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It’s time to get the kids back in the kitchen

It's time to get the kids back in the kitchen

Looking for inspiration? We’re here for you. All our Cooking with Kids recipes have been kid-tested in Northern New Mexico schools (the secret is that kids help make them, so check out our how-to videos, too!) Plus, keep scrolling for links to some of our personal go-to’s for when we need inspiration (because who doesn’t […]

Self-esteem: Take steps to feel better about yourself

Self-esteem: Take steps to feel better about yourself

Low self-esteem can negatively affect virtually every facet of your life, including your relationships, your job and your health. But you can boost your self-esteem by taking cues from types of mental health counseling. Consider these steps, based on cognitive behavioral therapy. The steps from the Mayo Clinic can be found here

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Infographic

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Infographic

When we hear about situations like the Jerry Sandusky case at Penn State, the Miramonte Elementary School scandal in Los Angeles, or reports of a child being sexually abused in our own communities, the natural response is to ask “what happened?” At Prevent Child Abuse America, we are focused on answering a second question: “what […]

How to prepare your child for daycare or school with coronavirus (COVID-19) precautions

How to prepare your child for daycare or school with coronavirus (COVID-19) precautions

Before sending your child to daycare or school, practice wearing masks, greeting friends without touching, and washing hands frequently. And be ready to talk about what’s changed and to support your child emotionally. As kids go back to daycares and schools, they’ll find new precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Safety measures are […]

How to get your kids in the back to school mood?

How to get your kids in the back to school mood?

Back in grade school, the ride home at the end of the day would always be the same. As soon as I was buckled in, I launched into a detailed rehashing of the school day’s events. I would spend the whole ride home talking about my day, while my older brother would sit in silence, […]

4 Tips to Co-Parenting During the Coronavirus Crisis

4 Tips to Co-Parenting During the Coronavirus Crisis

Co-parenting may become a whole new ballgame during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic.  For divorced couples who are already struggling with a range of financial, emotional, and logistical stresses, the disruption the coronavirus is bringing to our communities and families will likely present a huge challenge. In this situation, each parent has a choice: to rise […]

Supporting your child’s mental health as they return to school during COVID-19

Supporting your child’s mental health as they return to school during COVID-19

The coronavirus outbreak has caused major disruptions to daily life and children are feeling these changes deeply. While the return to school will be not only welcome but exciting for many students, others will be feeling anxious or frightened. Here are tips to help your children navigate some of the complicated emotions they may be […]

Back to school in a pandemic: A guide

Back to school in a pandemic: A guide

One of the most challenging and divisive decisions of the coronavirus pandemic is whether and how to reopen schools this fall. This guide takes you through the different questions and concerns that you may have as a parent or a teacher— from keeping kids safe at school to teacher and staff safety to actionable items […]

Yes we’re still in a pandemic, yes, you still need a vacation.

Yes we're still in a pandemic, yes, you still need a vacation.

Millions of Americans are currently under stay-at-home orders and many have postponed or entirely canceled their vacation plans for the current year. In the meantime, local staycations seem to be most people’s only option, unless you have a second vacation home or extra money to spend on a short-term rental or hotel room with limited human contact. The […]

“Am I Pretty?”: What Moms, Daughters Really Think About Looks

“Am I Pretty?”: What Moms, Daughters Really Think About Looks

“Mom, you’re beautiful.” That’s what the vast majority — about 90% — of girls surveyed by KidsHealth had to say about their mothers. And the feeling is mutual: Just about as many moms tell their girls that they’re beautiful. On the flipside, though, only 41% of girls would call themselves “pretty” or “beautiful.” Among moms, […]

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).