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#PoptheStigma

challenge

Busting myths and breaking stigma

Mental health struggles are real — but in too many Muslim spaces, they’re still dismissed, ignored, or shamed. That silence hurts. It isolates. It delays healing.

That’s why we launched #PoptheStigma — a bold campaign to name the struggle, share stories, and push back against the harmful myths that keep us from seeking the support we deserve.

#PoptheStigma

Name the Stigma - Write it on a balloon

Choose a word or phrase representing a mental health stigma or a struggle you’ve overcome and write it on a balloon. Examples: “Therapy is for the weak” or “Boys don’t cry”

Pop It - Literally!

Make a video, boomerang or photo of you popping the balloon.

Share your video and nominate people

Post the video on social media and nominate 3 people to participate in the challenge.

Use the hashtag #PoptheStigma, tag The FYI and in your caption, explain why you chose the stigma.

Let’s break the silence together. Whether you’ve lived it, witnessed it, or just believe in healing without shame—your voice matters.

Repost, React, Reshare

  • See something that hits home? Save it. Share it.
  • Add your voice in the caption.
  • Comment on posts with “This!” or “Same here.”

Every time we speak up, we make someone feel less alone.

Start the Conversation Offline

  • Ask your group chat, your MSA, your masjid, or your family: “What does mental health look like for us?”
  • Share our resources, available through our resource hub.
#PoptheStigma

Because of you,
someone didn’t feel ashamed to ask for help.

Our community is finally hearing that their feelings matter, that faith and mental health go hand in hand. You helped us open that door. Your continued support keeps it open.

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).