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Stigma & Misconceptions

Breaking Barriers

When we’re struggling with a mental illness, we sometimes feel alone–often because of the stigma about mental illness in Muslim communities. Sometimes, by the time we do get help, our symptoms have worsened. Reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness is not just an individual effort but a collective one. We need to work to shift the conversation in our communities and among our families. Having those tough conversations is difficult but important. This is essential to combat the feelings of isolation that often come with struggling alone. Keep reading for more resources on this topic. 

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Research & Resource Contributors

At The Family & Youth Institute, we take community education and engagement seriously. Research shows that nurturing relationships, positive experiences, and healthy environments influence positive mental health and well-being. The FYI strives to enhance these qualities by educating and engaging individuals to empower change in communities. We aim to support and uplift young people and their families by conducting original research and translating that research into creative and useful mediums for people like you.

Stigma and Misconceptions

Sameera Ahmed

Stigma and Misconceptions

Khalid Elzamzamy

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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).