Prayer: Is Reciting Fātiḥah and Another Sūrah in Silent Congregational Prayers for Focus Permissible?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Prayer: Is Reciting Fātiḥah and Another Sūrah in Silent Congregational Prayers for Focus Permissible?

English:

Question #563:

Although it is not obligatory for him, a follower recites the Fātiḥah and another chapter in congregational noon and afternoon prayers so as to better concentrate on his prayers. What is the ruling regarding his prayers?

Answer #563:

In the prayers which should be said quietly, e.g. the noon and the afternoon prayers, he, by obligatory caution, is not permitted to recite the Fātiḥah and another chapter even if it is to protect oneself from losing his concentration on the prayer. It is mustaḥabb, instead, to say dhikr.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Prayer