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Haven’t had a chance to gain the benefits of Dhul-Hijjah? There’s still time.

Haven't had a chance to gain the benefits of Dhul-Hijjah? There's still time.

Haven’t had a chance to gain the benefits of Dhul-Hijjah? There’s still time, watch this series with your family to help get you motivated! Dhul Hijjah’s blessings are little known relative to Ramadan, but in many ways it’s even more full of opportunities to benefit and achieve a full roster of deeds through increased dhikr, […]

10 Days of Dhul Hijjah Daily Planner

10 Days of Dhul Hijjah Daily Planner

The blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah are here! Increasing your spiritual health can help protect and support your mental health. Check out this 10-day Dhul-Hijjah planner to help you grow in these blessed days!

Divorce: From Stigma to Support

Divorce: From Stigma to Support

By Romiesa Ahmed, B.A., and Madiha Tahseen, Ph.D. Have you heard of the saying, if a tree falls in the forest and nobody is around to hear it, does it make a sound? If a divorce happens, and we shove it under the rug, did it happen? Like many other taboo subjects in our Muslim […]

How to make this summer special for your family

How to make this summer special for your family

Picture the perfect summer and you might envision barbecues with friends, pool parties, and sightseeing vacations. There’s always plenty to look forward to about the season of sun. But with the coronavirus pandemic changing the landscape of available—and acceptable—activities, summer 2020 may look a bit different than usual. Despite the disappointment of canceled concerts, cruises, and […]

Teen Drug Abuse and Addiction

Teen Drug Abuse and Addiction

Despite what many sources claim, drug use among teens is at its lowest level in decades. However, teen drug abuse and addiction has not disappeared completely. Addictive drugs and substances are everywhere in our society. Some have been around for decades or even centuries, while others have just cropped up in recent years. Treatment centers […]

Co-Parenting Tips for Divorced Parents

Co-Parenting Tips for Divorced Parents

Co-parenting amicably after a split is rarely easy, but by making joint custody work you can give your children the stability, security, and close relationships with both parents that they need. Read on from helpguide.org here

Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease

Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease

Can Alzheimer’s and dementia be prevented? Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the biggest concerns many of us have as we get older. The thought of developing the disease can be a frightening prospect, especially if you’ve witnessed a loved one affected by dementia. While you may have been told that all you can do is […]

Black Islam Syllabus

Black Islam Syllabus

This project is curated by Kayla Renée Wheeler and was inspired by Professor Najeeba Syeed-Miller, #BlackInMSA, and MuslimARC.  The goal of this project is to provide teachers, professors, researchers, journalists, and people interested in learning more about Islam with resources on Black Muslims to promote a more inclusive approach to the study of Islam.  If you would like to contribute […]

How Mental Illness Affects Romantic Relationships

How Mental Illness Affects Romantic Relationships

Nearly half of adults experience a mental illness at least once in their lifetime. Research and practical experience tell us that mental illness can cause a person to have decreased quality of life, decreased productivity and employment, and even impaired physical health. A mental illness—including post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcoholism—can also affect a person’s relationships. There may be no relationship more affected […]

Divorce Support Toolkit

Divorce Support Toolkit

This toolkit provides resources and practical tips on maneuvering through a divorce, regardless of what stage of the process you are in. Home Toolkits What’s on This Page Contemplating Divorce In the Midst of Divorce After a Divorce Stigma, Trends, and Latest Research Infographic: Marital Conflict and Road to Success American Muslim communities are experiencing […]

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).