Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
I, much like all other Muslims, strive to build kushu in my salat. From my understanding the muqtadi is to remain silent in the silent Fard prayers, as well as in parts of loud Fard prayers for the last two rakah’s or one (maghrib), as is stated in the position of the Hanafi school.
Now, I’ve noticed reciting sura Fatiha (moving my lips or tongue or even thinking it in my head without sound) behind the Imam in the aforementioned situations helps me concentrate. But if I am not to do this, then what exactly should I be reciting/thinking during those intervals to help me focus and have my salat be correct?
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
I pray that this finds you well, and in the best of health and spirits. May Allah grant you all good and success in this life and the next.
Recitation entails pronouncing the words of the Qur’an. It is not permitted for the follower to recite the Qur’an in prayer. However, it is permitted to “read” the Fatiha in one’s mind without actually reciting it–especially if this helps one concentrate.
In general, one should focus on the Tremendousness of Allah and bring to mind the reality that one is standing before one’s Lord, Creator, and Sustainer. One should turn wholeheartedly with one’s heart, in love, longing, thankfulness, and absolute submission.
Please search SunniPath Answers (http://qa.sunnipath.com) for related answers.
And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani