Hasan narrates that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would observe silence three times during the prayer: after saying the opening takbir until beginning Surah Al-Fatihah, after reciting Surah Al-Fatihah before starting another surah, and after completing the surah before saying the takbir for bowing (ruku).

Hazrat Abu Huraira narrates that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to remain silent for a short while between saying the Takbeer and the recitation after the Takbeer.

Hazrat Amr bin Muhajir says that Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz used to make two pauses in prayer: one after saying the takbeer, and the other after finishing Surah Al-Fatiha.

Hazrat Samurah bin Jundub narrates that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would observe silence twice: once after starting the prayer, and the second time after completing the recitation. This narration seemed strange to Hazrat Imran bin Husain, so he sought Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka'b's opinion about it through a letter. He replied that Hazrat Samurah speaks the truth.

Hazrat Mughira narrates that when Ibrahim said the takbeer, he would remain silent for a little while, and after finishing Surah Al-Fatiha, he would again remain silent for a little while. Then, when he stood up for the second rak'ah, he would not remain silent and would begin Surah Al-Fatiha immediately.

Hasan says that the Imam will remain silent twice: once after saying the takbeer and before recitation, and the second time after finishing the surah and before going into ruku.

Hazrat Abdur Rahman A'raj says that I prayed with Hazrat Abu Hurairah; when he said the takbeer, he would remain silent for a short while and then begin Surah Al-Fatiha.