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Pre-Marriage Considerations – Top 5 Reasons for Conflict among American Muslim Couples

Introduction

Did you know that 1 in 3 American Muslims get divorced? Did you know that that is not far below the national average? Did you know that there are ways to help prevent this outcome? By looking at the top 5 reasons for discord or conflict in marriages we can help anticipate areas where more discussion is needed. Prevention matters!

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Pre-Marriage Considerations – Top 5 Reasons for Conflict among American Muslim Couples
Pre-Marriage Considerations – Top 5 Reasons for Conflict among American Muslim Couples
Pre-Marriage Considerations – Top 5 Reasons for Conflict among American Muslim Couples

The infographic above is derived from data found in the following detailed research papers:

Killawi, A. (FYI Research Fellow), Daneshpour, M., Elmi, A., Dadras, I,. & Hamada, H. (2014). Recommendations for promoting healthy marriages & preventing divorce in the American Muslim community. Institute of Social Policy & Understanding.

Chapman, A., & Cattaneo, L.B. (2013) American Muslim marital quality: A preliminary investigation. Journal of Muslim Mental Health. 

Rhoades, G.K., & Stanley, S. M. (2014) Before “I Do,” What do premarital experiences have to do with marital quality among today’s young adults?. The National Marriage Project.

Zakat eligibility of The FYI

The Family & Youth Institute, or The FYI, is a well-known Muslim organization in the United States. It works to promote mental health and wellness by strengthening and empowering individuals, families, and communities through research and education. It has been working for many years to bring Islamic perspectives to understanding and promoting mental health in our communities.

It is dedicated to serving and supporting Muslims – safeguarding our deen, our families, and our future generations. Therefore, the work of The FYI comes in the category of ‘fi sabeelillah’ or the Path of Allah, within the eight categories where Zakat money can be used.

Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah, and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah, And Allah, is Knowing and Wise.”
(Al-Tawbah 9:60)

According to scholars who widen the meaning of fee sabeelillah to include any activities that promote Islamic growth, The FYI is indeed eligible to receive part of the Zakat funds for its programs and services. I urge Muslims in America to support this organization through their donations, general charity, and through their Zakat. I ask Allah swt to strengthen and guide The FYI to continue its good work in supporting Muslims.

Shaikh Ali Suleiman Ali, PhD

About Shaikh Ali

Sh. Ali Suleiman Ali was born in Ghana where he spent his childhood studying with various Muslim scholars. He then moved to Saudi Arabia and enrolled in the Islamic University of Madina.  He graduated with a degree in both Arabic and Islamic Studies. Dr. Ali went on to complete his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Sh. Ali serves on the Advisory Council of The Family & Youth Institute. He is the Senior Imam and Director of the Muslim Community of Western Suburbs in Canton, Michigan. Additionally, he serves as the Director of Muslim Family Services in Detroit and is a council member of the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA). He is also a member of the North American Imams Federation (NAIF) and the Association of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA).