This time of year many of us are working on saving money and getting on track with our budgets by...
Celebrate the beginning of a new school year with a fun game of Back to School BINGO and snacks! Get...
If you’re still looking for safe, fun things for your kid to do and your kiddo is climbing the walls, maybe a...
The clues from this escape room for kids can be found at home or are fairly inexpensive and easy to get...
Here is a giant list of indoor activities and projects for kids! Nearly all are free or super-cheap, can be...
With leaves falling all around us this time of year and kids needing something to do while social distancing, why...
Heading out for a day hike is a delightful way to explore nature with friends and family, or even by yourself....
Millions of Americans are currently under stay-at-home orders and many have postponed or entirely canceled their vacation plans for the...
Picture the perfect summer and you might envision barbecues with friends, pool parties, and sightseeing vacations. There’s always plenty to look...
I am a college student at Duquesne University and have, like all other students across the country, switched to online classes for the...
Friendships cross boundaries of religion, culture, age, income level, and education. Besides that, they’re also key to our personal happiness...
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
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).
