companions asked, "How can someone steal from his prayer?”
Prophet(ﷺ) answered: “ He does not complete his Ruku and Sajdah with perfection (meaning the one who does sujood or rukoo fastly or in a hurry) ." Or he (s.a.w) said, "He does not make his back straight in Ruku and Sajdah.” (Ahmad, Tabrani, Hakim)

It was narrated from Hudhaifah that: He saw a man praying (And his bowing and prostration) were lacking. Hudhaifah said to him: “ For how long have you been praying like this?' He said: "For forty years.' He said: 'You have not been praying for forty years and if you die praying like this, you will have died following a path other than the path of Muhammad (s.a.w). Then he said: 'It is possible for a man to pray briefly (shortly/quickly), but still do it properly.” (Sunan an-Nasa'i #1312), Also see (Sahih Bukhaari Vol.2, Book 13, Hadith #1313)

Narrated Usama bin Zaid: That the Prophet used to take him (i.e. Usama) and Al-Hassan (in his lap) and say: "O Allah! Love them, as I love them." The freed slave of Usama bin Zaid said, "Al-Hajjaj bin Aiman bin Um Aiman and Aiman Ibn Um Aiman was Usama's brother from the maternal side, and he was one of the Ansar: “ He was seen by Ibn 'Umar not performing his bowing and prostrations in a perfect manner. So Ibn 'Umar told him to repeat his prayer. Harmala, the freed slave of Usama bin Zaid said that while he was in the company of 'Abdullah bin 'Umar, Al-Hajjaj bin Aiman came in and (while praying) he did not perform his bowing and prostrations properly. So Ibn 'Umar told him to repeat his prayer. . . . . . . . .cont.” (Volume 5, Book 57, Number 81)

A man, once, did not perform prayer correctly, so the Prophet (ﷺ) taught him the method of prayer by saying: “ When you get up for the prayer, perform the ablution properly and then face the Qibla and say Takbir (Allahu Akbar), and then recite of what you know of the Qur'an, and then bow (rokoo), and remain in this state till you feel at rest in bowing, and then raise your head and stand straight; and then prostrate till you feel at rest in prostration, and then sit up till you feel at rest while sitting; and then prostrate again till you feel at rest in prostration; and then get up and stand straight, and do all this in all your prayer. ” (Sahih Al Bukhaari: #6251)

“ When the Prophet (ﷺ) went to ruku, he placed both his hands on his knees, as if he is holding them; and he would draw his forearms to hold them away from his sides. ” (Abu Dawood: #0734, Chain Hasan] Imaam Tirmidhi #0260) said: “Hadeeth Hasan Saheeh” and (Ibn Khuzaymah #0689), and (Ibn Hibbaan #1868: Al-Ihsan) also authenticated it)

Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud: "The Prophet(ﷺ) said: When one of you bows, he should say three time,: [Subhana Rabbi al-‘Adheem] "glory be to my mighty lord," (Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 003, Hadith No. #0885, 0869), (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Hadith No. #1697) Ref: Abu Dawood: 769, Chain Saheeh; Ibn Majah: 887; Ibn Khuzaymah authenticated it (601, 670), Ibn Hibbaan authenticated it (1895, Ihsaan); and al- Haakim (1/225, 2/477). Maimoon bin Mahraan (Taabi’ee), and Zuhri (tabi’ ee) said that the tasbeeh should not read any less than three times. [Ibn Abi Shaybah in al- Musannaf: 1/250 H. 2571, Chain Hasan

One must atleast recite thiis dua 3 times. One can recite even 5 or 7 or more but minimum is 3 because of the teachings of tabains and also because of the evidence : “ Ibn Mas'ud narrated that : the Prophet said: "When one of you bows then says while he is bowing: (Subhana Rabbiyal Azim) 'Glorious is my Lord the Magnificent' three times, then he has completed his bowing. And that is the least of it. And when he prostrates and says while prostrating: (Subhana Rabbiyal A'la) 'Glorious is my Lord the Most High' three times, then he has completed his prostrations, and that is the least of it. ” (Sunan Al Tirmidhi, Vol.1, Book 2, Hadith #0261), (Ibn Majah Saheeh Ibn Majah #0733)

Narrated 'AIsha: The Prophet(ﷺ) used to say In hIs bowIng and prostratIons, "Subhanaka-Allahumma Rabbana wa-bIhamdIka Allahumma-IghfIrlI.' (I honor Allah from all what (unsuItable thIngs) Is ascrIbed to HIm. O Allah Our Lord! And all the praIses are for You. O Allah! ForgIve me).” (Sahih Bukhari Volume 1 Book #109, Hadith #760, #781,)

Ali b. Abi Talib reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade me to recite (the Qur'an) in a state of bowing and prostration. (Sahih Muslim Book #004, Hadith #0972, #0973, #0974, #0975, #0976, #0978,)

سُبْحَانَكَ اللهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ اللهُمَّ اغفرلي
Transliteration : “Subhaanak Allaahumma Wabihamdika Allaahumm-Aghfirly” (Sahih Bukhaari: Volume 1 Book #12, Hadith #0760, #0781), (Sahih Muslim: #0484)

سُبُّوحٌ قُدُّوسٌ، رَبُّ الْمَلََئِكَةِ وَالرُّوحِ
Transliteration : “Subboohun Quddoosun, Rabbul Malaaikatih wa ar-Rooh” (Sahih Muslim: #0487)

سُبْحَانَكَ وَبِحَمْدِكَ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
Transliteration : “Subhaanaka wa Bihamdika Laa Ilaaha Illa Anta” (Sahih Muslim: #0485)

اللهُمَّ لَكَ رَكَعْتُ، وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ ، وَلَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ، خَشَعَ لَكَ سَمْعِي، وَبَصَرِي،وَمُخِّي، وَعَظْمِي، وَعَصَبِي
Transliteration : “Allaamhumma Laka Raka’tu, wabika Amantu, walaka Aslamtu, Khasha’a Laka Sam’ee, wa Basari, wa Mukhkhee, wa ‘Adhmi, wa ‘Asabi”

