Search
Search
Close this search box.

Soul Movie Discussion Guide — Part 3: Our Souls and Brains Are Amazing

Soul Movie Discussion Guide — Part 3: Our Souls and Brains Are Amazing

In part 1 and part 2 of the Soul Movie Guide Series, we discussed how the movie provides insight and discussion points on knowledge about death and afterlife, the purpose of life, and finding meaning in every moment. In Part 3, we will be discussing how amazing our brains and souls are, and providing support […]

Celebrate Eid. It’s What Allah (SWT) Wants You To Do

Celebrate Eid. It’s What Allah (SWT) Wants You To Do

Holidays may seem as simple as a day to have fun and celebrate. But they are far more important to our well-being and identity. Celebrating the holidays builds resilience in all of us. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the impact of celebrating Eid on our well-being and spirit.   Celebrating Eid is To Celebrate […]

Soul Movie Discussion Guide — Part 2: It’s the Journey That Matters

Soul Movie Discussion Guide — Part 2: It’s the Journey That Matters

In part 1 of the Soul Movie Guide series, we discussed themes about the blessing of knowing about the afterlife and death as Muslims, pondering on the intensity of death, and working for the life that comes after death.  In part 2, we will be discussing the next theme from the movie, which has to do with […]

Soul Movie Discussion Guide — Part 1: The Blessing of Knowing about the Afterlife

Soul Movie Discussion Guide — Part 1: The Blessing of Knowing about the Afterlife

If you’re looking to “jazz” up your family movie night with meaningful reflections and teachable moments, the Disney Pixar Soul (2020), has the potential to do just that. Refer to this synopsis for a recap of the movie to help you understand the character references and movie plots with this article. *Please note that the topics and themes in the movie may […]

10 Family Eid Crafts And Baking Activities!

10 Family Eid Crafts And Baking Activities!

Eid is almost here and everyone’s getting ready to end their month of fasting! Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations tend to include with a good amount of feasting, gifting and bonding with friends and relatives. And If you have kids at home, you can add one more to this list – crafting! Here are 10 amazing Eid crafts […]

Here’s How To Give Back To Your Community From Home

Here's How To Give Back To Your Community From Home

This is a question that many of us may still be struggling with as we finish these last few blessed days of Ramadan. Many of us spent most of the month missing our friends and family and figuring out new ways to catch the blessings this year. While we have no control over our current […]

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).