There are times when our little family starts to feel disconnected. Typically it’s a result of one (or both) parents...
Happy Earth Day! As you know, we love using recycled materials on Housing A Forest. Not only is crafting from...
Parents often tell me they don’t know where to begin to have a “real” conversation with their child. These questions...
Nature is a great teacher! Try these fun and easy-to-do activity ideas from Project Learning Tree to connect the children in your life to the...
Get Moving Babies and toddlers spend an awful lot of time strapped into car seats or plopped in front of...
Spring cleaning is on the horizon, and you could use some help. It’s time to try a team approach to...
More often than not, family life feels very complicated. We often wonder if we are doing the right things to...
Bike Parade Post signs around the neighborhood encouraging kids to decorate their rides with streamers, stickers, flags, and more —...
Affection between grandparents and their grandchildren is one thing. But it can be hard for grown grandchildren and their grandparents...
Since I last posted about family meal time conversations, sharing ideas from the Childhood 101 Facebook community, our dinner time...
I have really enjoyed doing the 30 Days of Ramadan Crafts Project. Yes it has been tiring and hard work...
Over the past few months ZB and Ibs have often asked us what verses in the Qur’an mean. It’s lovely...
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
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).