If someone comes forward with allegations of gender-based violence (GBV), one of the first debates that erupts is whether or...
In this article, you’ll more about: Why you should shift from correcting to advising your adult children How to give...
The emphasis on food and the drastic changes in diet and routine during the holy month can be triggering. Ramadan...
This article was written by Shakil Mirza, MPH, and Issra Killawi, B.A. Fareed has struggled with pornography since the age...
Take a moment and imagine the happiest person you know. Got him or her in mind? Now think about how...
Mindfulness may seem like a great idea, but how do you become more mindful in the context of a busy work...
Conflict is part of every human relationship, because every relationship has two people with different needs and perspectives. Our job...
This piece is written for our college-aged or young professional audience, but these tips are relevant for anyone looking to...
Have you known someone going through a tough time and wanted to help but didn’t know how? It’s important to...
My English comp professor freshman year was an amazing teacher. He was great at asking key questions. Twenty years later,...
“Guess what? I’m writing an article on anxiety” I texted my friend. She replied “lmao what? Will it be a...
Two moms found out that kids can hide drugs in places like teddy bears and tennis balls. Donna DeStefano has...
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).
