I used artificial nails on my wedding night, but I was surprised to find out that they require at least a week to remove. However, I performed all my prayers during that period. What is the ruling on those prayers?
If these nails prevent water from reaching one's skin then your prayer are invalid and obliged to redo all of them. And Allah Knows Best.
Is there zakat on social security savings (retirement benefits)?
If the retirement benefits are received, zakat is due on them for one year. Before receiving them, they are not in the person’s possession to be liable for zakat. And Allah Knows Best.
What is the Du`a (supplication) of Istikhara (guidance prayer)?
O Allah, I consult You as You are All-Knowing and I appeal to You to give me power as You are Omnipotent, I ask You for Your great favor, for You have power and I do not, and You know all of the hidden matters. O Allah! If you know that this matter (then he should mention it) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and for my life in the Hereafter, or he said: "for my present and future life" then make it (easy) for me. And if you know that this matter is not good for me in my religion, my livelihood and my life in the Hereafter, or he said: "for my present and future life" then keep it away from me and take me away from it and choose what is good for me wherever it is and please me with it."
Should water be put in the deceased`s mouth and nose while washing him/her?
Putting water in the mouth and nose of the deceased while washing him is impermissible.
