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Teach Kids How to STOP Negative Thinking

“I can’t”

“I’ll never be able to”

“I always mess up”

These self talk messages are common among all of us. And they are dangerous. They are self-limiting and destroy self-esteem. Being aware that we are saying these things…to our self and others…is the first step in stopping negative thinking.

In reading “Giraffes Can’t Dance”, by Giles Andreae (this month’s featured author for the Virtual Book Club for Kids), I realized that the book would be an excellent way to discuss the power of negative self-talk and how to stop negative thinking.  The giraffe in the book really wants to dance … but the animals tell him he can’t dance. And, he believes them. That is until a tiny friend challenges that thought.

The message is wonderful to talk about with children (at home, at school, or in therapy!). How saying someone can’t do something can be really hurtful…and how telling your self you can’t accomplish something can stop you from the possibility of even trying! When reading the book, ask your kids how they think the other animals are feeling.

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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).