What is the correct way to avoid absentmindedness in prayer, and is thinking about reciting the Qur’an and its rulings, or the number of rak’ahs and verses during prayer considered absentmindedness?

The remedy for absentmindedness and distraction in prayer lies in turning to Allah and focusing on the prayer with one's heart and limbs, understanding the recitation, being mindful of Allah's greatness and His watchfulness, and abstaining from worldly thoughts. Thinking about the Qur'an and its rulings is not absentmindedness unless it distracts the worshipper from the pillars of prayer. Thinking about the number of rak'ahs is not absentmindedness; rather, it relates to completing the prayer. A person receives from their prayer only what they comprehend of it, as Ibn Abbas said.