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Need help explaining the election to kids? Look no further!

Need help explaining the election to kids? Look no further!

The time is now for kids to learn about the election process, understand the power of their vote, and become active participants in our constitutional democracy. We encourage teachers, administrators, and families to help facilitate learning with these curated, non-partisan election teaching resources. Access a variety of resources here

FYI tips for managing your anxiety in the lead-up to the election

FYI tips for managing your anxiety in the lead-up to the election

Watch This Short Video on Managing Your Anxiety This Election Season Dr. Tahseen – Research Manager with The FYI gives tips and pointers in these days leading up to the election. Learn how to best manage your anxiety, worry, and stress using mental health coping mechanisms, Islamically based principles, and healthy lifestyle choices. Check it out […]

Reaching a Compromise: The Second Part of the State of the Union Meeting

Reaching a Compromise: The Second Part of the State of the Union Meeting

Only after you and your partner both feel understood during your weekly State of the Union Meeting can you begin to problem solve in order to reach a compromise. Not before. The first step in problem-solving is to identify your core needs. Problem-solving fails when partners are not open to being influenced or when one […]

Your Child is Being Bullied Online – How to Spot it and How to Stop It

Your Child is Being Bullied Online - How to Spot it and How to Stop It

Meet Aleena. She’s a vibrant eighth-grader who loves reading, playing basketball, and hanging out with her friends. Since the pandemic began, much of her life has shifted online. Recently, Aleena’s mother, Fatima, has noticed some concerning changes in Aleena. She seems on the edge all the time and stays in her room more and more. […]

Have your kids ever asked “what tree is that?”

Have your kids ever asked "what tree is that?"

This illustrated step-by-step guide makes it easy to identify a tree simply by the kinds of leaves it produces. Begin identifying your tree by choosing the appropriate region at the link below. So the next time your kid asks, “what tree is that?” you’ll have an answer! Check out the step-by-step guide here.

Supporting someone who has had a miscarriage

Supporting someone who has had a miscarriage

Many women and couples feel isolated and alone in their grief after losing a baby. Some may feel that, somehow, they aren’t allowed to grieve, perhaps because they miscarried early or never met their baby. Nothing should stop anyone from grieving for their baby and the future they had imagined. You may worry that you […]

Ways to Reduce Anxiety & Depression During an Election

Ways to Reduce Anxiety & Depression During an Election

The subject of politics is a significant source of stress for Americans. More than half of adults feel that elections are “somewhat” or “very significant” sources of stress. Stress is not always problematic, but when the period of stress becomes long-lasting or exceptionally intense, symptoms like worry, sadness, hopelessness, and physical tension may develop. Without […]

The World’s 15 Best Virtual Tours To Take During The Pandemic

The World’s 15 Best Virtual Tours To Take During The Pandemic

While travel has come to a near standstill during the coronavirus pandemic, technology is allowing you to visit almost any place on the planet in the blink of an eye. According to Google Keyword Planner data, searches for the term “virtual tour” increased seven times—from 1,300 in February to almost 10,000 in March, when governments […]

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).