One can either say any one of the above duas or can combine and say them all becaue of the general evidence of the hadeeth regarding the position of Tashahhud which says: “ Then select the invocation you like the best and recite it” (Sahih Bukhaari: #0835), (Sahih Muslim: #0402)

Ali b. Abi Talib reported: “ The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade me to recite (the Qur'an) in a state of bowing and prostration.” (Sahih Muslim Book #004, Hadith #0972, #0973, #0974, #0975, #0976, #0978,)

Note: Agreed that some of the most beautiful dua's are present in the Quran, however, we have to obey the order of rasool (s.a.w) in every literal sense and avoid falling into doubtful matters and hence abstain from reciting any verse or part of the Quran during Rukoo and Sujood So the only option left is that a person either avoids the dua’as from the Qur’an completely or he changes the words here and there thereby keeping the meaning intact/the same. For e.g Instead of Rabbana aatinah ... one can say Allahumma Aaatina

Narrated Abu Huraira: “ When the Prophet(ﷺ) used to Raise his head from Ruku’, he would do Rafa Al-Yadain and say: (سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ رَبَّ نَا وَلَكَ الحَمْدُ” Sami' a-l-lahu Liman hamida)” (Allah heard those who sent praises to him) (Sahih Bukhari Volume 1 Book #12, Hadith #0761)

“ Upon hearing the Imam say "Sami Allahu Liman Hamidah" , the muqtadi should say it (sami Allahu liman hamidah) too and then say "Rabbana wa lakal hamd " silently because of the evidence wherein rasool (s.a.w) said " The imaam is there to be followed ... when he has said 'Allaah listens to the one who praises Him (Sami Allahu Liman Hamidah) ' then say, '[O Allaah!] Our Lord, and to You be all Praise' (Rabbana wa lakal hamd) ; Allaah will listen to you. (Sahh Bukhaari: #0789), (Sahih Muslim, Book 4, Hadith #0828)

Narrated Rifa'a bin Rafi AzZuraqi: " One day we were praying behind the Prophet(ﷺ). When he raised his head from bowing,
He(ﷺ) said, "Sami'a-l-lahu Liman hamida."
A man behind him said, "(رَبَّ نَا وَلَكَ الحَمْدُ حَمْدًا كَثِيرًا طَيِّبًا مُبَارَكًا فِيهِ) Rabbana walaka-l hamd hamdan Kathiran taiyiban mubarakan fihi" (O our Lord! All the praises are for You, many good and blessed praises).
When the Prophet(ﷺ) completed the prayer, he asked, "Who has said these words?"
The man replied, "I."
The Prophet(ﷺ) said, "I saw over thirty angels competing to write it first." (Sahih Bukhari Volume 1 Book #12, Hadith #764)

He(ﷺ) said : “Allah, Mighty and Sublime, does not look at the prayer of the slave who does not make his backbone upright (straight) in between his bowings ( i.e keeping the back straight both during the rukoo and after getting up from rukoo) and prostrations (during and after getting up from sujood).” (Ahmad & Tabaraani in Mu`jam al-Kabeer with a saheeh isnaad)

He(ﷺ) used to say : “Next, raise your head (after rokoo and stand) until you are standing straight [and every bone has taken its proper place] - in another narration, When you rise, make your spine upright and raise your head, until the bones return to their joints.” (Bukhaari & Muslim (first sentence only), Daarimi, Haakim, Shaafi'i & Ahmad for the rest)

Conclusion of above hadith : Don't race in salah. don't rush while going to rukoo. Don't rush while getting up or while standing after rukoo. don't rush while going to sujood, during the sujood or after getting up from the sujood.

“ This is the issue in which nothing is proven with clear evidences. Some scholars say one should tie and some say one shouldn't hence, therefore acting on both views is permissible.” (Imaam Ahmed bin Hanbal was asked, should the hands be tied after ruku or not?, so he replied: “I hope there is no constriction in it, Inshallah” [Masaail Ahmed by Saalih bin Ahmed bin Hanbal: 615)

The better opinion is to leave them and not tie them.

“Then he(ﷺ) used to bend for prostration (sujood), after saying Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar).” (Sahih Bukhaari: #0803), (Sahih Muslim: 28/392)

He(ﷺ) said: “When any one of you prostrates, let him not go down as the camel does; let him put his hands down (first) before his knees.” This was the action of the Prophet (ﷺ).” (Ref: Abu Dawood: 840, Its Chain is Authentic on the conditions of Muslim; and An-Nasaa’ee: 1092, Chain Hasan. Sayyidunah Abdullah bin Umar (radiallah anhu) used to put on ground his hands first while going to prostration and then his knees [Bukhaari: Before H. 803], and he (radiallah anhu) said that the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) used to do the same [Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah: 627, Chain Hasan, Authenticated to be on the conditions of Muslim by Al-Haakim: 1/226, and Dhahabi followed him)

Note : There are some narrations which show that it is a sunnah to place or put down our knees first, and then the hands, However those ahadith have some weakness but still some of our salaaf are reported to advocate those ahadith.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah made a valuable comment on this matter in al-Fataawa (22/449): “Praying in both ways is permissible, according to the consensus of the scholars. If a person wants to go down knees first or hands first, his prayer is valid in either case, according to the consensus of the scholars, but they disputed as to which is preferable.”

For details please see : http://islamqa.info/en/ref/2108

Nevertheless, just in order to stay out of doubt (as mentioned above in section A) and follow what is verified we should put our hands down first and then our knees while going to sujood. And i advice my brethren again not to weigh such Fiqhi matters equal to aqeeda/creed and go around insulting our hanafi brothers if they put down their knees first. The salah is valid irrespective if a Muslim does not do rafa al yadain or puts his knees down first for these are matters of sunnah.

