Search
Search
Close this search box.

6 Ways to Cope With Being Single

6 Ways to Cope With Being Single

For many, being single as an adult for an extended period of time is a deeply painful experience — and one that can feel like it will never end. According to a new paper by Jeffrey Jackson of Virginia Tech, there’s a reason why the grief that accompanies singlehood — when one longs to be married — often feels […]

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Are obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors interfering with your daily life? Explore the symptoms, treatment, and self-help for OCD. Read more at the helpguide.org

Master these six skills for conflict management

Master these six skills for conflict management

Today on the Gottman Relationship Blog, we continue the discussion of Manage Conflict by introducing Dr. Gottman’s six skills of conflict management. Many of us connect all too well with comedian Mitch Hedberg’s feelings when he quips, “I got in an argument with a girlfriend inside of a tent. That’s a bad place for an argument, because I tried […]

Mental Illness and Ramadan – A Unique Challenge

Mental Illness and Ramadan - A Unique Challenge

As Sofia partakes in fasting during Ramadan this year, her biggest challenge is far different from that of the majority of Muslims. “Most of my friends will be struggling with keeping their energy levels up, or making sure they pray on time. For most, there’s always a challenge to make sure you don’t overeat. My […]

10 Habits to Shape a Kind, Well-Adjusted Child while quarantined

10 Habits to Shape a Kind, Well-Adjusted Child while quarantined

Parenting is complicated. If we’re not careful, we become too focused on one aspect and let the others fall by the wayside. Many times, I see parents who are intently focused on discipline, and I’m talking about the traditional use of the word here with regard to modifying behavior. Sometimes we get very caught up […]

Need help balancing work- life balance during covid-19?

Need help balancing work- life balance during covid-19?

If you are married to a workaholic, you may feel as if you are married to an unfaithful spouse who’s replaced your intimacy with his or her work. The sense of being alone, the number of broken promises, feelings of anger and disappointment, and a belief that you are not very important are all similar […]

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).