MCC East Bay

Attorneys @ Jumu'ah: Free Legal Clinic
2024-09-20 14:30 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
During the third and fourth Jumu’ah services at MCC, Legal Attorney Erum Choudhry will be providing a free fifteen-minute consultation in the following areas:

Islamic Estate Planning
Immigration: Family-based, employment-based, Citizenship
Bankruptcy: Chapters 7 and 13

Appointments are required to receive a free consultation. No walk-ins will be allowed. Please sign up at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
Friday, Sep. 20 | 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. | MCC Meeting Room | Appointment required (no walk-ins); RSVP at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
MCC will hold legal clinics on the following days:

2024:

October 18th
November 15th
December 20th

2025:

January 17th, 2025

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Erum Choudhry has more than ten years of legal experience. She graduated from Cornell Law School in 2002. She served as a senior attorney/associate with boutique law firms in Silicon Valley and well-established law firms in Northern California. She counsels clients ranging from individuals, families, and startups to Fortune 500 companies, major hospitals, and multinational corporations.
She is committed to helping each client with a personalized solution. She is well equipped with the tools like experience, staff, empathy, and compassion to help communities grapple with boom-bust challenges, whether immigration, bankruptcy, or estate planning matters. She picked these areas of practice because these areas of law allow her to understand her clients, serve the community, and help them enjoy a stress-free life.
She enjoys interacting with her clients and audience. She is a frequent speaker at local community and youth events. She provides pro bono services to underprivileged members of our community and works with local nonprofit organizations to help immigrants.

Know Your Rights at Work and School | CAIR-SFBA
2024-10-19 11:30 - 13:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Given the rise in anti-Palestinian hate and Islamophobia we have seen across Bay Area schools, CAIR-SFBA is providing a joint Know Your Rights (KYR)/Community Safety training for students and parents to discuss student rights, bullying, and free speech.
Join this workshop to learn practical strategies for handling identity-based harassment and discrimination, followed by a Q&A session.
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Saturday, October 19 | MCC Prayer Hall | Join us in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
The CAIR speakers are Jeffrey Wang (Senior Civil Rights Attorney) and Riyad Sood (Paralegal).
All who attend leave with the reassurance that they have legal protections to speak up and support our brothers and sisters in Palestine. We also aim to ensure that we provide appropriate tools for folks to feel more confident and prepared to de-escalate potential situations of hate/harassment.
– More CAIR-MCC co-sponsored talks: https://mcceastbay.org/cair
About the speakers
Jeffrey Wang is the Senior Civil Rights Attorney for the San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA). In this capacity, he works with the rest of CAIR-SFBA’s civil rights team to identify, strategize, and use creative legal and grassroots advocacy solutions to address systematic issues facing the American Muslim community.
Jeffrey graduated from UC San Diego with a BA in History and minors in Political Science and Law & Society. He then earned his J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law. During law school, Jeffrey interned at a nonprofit immigration law firm in Australia and a business immigration firm in the Bay Area. At SCU, he was active in the Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center’s immigrant rights and consumer protection programs.

Riyad Sood is a paralegal for the San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), where he assists attorneys with immigration and civil matters. His background is in healthcare and non-profit law.
He has negotiated hospital reimbursement fees with healthcare plans and reviewed hospital contracts with providers subject to ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act). While at the California Department of Justice Attorney General’s Office, Riyad worked alongside attorneys in civil litigation, audits, and investigations, ensuring California nonprofits conducted themselves according to state law.
Riyad received his BSL from Irvine University College of Law and his degree in paralegal studies from Fremont College, where he was class valedictorian.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Attorneys @ Jumu'ah: Free Legal Clinic
2024-10-25 14:30 - 17:00 | CA
During the third and fourth Jumu’ah services at MCC, Legal Attorney Erum Choudhry will be providing a free fifteen-minute consultation in the following areas:

Islamic Estate Planning
Immigration: Family-based, employment-based, Citizenship
Bankruptcy: Chapters 7 and 13

