Muslims frequently ask about religious rulings related to everyday matters, including whether an alleged image of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ may be shared, whether slightly altered tap water can be used for ablution, how zakat applies to bank deposits and their returns, and whether a husband can reclaim a gift given to his wife.
The following summarizes the rulings and scholarly explanations presented in the cited cases.
Can an Alleged Image of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Be Shared?
Dr. Atiya Lashin, a member of Al-Azhar's Fatwa Committee, explained that the status of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is highly revered and that Muslims are required to honor him and protect his status from anything inappropriate.
He cited Allah's statement:
“Say, O Prophet, I am only a human being like you, to whom it has been revealed that your God is only One God.”
He also emphasized that prophets and messengers were chosen and honored by Allah, citing verses concerning their selection and elevation.
According to the explanation, an image presented as a genuine depiction of the Prophet ﷺ should not be shared or circulated as an authentic image because there is no reliable basis for establishing the authenticity of such images.
What Is the Ruling on Depicting the Prophet ﷺ?
Dr. Atiya Lashin stated that depicting or portraying the Prophet ﷺ in artistic or dramatic works is not permissible according to the position presented in the fatwa.
He also emphasized the importance of preserving the dignity and status of the Prophet's Companions and avoiding portrayals that could distort their status or associate them with roles inappropriate to their historical standing.
Can Slightly Altered Tap Water Be Used for Ablution?
The Egyptian Dar al-Ifta explained that using tap water for ablution remains permissible when its taste or color changes slightly because of contact with a pure substance, provided the water is still considered ordinary unrestricted water.
Allah says:
“And We sent down from the sky pure water.”
The Prophet ﷺ also described seawater as pure and suitable for purification.
The basic principle is that water remains pure and suitable for purification as long as it retains the characteristics that allow it to be called ordinary water.
When Does Changed Water Become Unsuitable for Ablution?
If water changes because of impurity in a way that affects its color, taste or smell, it cannot be used for ritual purification.
However, if the change results from a pure substance and does not remove the water from its ordinary classification, ablution remains valid.
Therefore, a slight change in tap water caused by a pure substance does not prevent its use for ablution as long as it remains water in the legal sense.
Is Zakat Due on the Deposit or Its Return?
Dr. Atiya Lashin explained that the question falls under the broader issue of zakat on newly acquired wealth.
If additional money is generated through the operation or growth of existing zakatable wealth, the additional amount may be treated together with the original wealth when zakat becomes due, provided it remains available at the time zakat is calculated.
If the return has already been spent on ordinary living expenses, zakat is due only on the qualifying wealth that remains and meets the conditions of zakat.
A different ruling applies to wealth received independently of the original funds, such as an inheritance, gift, bequest or savings from salary. Scholars have discussed different methods for calculating its zakat year, depending on the circumstances.
What Are the Conditions for Zakat?
Zakat becomes due when qualifying wealth reaches the applicable nisab and the other conditions are fulfilled, including the passage of one lunar year for forms of wealth for which a full year is required.
Allah says:
“And in their wealth there was a recognized right for the needy and the deprived.”
The Quran also specifies the categories of people eligible to receive zakat.
Can a Husband Reclaim a Gift Given to His Wife?
Dr. Ali Gomaa, a member of Al-Azhar's Council of Senior Scholars, addressed a case involving a husband who gave his wife an apartment and a car as compensation for leaving employment and dedicating herself to raising their children.
According to the ruling presented, the wife had left her work at her husband's request and devoted herself to caring for their children. The husband later fulfilled his promise by giving her the apartment and car.
Years later, following marital disagreements, he asked to reclaim them.
Dr. Ali Gomaa explained that when such a gift has been completed and ownership has passed to the wife, the husband may not reclaim it in the circumstances described. The marital relationship was cited as one of the circumstances preventing revocation of the gift.
Supplications for Forgiveness and Fulfillment of Needs
Among the comprehensive Quranic supplications is:
“Our Lord! Do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us. Grant us mercy from You. Surely You are the Giver of all gifts.”
Among the prophetic supplications is:
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from the burden of debt and from being overcome by others.”
Another comprehensive supplication asks Allah for all forms of goodness in this world and the Hereafter and seeks protection from all forms of evil.
A Muslim may also ask Allah for forgiveness, relief from hardship and fulfillment of lawful needs using any appropriate supplication. However, a particular supplication should not be described as specifically prescribed for the noon prayer or another particular time unless there is evidence establishing that specification.
Can an alleged image of the Prophet ﷺ be shared?
It should not be circulated as an authentic image of the Prophet ﷺ because there is no reliable evidence establishing the authenticity of such depictions.
Can slightly altered tap water be used for ablution?
Yes, when the change is slight, caused by a pure substance and the water remains legally classified as ordinary water.
Is zakat due on a deposit and its return?
The ruling depends on the nature of the return, whether it remains in the owner's possession and whether the conditions of zakat are fulfilled.
Can a husband reclaim a gift given to his wife?
According to the ruling discussed, if the gift was completed and ownership passed to the wife under the circumstances described, the husband may not reclaim it.
Is there a specific noon-prayer supplication for fulfilling needs?
There is no established evidence requiring a specific supplication for the noon prayer. Muslims may make lawful supplications at any time.
