The prayer begins with the first Allahu Akbar ( takbiratul ihram ) and ends with the Salam.
The first Salam is fard. The second Salam is sunnat
The NIAT / INTENTION must be "thought of" (not uttered) during the first Allahu Akbar.
This Takhbiratul Ihram must be said fluently without unnecessary prolongation; in fact it must not exceed the time needed to say 7 Aliphs.
The essentials of the Niat for the 5 daily prayers is only 3;
-
(that one is praying) I intend to pray
-
(that this prayer is an obligation) Fard
-
(the specific prayer) e.g Fajr
For the sunnat prayers, also specify before or after the relevant obligatory prayers.
The folded arms can be place between the umbilicus and the chest; this is sunnat. Focus your gaze:
Reading of the Fatiha is obligatory in every rakaat; even when praying behind the Imam.
Pause during Ruku; duration of pause is duration of saying " subhanallah " . It's sunnat here to say the dhikr subhanallah rabbiyal azhim 3x.
Remember, there are 3 other positions where you must ensure adequate pausing (tuma'ninah - for the duration of saying subhanallah):
-
during iktidal
-
during sujud
-
the sitting betwen the 2 sujuds
Do not prolong standing position ( I'tidal ) after Ruku longer than the duration of saying the Fatiha in Qiyam above; except in the last rakaat. Same apply to sitting in between the two prostrations.
For online details with graphics to the Islamic prayer as guided by the Shafii school, check out the links.
