Introduction

The following are the Sunan elements of prayer:

1. The opening supplication.
2. While standing, placing one`s right hand on one`s left, over he chest; before bowing and after rising from that position
3. With joined and outstretched fingers, raising one`s hands, so that they are parallel to his shoulders or to his ears, in the following situations:
   • The opening Takbir
   • When going down to bow
   • when rising from the bowing position
   • and when rising from the first Tashahhud, i.e., standing for the third unit of prayer.
4. Saying the statements of glorification more than once while bowing and prostrating.
5. What may be added to Rabbana wa Lakal-Hamd after standing from the bowing position, and supplicating for forgiveness more than once between the two prostrations.
6. To place the head at the same angle and level of one`s back during the bowing position
7. While prostrating, one should distance his upper arms from his sides, his stomach from his thighs, and his thighs from his calves.
8. Keeping forearms away from the ground while prostrating.
9. During the first Tashahhud and between the two prostrations one should place his buttocks on his left calf and foot, while his right foot should be erected, and with the bottom of his foot facing the opposite direction of the Qiblah
10. Specifically in the last Tashahhud of the three-unit and four-unit prayer, one should let his buttocks rest on the ground, while his left calf is resting under his right leg, once again resting the weight of the right foot on its toes, with the bottom of the foot facing away the Qiblah
11. Pointing one`s right index finger during both the first and last Tashahhud, from the time one sits until the time he finishes the Tashahhud; and in the same position, he should move that finger when he is supplicating.
12. During the first , sending blessings on the Prophet , his family, on Ibrahim and on his family.
13. To supplicate during the final Tashahhud.
14. Audible recitation during the Fajr prayer, the Jumu`a prayer, the two Eid prayers, the prayer for rain, and in the first two units of the Maghrib and Isha prayers.
15. Quiet recitation during the Zuhr prayer, the Asr prayer, the third unit of the Maghrib prayer, and the last two units of Isha prayer.
16. Reciting more than Al-Fatihah during prayer.

Just as one should follow those Sunan mentioned above, one should also follow those not mentioned above, one should also follow those not mentioned among them: saying more than Rabbana wa Laka-Hamd, for the Imam, his follower, and the one who is reading alone, for that is a Sunnah. Another example is to place one`s hands on one`s knees during the bowing position, with his fingers spread out.

You should know that the Shaikh mentioned only some of the Sunnah elements of prayer, whereas there are more, the people of knowledge classify those elements into sayings and deeds. You may also check the section The Prophet`s Prayer Described for details.
There are seventeen sayings in prayer that are Sunnah:

1. The Opening Supplication.
2. Seeking refuge in Allah from the shaitan (devil)
3. The Basmalah.
4. Saying "Ameen" after the Opening Chapter.
5. Reciting a Surah of the Quran in the first two units.
6. Reciting a Surah of the Quran in the Fajr prayer
7. Reciting a Surah of the Quran in the Jumuah prayer
8. Reciting a Surah of the Quran in the voluntary prayers
9. Reciting a Surah of the Quran in two Eid prayers
10. Reciting out loud when required.
11. Reciting Quietly when required.
12. After standing from bowing, reading, "Mil`as-Samawaati wal-Ard..." to the end of that supplication.
13. Saying the statements of glorification more than once when Rukoo (bowing)
14. Saying the statements of glorification more than once during the Sujood (prostrations)
15. Between two prostrations, asking Allah for forgiveness more than once.
16. In the last Tashahhud, seeking refuge in Allah from four trials.
17. In the first Tashahhud, sending prayers and blessings on Muhammad and his family.