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Our Team

Meet the Minds Behind the Mission!

Get to know the passionate individuals who drive our vision forward. Our team, a dynamic blend of experts and professionals, is dedicated to creating a world where individuals and families grow and flourish, laying the foundations for strong and thriving communities. From conducting research to engaging communities, they each bring unique insights and skills that are the heartbeat of our efforts and impact. Meet the incredible talent working diligently to make our transformative vision a reality!

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors at The FYI consists of experienced leaders who drive our organization’s success. With strategic thinking and industry expertise, they inspire our employees and foster a culture of excellence. Guided by integrity and customer satisfaction, our executive team sets high standards for our company, making strategic decisions to propel us forward.

Executive Team

Our executive team at The FYI consists of experienced leaders who drive our organization’s success. With strategic thinking and industry expertise, they inspire our employees and foster a culture of excellence. Guided by integrity and customer satisfaction, our executive team sets high standards for our company, making strategic decisions to propel us forward.

Research Team

Our Research Team at The FYI consists of experienced leaders who drive our organization’s success. With strategic thinking and industry expertise, they inspire our employees and foster a culture of excellence. Guided by integrity and customer satisfaction, our executive team sets high standards for our company, making strategic decisions to propel us forward.

Community Education

Engaging, empowering, and incredibly inspiring, our community educators bridge the gap between our research and the real world! With a passion for teaching and a deep understanding of community needs, they bring our findings to life at every workshop and community event.

Support Team

Behind every successful effort is a team working tirelessly behind the scenes! Our Support Team ensures every process flows seamlessly. From supporting our researchers to coordinating with communities – and everything in between, they ensure our goals are met efficiently and effectively.

Intern Cohort

The future leaders of this meaningful work are rising! Our enthusiastic interns step up with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, all while learning the ropes and making meaningful contributions to our mission.

Advisory Council

Meet the experts who bring a wealth of experience and innovative perspective to guide our work! Our advisors are our compass, bringing together strategic insights and deep understanding of community needs to ensure that every initiative is impactful, relevant, and forward-thinking.

Board of Directors

The backbone of our organization, our Board of Directors brings a wealth of experience and strategic thinking to the table. Their collective wisdom ensures we stay true to our core values while pushing the narrative forward and rising to new heights.

Executive Team

Introducing our fearless leaders, the dedicated group of visionaries committed to shaping our direction and empowering us all in our efforts to make our vision a reality!

Research Team

The brilliant minds propelling our cutting-edge research forward! Our research team is a blend of seasoned experts and budding scholars, all devoted to collaborating with you to uncover groundbreaking insights that resonate, empower, and make a real difference in your community.

Community Education

Engaging, empowering, and incredibly inspiring, our community educators bridge the gap between our research and the real world! With a passion for teaching and a deep understanding of community needs, they bring our findings to life at every workshop and community event.

Support Team

Behind every successful effort is a team working tirelessly behind the scenes! Our Support Team ensures every process flows seamlessly. From supporting our researchers to coordinating with communities – and everything in between, they ensure our goals are met efficiently and effectively.

Intern Cohort

The future leaders of this meaningful work are rising! Our enthusiastic interns step up with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, all while learning the ropes and making meaningful contributions to our mission.

Advisory Council

Meet the experts who bring a wealth of experience and innovative perspective to guide our work! Our advisors are our compass, bringing together strategic insights and deep understanding of community needs to ensure that every initiative is impactful, relevant, and forward-thinking.

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).