“ He(ﷺ) used to stick his nose, and forehead to the ground firmly in prostration, and he would keep his arms away from his sides, and he used to put both his palms in line with his shoulders (on the ground).” (Abu Dawood: 734, Chain Hasan)

Sayyidunah Waa’il Ibn Hujr (radiallah anhu) narrated: “ When the Prophet (ﷺ) prostrated, he aligned both his palms with his ears (on the ground).” (Abu Dawood: 726, Chain Saheeh; Al-Nasaa’ ee: 890, Authenticated by Ibn Khuzaymah [641], and Ibn Hibbaan [1857, Al-Ihsaan)

“ He(ﷺ) used to keep both his arms away from his sides in prostration.” (Abu Dawood: 730, Chain Saheeh)

“ In prostration, He(ﷺ) used to put his hands (on the ground), he would neither spread them nor contract them, and his toes would face the Qiblah.” (Sahih Bukhaari: #0828)

“ He(ﷺ) used to put his hands away from his sides as much as that the whiteness of his armpits would become apparent.” (Sahih Bukhaari: #0390), (Sahih Muslim: #0495)

He(ﷺ) used to say that: “ Be level in sujood, and none of you should spread his forearms (on the ground) as a dog spreads them (i.e resting the elbow and the part above it on the ground like a dog) ” and in another narration its stated "None of you should rest arms on the ground the way a dog rests them" (meaning completely flat).” (Al-Bukhaari: 822, Muslim: 493] This ruling includes both men and women. Therefore, women should not as well spread their arms in prostration) (Ahmad & Tirmidhi, who declared it saheeh)

“ He(ﷺ) used to stick his nose, and forehead to the ground firmly in prostration, and he would keep his arms away from his sides, and he used to put both his palms in line with his shoulders (on the ground).” (Sahih Bukhaari: #0822), (Sahih Muslim: #493) This ruling includes both men and women. Therefore, women should not as well spread their arms in prostration), Ahmad & Tirmidhi, who declared it saheeh

after the perfect Qawmah the person praying should move to perform Sajdah saying: "Allahu akbar" putting palms downwards on the ground below the ears. The knees should be brought downwards on the ground. His fingers and toes should be pointing towards Qiblah without spreading the fingers of the hands.
During prostration seven parts of the body should touch the ground.

1. The Forehead along with the tip of the Nose
2. Both Hands
3. Both Knees
4. The bottom surface of the toes of both feet.

(Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Book 12, Hadith #773)

He(ﷺ) used to Say: “ I have been commanded to prostrate on seven bones: the face, including the forehead and nose; the two hands; the two knees; and the edges of the two feet (i.e., the toes).” (Sahih Bukhaari: #0812), (Sahih Muslim: #0490)

He(ﷺ) said: “ When a person prostrates, seven sides (organs) prostrate with him: Face, Two Hands, Two Knees, and Two feet” . This proves that placing Nose, Forehead, Two Kness, and Two feet on the ground during prostration is obligatory. It is narrated in one narration that: “There is no prayer for the one who does not place his nose on the ground.” (Sahih Muslim: #0491), (Sunan Daraqutni: 1/348 H. 1303, Marfoo’an, Chain Hasan)

“ He(ﷺ) would prostrate in such a way that if a baby-goat wanted to pass through his arms, it could easily do so.” (Sahih Muslim: #0496 - Meaning, He (ﷺ) used to keep his chest and stomach up high from the ground. And the ruling for women is also the same because he (ﷺ) said: “Pray as you have seen me praying” {Bukhaari})

“ In prostration, He(ﷺ) used to have his feet stand straight up during prostration (sujood).” (Sahih Muslim: #0486, with the Sharh of Nawawi)

“ In the position of prostration, He(ﷺ) used to join both the heels of his feet, and their direction used to be towards the Kiblah.” ( Al-Bayhaqi: 2/116, Chain Saheeh, Authenticated by Ibn Khuzaymah: 654, and Ibn Hibbaan: 1930, and al-Haakim (1/228,229) on the conditions of Shaikhain, and Dhahabi followed him)

Abi Qatadah(ra) reported that the Messenger of Allah(PBUH) said: “ The worst thief is one who steals in his prayer.”
Then the companions asked, “How can someone steal from his prayer?”
Prophet(PBUH) answered: “He does not complete his Ruku and Sajdah with perfection (meaning the one who does sujood or rukoo fastly or in a hurry) ." Or he said, "He does not make his back straight in Ruku and Sajdah.” (Ref: Ahmad, Tabrani, Hakim)

”The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) said: The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating himself, so make supplication (in this state).” (Sahih Muslim, Book 4, Hadith #0979,)

“The worshipper is closest to his Lord in the state of prostration; therefore, we should do as much dua (In Arabic only as salah is in arabic) as is possible in this position.” (Sahih Muslim: #0482)

Abu Huraira reported: “The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) used to say while prostrating himself: O Lord, forgive me all my sins, small and great, first and last, open and secret” (Sahih Muslim, Book 4, Hadith #0980)

Abu Huraira reported: “The following duaas are proven to be read in the prostration”
“سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى (Subhaana Rabbi al-A’ laa) Minimum thrice. . .” (Sahih Muslim, #0722)

Ali b. Abi Talib reported: “The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) forbade me to recite (the Qur'an) in a state of bowing and prostration.” (Sahih Muslim, Book:#4, Hadith:#0972,#0973,#0974,#0975,#0976,#0978)

“He(ﷺ) would then raise his head from the first prostration while saying Allaahu Akbar, he would lay his left foot down and sit on it (shown below).” (Sahih Bukhaari: #0789), (Sahih Muslim: #0392)

“He(ﷺ) would lay his left foot along the ground and sit on it [relaxed]", and he ordered ",When you prostrate, prostrate firmly, then when you rise, sit on your left thigh.” (Ahmad and Abu Daawood with a good isnaad), (Bukhaari and Baihaqi)

