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10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah: Our Chance to Connect with Allah (SWT)

The ten days of the Islamic month, Dhul Hijjah, are the best days of the year. This is the month...

How to Prevent Loneliness in a Time of Social Distancing

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How to foster better working relationships even when you’re quarantined

Two professors at the Kellogg School of Management say the loss of routine and a sense of normalcy can result...

5 Simple Ways to Strengthen the Friendship in Your Marriage

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Steps to Ease Dinner Stress for Stepfamilies

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30 Ways To Stay Connected With Your Teen

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Why Personal Time is so Important for Your Happiness

19 Ways To Keep Your Baby or Toddler Happy During Diaper Changes

MOST little ones go through stages of hating diaper changes. Unless you have the rare child who is uncomfortable in...

Dealing with Loneliness and Shyness

Are you shy and self-conscious in social situations? Do you feel isolated and lonely, but unsure how to connect with...

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).