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Friday Fun

Here’s a list of Indoor and Outdoor Snow Day Activities

What are some fun things to do on a snow day? Snow day activities for kids need to include ideas...

Here’s a Giant List of Indoor Activities to Keep Your Kids Busy this Weekend!

Here is a giant list of indoor activities and projects for kids! Nearly all are free or super-cheap, can be...

Has your teen ever considered entering a writing contest?

In a world where J.K. Rowling’s manuscript of “Harry Potter” was rejected 12 times, it can be easy to become despondent...

Covid Friendly Date Night Ideas to do with your Spouse this Weekend!

One might argue that a date in quarantine looks like spending every waking moment together and then some, as in:...

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....

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....

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...

Camping is All the Rage Right Now – Make sure you’re prepared if this is your first time!

Even if you’re the most urban of creatures, the urge to get out of the city—to camp out, in fact—can...

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...

Kitchen Math- Baking Brownies

It’s no surprise when kids groan at the mention of math homework. From the most mundane to the most ingenious,...

24 Science Experiments Your Kids Will Love

1. Make crystal geodes out of alum powder, eggshells, and glue. I would put this on my coffee table. Get...

Let’s Learn About Trees

Fall is a great time of year for going on a nature hike to learn about trees. In this episode,...

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).