“He(ﷺ) would have his right foot upright", and "point its toes towards the qiblah.” (Ref: Nasaa'i with a saheeh isnaad)

Sayyidunah Abdullah bin Umar (radiallah anhu) reports that: “The sunnah in the prayer is that you keep your right foot upright and lay your left foot down.” (Hadeeth of Ibn `Abbaas in Muslim, Abu Daawood and at-Tirmidhee, who declared it saheeh, and others (see Silsilah al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah 383))

“He(ﷺ) would sometimes practise iq'aa' i.e resting on both his heels and (all) his toes.” (Sahih Bukhaari: #0827)

He(ﷺ) would be relaxed until every bone returned to its (proper) position" (when he got up from sujood), and he ordered: “The prayer of any of you is not complete until he does this (sits upright straighting his spine)” (Abu Daawood and Haakim , who declared it saheeh and Dhahabi agreed)

Conclusion : After performing one Sajdah perfectly and calmly, the person praying should raise his head form Sajdah saying "Allahu Akbar" bending the left foot and sitting on it while keeping the right foot propped up with its toes pointing towards the Qiblah, the palms of his hands should rest on his thighs and knees, the back should be straight so that the joints go back in place.

Narated By Abdullah ibn Abbas : The Prophet(ﷺ) used to say between the two prostrations: "O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, heal me, and provide for me."(Abu-Dawood Book 002, Hadith Number 0849, Chapter : Kitaab-us-Salah)

The Prophet(ﷺ) used to say : Allah, Mighty and Sublime, does not look at the prayer of the slave who does not make his backbone upright in between his bowings and prostrations.(Narrated Ahmad & Tabaraani in Mu'jam al-Kabeer with a saheeh isnaad)

It is sunnah to say the following Du'aa while sitting in between the two Sajdah:
اَللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْلِيْ وَ ارْحَمْنِيْ وَ عَافِنِيْ وَ اجْبُرْنِيْ وَ ارْزُقْنِيْ
“(Allaahumma ighfir li warhamni wajburni wahdini warzuqni)
(O Allaah, forgive me, have mercy on me, enrich me, guide me and grant me provision).”(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 284; Ibn Maajah, 898 – from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.)

Then the person should perform the second Sajdah saying "Allah Akbar" and repeat what he did in the first Sajdah.

Then He(ﷺ) used to do the (second) prostration while saying Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar) and in the same way as mentioned above and He(ﷺ) would recite the duas mentioned above Hadiths during the first sujood.” (Sahih Bukhaari: #0789), (Sahih Muslim: 28/392)

Then he should raise his head up saying "Allahu Akbar" and sit for a short while as he did in Jalsah. He does this before standing up for the second Rakat.

When he (ﷺ) would rise up from the second prostration, he would lay his left foot down and sit on it, until every single bone of his body would come to its normal position.” (Saheeh Bukhaari: #06251), (Abu Dawood: 730, Chain Saheeh] He (ﷺ) used to order (his Sahabah) to sit down after the two prostrations)

Narrated by Malik bin Huwairith Al-Laithi: ''I saw the Prophet(ﷺ) praying and in the odd Rakat, he used to sit for a moment before getting up'' (Sahih Bukhari Vol.01, Book:12, Hadith #0786), (Sahih Bukhari Vol.01, Book:11, Hadith #645)

It was narrated that Malik bin Al-Huwairith said: I saw the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) pray, and when he was in an odd-numbered rak'ah, he did not get up until he had settled in a sitting position. (Sunan Al Nasai Vol. 2, Book 2, Hadith 1153)

“After the second sujood prophet(ﷺ) would sit for a short or brief moment and then get up. Then He (ﷺ) would stand up (for second rak’ah) while taking the support of the ground (putting both his hands on the ground).” (Sahih Bukhaari: #0824), and Ibn Khuzaymah in his Saheeh: 687] It is narrated from Azraq bin Qays [Thiqah / Taqreeb: 302] that I saw Abdullah bin Umar (radiallah anhu), he stood up while taking the support of ground with both his hands in prayer. [Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 1/395 H. 3996, Chain Saheeh)

“When the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) stood up for the second rak'ah he started it with the recitation of Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen (Surah al-Fatiha), and he did not observe silence (i.e wait before the recitation of al-Fatiha).” (Sahih Muslim: #0599), (Ibn Khuzaymah: #1603), (Ibn Hibbaan: #1933)

The remaining prayer should be prayed as described in the method of first rak’ah above. The reason we have to repeat the same procedure in posture for the remaining raka'ats is because of the hadeeth stating

“then do this in all your prayer.” (Sahih Bukhaari: #6251)

Narrated by Muhammad bin 'Amr bin 'Ata': Abu Humaid As-Saidi said,: "I remember the prayer of Allah's Apostle better than any one of you. ... On sitting in the second Rak'a he sat on his left foot and propped up the right one; and in the last Rak'a he pushed his left foot forward and kept the other foot propped up and sat over the buttocks."(Sahih Bukhari, Vol.01, Book:12, Hadith #791,)

“He would have his right foot upright", and "point its toes towards the qiblah.” (Nasaa'i with a saheeh isnaad), (Muslim, Abu `Awaanah, Abu Shaikh in Maa Rawaahu Abu az-Zubair `an Ghair Jaabir (nos. 104-6) and Baihaqi)

Sayyidunah Abdullah bin Umar (RA) reported that:
“the sunnah in the prayer is that you keep your right foot upright and lay your left foot down.” (Sahih Bukhaari: #0827)

“Sitting down after the second prostration of the second rak’ah, He (ﷺ) used to place his right hand on his right knee, and his left hand on his left knee.” (Sahih Muslim: 112/579)

Abdullah b. Zubair narrated on the authority of his father: When the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) sat in prayer. he placed the left foot between his thigh and shank and stretched the right foot and placed his left hand or his left knee and placed his right hand on his right thigh, and raised his finger.(Sahih Muslim Book #004, Hadith #1201)

