Writing the Name of Allah on public water coolers

(Part No. 4; Page No. 69) Fatwa no. 11018 All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon the Last of the Prophets.The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’ read the letter that was sent to His Eminence, the General Chairman, from the Director of the Airport Customs Department in Al-Madinah through the Centre of Da‘wah and Guidance in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah and was referred to the Committee by the Department of Scholarly Research and Ifta’ under no. 237 dated 21/1/1408. The following is the text of the question:A letter was received from the General Director of the Customs Department at the Islamic port of Jeddah, under no. 1191/7913 dated 2/12/1407, regarding some public water coolers that were found in Al-Masjid Al-Nabawy (the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah) with the Name of Allah written on them in German, "Gott". The General Director asked us to inform Your Eminence of the matter to know your opinion, and accordingly take any necessary actions. May Allah help you do what serves religion and country.

After reviewing the Fatwa request, the Committee gave the following answer:A: There is no offense in this, because writing the Name of Allah on a public water cooler will not subject it to desecration, and perhaps it is written to indicate that water has been provided in these public water coolers for people to drink, by way of charity, to please Allah (Exalted be He).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.