What is the ruling on preventing a Muslim from performing ablution from a barrel of water located in public housing?

If the water in the barrel does not belong to the aforementioned person, then he is not permitted to prevent others from using it. However, if it is his private property, he may do so, except in cases of necessity. The determination of ownership is based on custom. Preventing water without need and showing a scowl to brothers and neighbors contradicts the commands of Allah and His Messenger regarding kindness and cheerfulness. It also represents a failure on the part of colleagues to offer him advice. A smile in the face of a Muslim is charity, and meeting him with a cheerful countenance is a good deed, as Allah the Almighty commanded: "And speak to people good words" (Quran 2:83) and "And tell My servants to say that which is best" (Quran 17:53). The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity," and "Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face."