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How are you staying connected with others right now?

How are you staying connected with others right now?

Perhaps one of the toughest things about lockdown for many of us is not being able to see our friends or family. This can take a real toll on our mental health, so it’s important that we try to stay connected even if we can’t physically see people. Here are some tips for staying connected […]

How to Use the Aftermath of a Fight to Repair Your Relationship

How to Use the Aftermath of a Fight to Repair Your Relationship

As humans, we struggle to let go of a memory until we’ve emotionally digested it. It’s likely this has led to our survival as a species. Our brains remain hypervigilant to the things we deem unsafe. As a result, we often perpetuate insecurity in our relationship because we don’t feel safe enough to express our deeper, more […]

20 Pandemic Friendly Rainy Day Activities to do as a family

20 Pandemic Friendly Rainy Day Activities to do as a family

Getting outside to enjoy some fresh air can be a saving grace while stuck at home during COVID-19 social distancing. While springtime brings extended daylight and warmer weather, it’s also known for gray and rainy days. To combat feelings of restlessness, here are 20 rainy day activities that are sure to keep your kids entertained […]

Therapy Guide

Therapy Guide

Therapy Guide Introduction Have you ever asked yourself, “Should I go to therapy?” If so, do you even know where to start? What questions should you ask when interviewing therapists? How do you know if it is a good fit? Once you start, how do you know if it is working? This multi-part FYI Therapy […]

Get outside this weekend! Here’s a nice hiking check-list to get you started

Get outside this weekend! Here's a nice hiking check-list to get you started

Heading out for a day hike is a delightful way to explore nature with friends and family, or even by yourself. Whether you want to go deep into the mountains or stay closer to home, the places to go are numerous; many state and national parks offer broad networks for trails, as does national forest land. […]

Manage Conflict: The Aftermath of a Fight

Manage Conflict: The Aftermath of a Fight

Close quarters, lack of clear guidance, constant changes and children perpetually underfoot have left many parents scrambling to navigate the complicated process of agreeing on rules. Bridging the parental divide might feel especially frustrating and confusing right now. “Given the current state of the world, everything feels more emotionally charged,” says Stephanie Lee, PsyD, a […]

Parenting Disagreements During COVID

Parenting Disagreements During COVID

Close quarters, lack of clear guidance, constant changes and children perpetually underfoot have left many parents scrambling to navigate the complicated process of agreeing on rules. Bridging the parental divide might feel especially frustrating and confusing right now. “Given the current state of the world, everything feels more emotionally charged,” says Stephanie Lee, PsyD, a […]

How to host a virtual game night

How to host a virtual game night

It’s been a hard few weeks, and you may be experiencing some stress, loneliness, or both. Playing board games with friends and family can be one of the best ways to feel connected and relieve that stress. But many of us are following guidelines for self-isolating and social distancing in order to slow the spread […]

How to recognize different types of learning disorders and their signs

How to recognize different types of learning disorders and their signs

Learning disabilities, or learning disorders, are an umbrella term for a wide variety of learning problems. A learning disability is not a problem with intelligence or motivation. Kids with learning disabilities aren’t lazy or dumb. In fact, most are just as smart as everyone else. Their brains are simply wired differently. This difference affects how […]

Building Developmental Relationships With Young People During COVID-19

Building Developmental Relationships With Young People During COVID-19

Search Institute’s research is demonstrating that when young people experience developmental relationships with parents, educators, youth program staff, and other adults their outcomes are better, their risk behaviors are lower, and they are more likely to be on the path to thrive in life. Staff in schools and youth programs should not stop seeking to […]

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).