Scholars differ on sending blessings upon the Prophet in Tashahhud. Opinions range from it being a pillar, obligatory, or Sunnah. Most likely, it is Sunnah, not invalidating prayer if omitted.

Saying Bismillah out loud in Al-Fatihah in the prayer is permissible; it is not a Bid`ah or prohibited. But most of the time in his prayer, the Prophet did not pronounce it out loud; rather he recited it quietly.

When praying alone, a Muslim intends the following by saying the Salam at the end of the prayer: 1- To exit the prayer. 2- To send Salam upon the recording angels. If one is praying in congregation, then he adds: 3- To send Salam upon his fellow-worshippers.

Placing the hands on the chest is what is established in the Sunnah. Hands are placed on the chest in two ways: 1- Placing the right hand on top of the left hand, wrist and forearm. 2- Clasping the right hand over the left.

Prophet Muhammad used to recite out loud in Fajr prayer, the first two Rak`ahs of Maghrib and `Isha’, and Jumu`ah prayer. He would recite quietly in Dhurh and `Asr prayers, the third Rak`ah of Maghrib prayer, the third and fourth Rak`ahs of `Isha’ prayer.

It is recommended for the Imam and the one who is praying alone to pray facing a Sutrah. The best Sutrah that a person puts when praying is the height of the back of a saddle, approximately two-thirds of a cubit, but if it is less than that, it does not matter; even if it is an arrow or a stick, it is acceptable.

Du`a Al-Istiftah is the opening supplication recited after saying "Allahu Akbar" in prayer. Several versions have been narrated, including "Allahumma ba`id bayni wa bayna khatayaya kama ba`adta bayna Al-mashriqi wal-maghrib. Allahumma naqqini min Al-khataya kama yunaqqa ath-thawb Al-abyad min Ad-danas. Allahumma ighsil khatayaya bil-ma’i wath-thalji wal-ma’i wal-barad."