Is it obligatory to look at the place of prostration during prayer or at the Imam when saying the Takbirat al-Ihram, and must prayers be repeated if one's gaze was incorrect?

Looking at the place of prostration while standing in prayer is recommended, and prayer is not invalidated by omitting it. Scholars have differed regarding where a worshipper should look while standing; the majority of scholars stated that it is recommended to look at the place of prostration, while the Malikis said one should look straight ahead. As for obsessive thoughts (waswasah), their cure is to ignore them and not pay attention to them, and to proceed with the prayer, disregarding the whispers.