There are some recommendations that Muslims should keep in mind when they pray. These recommendations are actions and words that the prophet (PBUH) has performed and his companions followed his footsteps.

What is recommended (Sunnah) in prayer

These are of two types: actions and words" [1]

The Sunnah words of the prayer are as follows: 

1- Saying after the opening takbeer, “Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bi hamdika, wa tabaaraka ismuka, wa ta’aala jadduka wa laa ilaaha ghayruka (Glory and praise be to You, O Allah; blessed be Your name, exalted be Your Majesty, and there is no god but You).” This is called du’aa’ al-istiftaah (opening du’aa’).

2- Seeking refuge with Allah.

3- Saying Bismillaah.

4- Saying Ameen.

5- Reciting a surah after al-Faatihah.

6- Reciting out loud, in the case of the imam or individual in the first two rak'ah of Fajr, Maghreb and Isha.

7- Saying after the tahmeed (Rabbana wa laka’l-hamd): “Mil’ al-samawaati wa mil’ al-ard wa mil’ ma shi’ta min shay’in ba’d (Filling the heavens, filling the earth, and filling whatever else You wish).” 

8- Saying the tasbeeh (when bowing or in prostration) more than once, such as a second or third time or more.

9- Saying “Rabb ighfir li (Lord forgive me)” more than once between the two prostrations.

10- Saying the recommended du’aa’ after offering the salutation upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his family known as Assalatul Ibrahimiyah.

 Sunnah actions which are postures: 

1- Raising the hands when saying the opening takbeer.

 2- Raising the hands when bowing.

 3- Raising the hands when rising from bowing.

 4- Raising the hands after the first tashahud while standing up for the 3rd rak'ah. 

 5- Placing the right hand over the left on the chest while in the standing position.

  6- Looking towards the place of prostration.

  7- Standing with the feet apart.

 8- Holding the knees with fingers spread apart when bowing, holding the back straight and making the head parallel with it.

 9- Placing the parts of the body on which one prostrates firmly on the ground. Keeping the elbows away from the sides, and the belly from the thighs, and the thighs from the calves; keeping the knees apart; holding the feet upright; placing the hands level with the shoulders with the fingers spread.

10- Sitting between the two prostrations and in the first tashahhud in a way that is known as Iftirash. This is sitting on the left foot while raising the right foot. In the last rak'ah of a 3 or 4 rak'ah prayers, the Sunnah is to sit in what is known as Tawarruk. This is to sit on the left hip while placing the left foot underneath the right leg. 

11- Placing the hands on the thighs with the fingers together between the two prostrations, and in the tashahhud, except that in the latter the pinkie and ring fingers should be held in, a circle made with the middle finger and thumb, and one should point with the forefinger while shaking it in its place when in the tashahud position.

12- Turning to the right and left when saying the salaam to conclude the prayers.