Abdullah b. Zubair narrated on the authority of his father that when the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) sat for supplication, i. e. tashahhud (blessing and supplication), he placed his right hand on his right thigh and his left hand on his left thigh, and pointed with his forefinger, and placed his thumb on his (milddle) finger, and covered his knee with the palm of his left hand..(Sahih Muslim Book #004, Hadith #1202)

Ibn 'Umar reported that: when the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) sat for tashahhud he placed his left hand on his left knee. and his right hand on his right knee. and he raised his right finger, which is next to the thumb, making supplication in this way, and he stretched his left hand on his left knee. Another version on the authority of Ibn Umar says: When the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) sat for tashahhud, he placed his left hand on his left knee and placed his right hand on his right knee, and he formed a ring like (fifty-three) and pointed with his finger of attestation.(Sahih Muslim Book #004, Hadith #1203)

“He(ﷺ) used to make a ring (shape) of his right hand’s fingers, and point (towards Qiblah) with his index finger.meaning, He used to make du’aa while pointing with his finger.” (Sahih Muslim: 115/580)

“It is also proven that He(ﷺ) would place both his hands on both his thighs and join his thumb with his middle finger (making a ring), and point with his index finger.” (Sahih Muslim: 113/579)

It was narrated from 'Amir bin Abdullah bin Az -Zubair, from his father, that: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sat to say the tashahhud, he placed his left hand on his left thigh and pointed with his forefinger, and his gaze did not go beyond he finger with which he was pointing (Ishaara).” [Ref: Sunan Al nasai : Vol. 2 , Book 3, Hadith 1276,] [Ref: Sunan Abu dawood book no.3 hadith 0725, 0957] [Ref: Sahih Muslim Book no. 4 hadith no. 1201, 1202, 1203]

Wa'il bin Hujr said: "I said: 'I am going to watch how the Messenger of Allah () prays.' So I watched him and he stood and said the takbir, and raised his hands until they were in the level with his ears, then he placed his right hand over his left hand, wrist and lower forearm. When he wanted to bow he raised his hands likewise. Then he prostrated and placed his hands in level with his ears. Then he sat up and placed his left leg under him; he put his left hand on his left thigh and knee, and he put the edge of his right elbow on his right thigh, then he held two of his fingers together and made a circle, and raised his forefinger, and I saw him moving it and supplicating with it." (Sahih)
أَخْبَرَنَا سُوَيْدُ بْنُ نَصْرٍ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ الْمُبَارَكِ، عَنْ زَائِدَةَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَاصِمُ بْنُ كُلَيْبٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبِي أَنَّ وَائِلَ بْنَ حُجْرٍ، أَخْبَرَهُ قَالَ قُلْتُ لأَنْظُرَنَّ إِلَى صَلاَةِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَيْفَ يُصَلِّي فَنَظَرْتُ إِلَيْهِ فَقَامَ فَكَبَّرَ وَرَفَعَ يَدَيْهِ حَتَّى حَاذَتَا بِأُذُنَيْهِ ثُمَّ وَضَعَ يَدَهُ الْيُمْنَى عَلَى كَفِّهِ الْيُسْرَى وَالرُّسْغِ وَالسَّاعِدِ فَلَمَّا أَرَادَ أَنْ يَرْكَعَ رَفَعَ يَدَيْهِ مِثْلَهَا - قَالَ - وَوَضَعَ يَدَيْهِ عَلَى رُكْبَتَيْهِ ثُمَّ لَمَّا رَفَعَ رَأْسَهُ رَفَعَ يَدَيْهِ مِثْلَهَا ثُمَّ سَجَدَ فَجَعَلَ كَفَّيْهِ بِحِذَاءِ أُذُنَيْهِ ثُمَّ قَعَدَ وَافْتَرَشَ رِجْلَهُ الْيُسْرَى وَوَضَعَ كَفَّهُ الْيُسْرَى عَلَى فَخِذِهِ وَرُكْبَتِهِ الْيُسْرَى وَجَعَلَ حَدَّ مِرْفَقِهِ الأَيْمَنِ عَلَى فَخِذِهِ الْيُمْنَى ثُمَّ قَبَضَ اثْنَتَيْنِ مِنْ أَصَابِعِهِ وَحَلَّقَ حَلْقَةً ثُمَّ رَفَعَ إِصْبَعَهُ فَرَأَيْتُهُ يُحَرِّكُهَا يَدْعُو بِهَا .(Sunan Nasai English reference: Vol. 2, Book 1, Hadith 890; Sunan Nasai Arabic reference: Book 11, Hadith 897)

Note: The concept of raising the finger on saying “Laa Ilaaha” and putting it back down on saying “Illallah” is not proven from any hadeeth. It is taught by our great Scholars Like the Aaimah 'Arba and etc, but since it is not proven from any sahih hadeeth, we leave the doubtful matter and stick to the confirmed one. What is proven from the generality of ahadeeth is that we should make a ring and point (or move as you wish) with the index finger from the beginning of the tashahhud till the end (before Salaam). The Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) once saw a man pointing with two fingers (in tashahhud), so he (ﷺ) said to him: “Ahhid Ahhid (Do it with one finger)” [Tirmidhi: 3557, and he said it’s Hasan, Nasaa’ee: 1273, Hadeeth Saheeh] This proves that we should keep our index finger up from the beginning of tashahhud till the end.

Conclusion: Hence Both views are permissible. i.e. One can either point his forefinger continuously (starting from attahiyatu lillahi..until the tasleem) throughought the sitting of entire tashahud or one canmove his forefinger continously throughout the entire tashahud until tasleem.

