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RESEARCH - EDUCATE - EMPOWER

About The FYI

The Family & Youth Institute is a national organization focused on the mental health of Muslim Americans across their lifespan.

We collaborate with communities to create culturally relevant programs, research, and resources that address mental health challenges and promote well-being.

What Sets Us Apart

Community
Crafted

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These aren’t just expert-made—they’re shaped by real struggles, lived experiences and real Muslim voices.

Research
Backed

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Built by clinicians and researchers using the latest in mental health science, so you know you’re getting reliable, informed support.

Rooted in
Faith

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We don’t separate
mental health from faith—our resources are grounded in Islamic values and speak to both your emotional and spiritual needs.

Easy to Use,
Anytime

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Designed for your everyday life—our resources are available anytime and made to meet you where you are.

Backed by
Muslim Leaders

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Designed for your everyday life—our resources are available anytime and made to meet you where you are.

Real life impact

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Your support helped us create resources that speak to real struggles.

Because of you, our communities are finally seeing mental health support that reflects their lived experiences and faith. With your help, we can keep creating what they are still asking for.

Our Partners

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).