Islamic teachings on the etiquette and spiritual conditions of prayer

Islamic scholars provide guidance on the spiritual state and etiquette required for prayers to be answered. According to the teachings of Ibrahim bin Adham, as cited in Arba'in an-Nawawiyah, a lack of answered prayers may be linked to a dead heart caused by ten specific spiritual failings, such as knowing God but failing to fulfill His rights.

Imam Al-Ghazali, in his work Ihya Ulumiddin, outlines ten etiquettes for prayer. These include selecting auspicious times, such as the last third of the night, the day of Arafah, the month of Ramadan, or Fridays. Additionally, certain circumstances like rainfall, fasting, and the interval between the call to prayer (azan) and the start of prayer (iqamah) are noted as significant moments for supplication.