“He(ﷺ) used to point his index finger towards the Qiblah and stick his eyes to it (keep watching it).” (Nasaa’ee: 1161, Chain Saheeh; Ibn Khuzaymah: 719; Ibn Hibbaan: 1943, Al-Ihsaan)

“He(ﷺ) used to point with his index finger in the tashahhud of the second rak’ah, and in the tashahhud of the fourth rakat.” (Nasaa’ee: 1162, Chain Hasan)

It is a sunnah to look at our forefinger or near it while we point/move it during tashahud because of the evidence :

It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar that: “He saw a man moving pebbles with his hand while praying. When he finished, ‘Abdullah said to him: “Do not move the pebbles while you are praying, for that is from Shaitan. Rather do what the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) used to do.” He said: “What did he used to do?” He said: “He would put his right hand on his right thigh, and point with the finger that is next to the thumb toward the Qiblah, and he would look at it (forefinger), or thereabouts (or towards that region or area) ” Then he said: “This is what I saw the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) doing.” (Sunan Al Nasai, Vol. 2, Book 2, Hadith #1161), (Muwatta Malik, Book 3, Hadith #0051)

Narrated by 'Abdullah : When we prayed with the Prophet(ﷺ) we used to say: As-Salam be on Allah from His worshipers, As-Salam be on Gabriel, As-Salam be on Michael, As-Salam be on so-and-so. When the Prophet(ﷺ) finished his prayer, he faced us and said, "Allah Himself is As-Salam (Peace), so when one sits in the prayer, one should say, 'At-Tahiyatu-lillahi Was-Salawatu, Wat-Taiyibatu, As-Salamu 'Alaika aiyuhan-Nabiyyu wa Rah-matul-lahi wa Barakatuhu, As-Salamu 'Alaina wa 'ala 'Ibadillahi assalihin, for if he says so, then it will be for all the pious slave of Allah in the Heavens and the Earth. (Then he should say), 'Ash-hadu an la ilaha illalllahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'Abduhu wa rasulu-hu,' and then he can choose whatever speech (i.e. invocation) he wishes "(Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 74, Number 249)

He(ﷺ) used to order them to perform tashahhud, saying: “When you sit after every two rak'ahs, then say: [Eng. Translation] "All compliments ......" and then each of you should select the supplication he likes best and supplicate Allaah, Mighty and Sublime, [with it] .” ( Nasaa'i, Ahmad and Tabaraani in Mu`jam al-Kabeer (3/25/1) with a saheeh sanad. The literal meaning of the hadeeth is evidence for the validity of supplication in every tashahhud, even the one not adjacent (i.e the final tashahud) to the tasleem, and this is the view of Ibn Hazm (rahimahullaah)

In another version: He(ﷺ) said: “All compliments: "in every sitting , and he also ordered "the one who prayed badly" to do so, as has been mentioned” ( Al Nasa'ee)

“He(ﷺ) would teach them the tashahhud the way he taught them Soorahs of the Qur'aan” (Bukhaari and Muslim)and
“"the Sunnah is to say it quietly.”
Abu Daawood and Haakim , who declared it saheeh and Dhahabi agreed

“التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ، وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّ هَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُاللَّهِ وَبَ رَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَمُ عَلَيْ نَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُه”
Transliteration : “At-Tahiyyaatu Lillaahi Was-Salawaatu wat-Tayyibaatu, Assalaamu Alaika Ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa Rehmatullaahi wa Barakaatuhu, Assalaamu ‘Alaina wa ‘Ala ‘Ibaadillaahis-Saaliheen, Ash-hadu An Laa Ilaaha Illallaahu wa Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadan ‘Abduhu Wa Rasooluhu”
Translation : “ All compliments, prayers and pure words are due to Allaah. Peace be on you, O Prophet, and also the mercy of Allaah and His blessings. Peace be on us, and on the righteous slaves of Allaah. [For when one says that, it includes every righteous slave in the heaven and the earth.] I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.”

Whenever Ibn 'Umar started the prayer with Takbir: “He used to Raise his Hands.”
Whenever He Bowed: “He used to Raise his Hands (before bowing).” and
He also used to Raise his Hands on saying: “Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida” and
He used to do the same on rising from the second Rak'a (for the 3rd Rak'a).”
Ibn 'Umar said: “The Prophet used to do the same.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol.1 Hadith No.#0739)

Narrated by Nafi:
“Whenever Ibn 'Umar started the prayer with Takbir, he used to raise his hands: whenever he bowed(ruku), he used to raise his hands (before bowing) and also used to raise his hands on saying, "Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida", and he used to do the same on rising from the second Rak'a (for the 3rd Rak'a). Ibn 'Umar said: "The Prophet(ﷺ) used to do the same.” (Sahih Bukhari Volume 1 : Book 12 : Hadith 706)

“If it is the prayer of three rak’ahs [For example: Maghrib] then after completing the third rak’ah, [and after reading at-tahiyyaat, durood, and du’ aa], say tasleem and end the prayer.” (Sahih Bukhaari: #1092)

“ If it is the prayer of four rak’ahs then the person should stand up after sitting from the second prostration which is made after or in the 3rd rakah and the steps for going to ruku, prostration, sitting between 2 sujoods, straightnig our backs and etc are the same as mentioned above for any raka't and any type of salah.” (Sahih Bukhaari: #0823), (Abu Dawood: #730, Chain Saheeh)

“Next, after completing the fourth rak'ah, he(ﷺ) would sit for the last tashahhud. He would instruct regarding it, and do in it, just as he did in the first tashahhud, except that"he would sit mutawarrikan (See Image Below)" with his left upper thigh on the ground, and both his feet protruding (outwards) from one (i.e. the right) side. He would have his left foot under his (right) thigh and shin, "his right foot upright", or occasionally "he would lay it along the ground.His left palm would cover his (left) knee, leaning heavily on it.” (Sahih Bukhari, ibid, “As for two-rak`ah prayers such as Fajr, the Sunnah is to sit muftarishan. This difference in detail is documented from Imaam Ahmad, cf. Ibn Hani's Masaa'il of Imaam Ahmad (p. 79)” (Abu Daawood & Baihaqi with a saheeh sanad, Muslim & Abu `Awaanah.)

Narrated Abdur-Rahman bin Abi Laila:
Ka'b bin Ujrah met me and said : "Shall I not give you a present I got from the Prophet(ﷺ)?" 'Abdur-Rahman said, "Yes, give it to me." I said, "We asked Allah's Apostle saying, 'O Allah's Apostle! How should one (ask Allah to) send blessings on you, the members of the family, for Allah has taught us how to salute you (in the prayer)?' He said, (“Allaahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad kama salayta ‘ala Ibraaheem wa ‘ala aali Ibraaheem, innaka hameedun majeed. Allaahumma baarik ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad kama baarakta ‘ala Ibraaheem wa ‘ala aali Ibraaheem, innaka hameedun majeed (O Allaah, send prayers upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibraaheem and upon the family of Ibraaheem )
'Say: O Allah! Send Your Mercy on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your Mercy on Abraham and on the family of Abraham, for You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious. O Allah! Send Your blessings on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent your blessings on Abraham and on the family of Abraham, for You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious.' "(Sahih Bukhari, Volume 004, Book 055, Hadith No.#0588 #0589)

“التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ، وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّ هَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُاللَّهِ وَبَ رَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَمُ عَلَيْ نَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُه”
Transliteration : “At-Tahiyyaatu Lillaahi Was-Salawaatu wat-Tayyibaatu, Assalaamu Alaika Ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa Rehmatullaahi wa Barakaatuhu, Assalaamu ‘Alaina wa ‘Ala ‘Ibaadillaahis-Saaliheen, Ash-hadu An Laa Ilaaha Illallaahu wa Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadan ‘Abduhu Wa Rasooluhu”
Translation : “ All compliments, prayers and pure words are due to Allaah. Peace be on you, O Prophet, and also the mercy of Allaah and His blessings. Peace be on us, and on the righteous slaves of Allaah. [For when one says that, it includes every righteous slave in the heaven and the earth.] I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.”

“ اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ”
“ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ”
Transliteration : “Allaahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad kama salayta ‘ala Ibraaheem wa ‘ala aali Ibraaheem, innaka hameedun majeed. Allaahumma baarika ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad kama baarakta ‘ala Ibraaheem wa ‘ala aali Ibraaheem, innaka hameedun majeed”
Translation : “O Allaah, send prayers upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibraaheem and the family of Ibraaheem, You are indeed Worthy of Praise, Full of Glory. O Allaah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed Ibraaheem and the family of Ibraaheem, You are indeed Worthy of Praise, Full of Glory.”

Narrated 'Aisha: (the wife of the Prophet(ﷺ)) Allah's Apostle used to invoke Allah in the prayer saying:
“ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْمَسِيحِ الدَّجَّالِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْمَحْيَا وَفِتْنَةِ الْمَمَاتِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْمَأْثَمِ وَالْمَغْرَمِ”
"Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min adhabil-qabri, wa a'udhu bika min fitnatil-masihid-dajjal, wa a'udhu bika min fitnatil-mahya wa fitnatil-mamati. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-ma thami wal-maghrami.
“O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the punishment of the grave and from the afflictions of Masi,h Ad-dajjal and from the afflictions of life and death. O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the sins and from being in debt)."
Somebody said to him, "Why do you so frequently seek refuge with Allah from being in debt?"
The Prophet(ﷺ) replied, "A person in debt tells lies whenever he speaks, and breaks promises whenever he makes (them)."
Aisha also narrated: I heard Allah's Apostle in his prayer seeking refuge with Allah from the afflictions of Ad-dajjal. (Sahih Bukhari, Volume:01, Book:012, Hadith #795), (Sahih Bukhari, Volume:02, Book:023, Hadith #459), (Sahih Bukhari, Volume:06, Book:060, Hadith #230), (Sahih Bukhari, Volume:08, Book:075, Hadith #0376, #0379, #0386, #0387, #0388), (Sahih Bukhari, Volume:09, Book:088, Hadith #243), (SAHIH MUSLIM, Book:004, Hadith #1216, #1217, #1218, #1219, #1220, #1221, #1224, 1225), (SAHIH MUSLIM, Book:035, Hadith #6534)

Sunnah Dua's can be found here : http://www.qss.org/articles/salah/14.html#RTFToC4

The prophet (s.a.w) said : “The key to Salah is purification. Its Tahrim (forbiddance of any actions outside prayer) is (starts) with the Takbir (saying: ‘Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]’ upon commencing Prayer) and its Tahlul (ending of the praying state) is with the Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer.” (Abu Dawud, Sunan, Book on purification, no.#61), (Ibn Majah, Sunan, Book on purifacation and its Sunan, no.#275), (Ahmad, Musnad, vol. 1, p. 123), and (Al-Darimy, Sunan, Book on purification, no. #687)

After praying for himself as much as the person wishes, he should end his Salah saying: "Peace be on you and the Mercy of Allah." ("As sala'amu alaikum wa rahmatullah") turning the face first to the right and then to the left, both times over the shoulder. This brings the two, three or four Rakaat of the Salat to completion.
And Allah Knows the Best!!

Narrated Saiyar bin Salama:"I along with my father went to Abu- Barza Al-Aslarrni and my father asked him, "How Allah's Apostle used to offer the five compulsory congregational prayers?" Abu- Barza said, "The Prophet(ﷺ) used to pray the Zuhr prayer which you (people) call the first one at mid-day when the sun had just declined The Asr prayer at a time when after the prayer, a man could go to the house at the farthest place in Medina (and arrive) while the sun was still hot. (I forgot about the Maghrib prayer). The Prophet(ﷺ) Loved to delay the 'Isha which you call Al- Atama and he disliked sleeping before it and speaking after it. After the Fajr prayer he used to leave when a man could recognize the one sitting beside him and he used to recite between 60 to 100 Ayat (in the Fajr prayer) .(Sahih Bukhari, Volume:01, Book:010, Hadith 522,)

Narrated Abu Huraira and
Abdullah bin 'Umar
Allah's Apostle said, "If it is very hot, then pray the Zuhr prayer when it becomes (a bit) cooler, as the severity of the heat is from the raging of the Hell-fire." (Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 10, Hadith 510,)

Narrated Abu Dhar: The Muadhdhin (call-maker) of the Prophet(ﷺ) pronounced the Adhan (call) for the Zuhr prayer but the Prophet(ﷺ) said, "Let it be cooler, let it be cooler." Or said, 'Wait, wait, because the severity of heat is from the raging of the Hell-fire. In severe hot weather, pray when it becomes (a bit) cooler and the shadows of hillocks appear." (Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 10, Number 511,)

Narrated 'Aisha: Allah's Apostle used to offer the 'Asr prayers at a time when the sunshine was still inside my chamber and no shadow had yet appeared in it. (Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 10, Number 520,)

Narrated Aisha:The Prophet(ﷺ) used to pray the 'Asr prayers at a time when the sunshine was still inside my chamber and no shadow had yet appeared in it. (Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 10, Number 521,)

Narrated Rafi' bin Khadij: We used to offer the Maghrib prayer with the Prophet(ﷺ) and after finishing the prayer one of us may go away and could still see as Par as the spots where one's arrow might reach when shot by a bow. (Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 10, Number 534,)

Narrated Salama: We used to pray the Maghrib prayer with the Prophet(ﷺ) when the sun disappeared from the horizon. (Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 10, Number 536,)

Narrated Muhammad bin 'Amr: We asked Jabir bin 'Abdullah about the prayers of the Prophet(ﷺ) . He said, "He used to pray Zuhr prayer at mid-day, the 'Asr when the sun was still hot, and the Maghrib after sunset (at its stated time). The 'Isha was offered early if the people gathered, and used to be delayed if their number was less; and the morning prayer was offered when it was still dark. " (Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 10, Number 540,)

Narrated Ibn Shihab from 'Urwa: 'Aisha said, "Once Allah's Apostle delayed the 'Isha' prayer till 'Umar reminded him by saying, "The prayer!" The women and children have slept. Then the Prophet(ﷺ) came out and said, 'None amongst the dwellers of the earth has been waiting for it (the prayer) except you." Urwa said, "Nowhere except in Medina the prayer used to be offered (in those days)." He further said, "The Prophet(ﷺ) used to offer the 'Isha' prayer in the period between the disappearance of the twilight and the end of the first third of the night."  (Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 10, Number 544)

Narrated 'Aisha: The believing women covered with their veiling sheets used to attend the Fajr prayer with Allah's Apostle, and after finishing the prayer they would return to their home and nobody could recognize them because of darkness. (Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 10, Number 552,)

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar Abu:
I offered with Allah's Apostle a two rak`at prayer before the Zuhr prayer and two rak`at after the Zuhr prayer, two rak`at after Jumua, Maghrib and `Isha' prayers.
حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ بُكَيْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ، عَنْ عُقَيْلٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي سَالِمٌ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ صَلَّيْتُ مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم رَكْعَتَيْنِ قَبْلَ الظُّهْرِ، وَرَكْعَتَيْنِ بَعْدَ الظُّهْرِ، وَرَكْعَتَيْنِ بَعْدَ الْجُمُعَةِ، وَرَكْعَتَيْنِ بَعْدَ الْمَغْرِبِ، وَرَكْعَتَيْنِ بَعْدَ الْعِشَاءِ‏.‏(Sahih Bukhari English reference: Vol. 2, Book 21, Hadith 266; Sahih Bukhari Arabic reference: Book 19, Hadith 1174)

It was narrated from Umm Habibah that: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "Twelve rak'ahs, whoever prays them Allah will build for him a house in Paradise: four rak'ahs before Zuhr and two rak'ahs after Zuhr, two rak'ahs before Asr, two rak'ahs after Maghrib and two rak'ahs before Subh prayer." (Sahih)(Sunan Nasai Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith 1802)

It was narrated that Aishah (رضي الله عنه) said: "The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: 'Whoever persists in praying twelve rak'ahs each day and night will enter Paradise: Four before Zuhr and two after, two rak'ahs after Maghrib, two rak'ahs after Isha' and two rak'ahs before Fajr.'" (Hasan)(Sunan Nasai Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith #1795, #1796,)

It was narrated that 'Ata said: "I was told that Umm Habibah bin Abi Sufyan said: "I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) say: 'Whoever prays twelve rak'ahs during the day and night, apart from the prescribed prayers, Allah (SWT) will build for him a house in Paradise.'" (Sahih)(Sunan Nasai Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith #1797, #1799,)

It was narrated that Ya'la bin Umayyah said: "I came to At-Ta'if and entered upon Anbasah bin Abi Sufyan when he was dying. I saw that he was afraid so I said: 'You will be fine.' He said: 'My sister Umm Habibah told me that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: Whoever prays twelve rak'ahs by day or by night, Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, will build for him a house in Paradise.'" (Sahih)(Sunan Nasai Vol. 2, Book 10, Hadith #1800, #1801,)

It was narrated from Umm Habibah that: The Prophet(ﷺ) (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "Whoever prays twelve rak'ahs during the day and night, a house will be built for him in Paradise." (Sahih)(SUNAN NASEEI : Volume.002, Book 10, Hadith No. #1805, #1806, #1807, #1808, #1809, #1810, #1811,)

Umm Habiba, the wife of the Apostle of Allah(ﷺ), reported, Allah's Messenger(ﷺ) as saying: If any Muslim servant (of Allah) prays for the sake of Allah TWELVE rak'ahs (of Sun'an) every day, over and above the obligatory ones, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise, or a house will be built for him in Paradise; and I have not abandoned to observe the in after (hearing it from the Messenger of Allah). (So said also 'Amr and Nu'man.)(Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Hadith No. #1581 #1579 #1580,)