Appointments are required to receive a free consultation. No walk-ins will be allowed. Please sign up at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
Friday, Oct. 25 | 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. | MCC Meeting Room | Appointment required (no walk-ins); RSVP at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
MCC will hold legal clinics on the following days:

2024:

October 25th
November 8th
December 20th

2025:

January 17th, 2025

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Erum Choudhry has more than ten years of legal experience. She graduated from Cornell Law School in 2002. She served as a senior attorney/associate with boutique law firms in Silicon Valley and well-established law firms in Northern California. She counsels clients ranging from individuals, families, and startups to Fortune 500 companies, major hospitals, and multinational corporations.
She is committed to helping each client with a personalized solution. She is well equipped with the tools like experience, staff, empathy, and compassion to help communities grapple with boom-bust challenges, whether immigration, bankruptcy, or estate planning matters. She picked these areas of practice because these areas of law allow her to understand her clients, serve the community, and help them enjoy a stress-free life.
She enjoys interacting with her clients and audience. She is a frequent speaker at local community and youth events. She provides pro bono services to underprivileged members of our community and works with local nonprofit organizations to help immigrants.

Attorneys @ Jumu'ah: Free Legal Clinic
2024-11-15 13:00 - 15:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
During the third and fourth Jumu’ah services at MCC, Legal Attorney Erum Choudhry will be providing a free fifteen-minute consultation in the following areas:

Islamic Estate Planning
Immigration: Family-based, employment-based, Citizenship
Bankruptcy: Chapters 7 and 13

Appointments are required to receive a free consultation. No walk-ins will be allowed. Please sign up at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
Friday, Nov. 15 | 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | MCC Meeting Room | Appointment required (no walk-ins); RSVP at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
MCC will hold legal clinics on the following days:

2024:

October 25th
November 15th
December 20th

2025:

January 17th, 2025

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Erum Choudhry has more than ten years of legal experience. She graduated from Cornell Law School in 2002. She served as a senior attorney/associate with boutique law firms in Silicon Valley and well-established law firms in Northern California. She counsels clients ranging from individuals, families, and startups to Fortune 500 companies, major hospitals, and multinational corporations.
She is committed to helping each client with a personalized solution. She is well equipped with the tools like experience, staff, empathy, and compassion to help communities grapple with boom-bust challenges, whether immigration, bankruptcy, or estate planning matters. She picked these areas of practice because these areas of law allow her to understand her clients, serve the community, and help them enjoy a stress-free life.
She enjoys interacting with her clients and audience. She is a frequent speaker at local community and youth events. She provides pro bono services to underprivileged members of our community and works with local nonprofit organizations to help immigrants.

Family Caregiver Peer Support Group | Arzina Ali
2024-11-15 17:00 - 18:15 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Family Caregivers of an Aging Family Member who is 60+: Join us monthly for a peer support group that aims to connect unpaid family caregivers who are caring for an aging adult (60+) where they can share their experience and resources.
Participation is free, and light refreshments will be provided.

Starts Friday, Nov. 15 | 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. | Classroom space | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/caregivers

Dates for 2024/2025:

Friday, Dec. 6
Friday, Jan. 17
Friday, Feb. 21

About the facilitator:
Arzina is a dedicated community member focused on addressing the long-term needs of aging Muslims through strategic partnerships, programming and education, research, and advocacy. Arzina is pursuing an MS in Gerontology at the University of Southern California (USC) and resides in Northern California with her family.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Film Screening at MCC: "Where Olive Trees Weep Screening"
2024-11-17 17:00 - 20:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join us for dinner, a community screening of Where Olive Trees Weep, followed by a community discussion.
“Where Olive Trees Weep” offers a searing window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. After the one-hour and 45-minute screening, members of our local Palestinian community, both Muslim and Christian, will share their reflections and answer questions from the audience. This film is PG-13.
This is a great opportunity to connect with people of other faiths and engage in community building and discussion.
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Maghrib to Isha) | Sunday, November 17 | MCC Conference Room | Free | Limited seating, please register @ mcceastbay.org/olive

Schedule:
5:00-5:15 pm: Maghrib prayer in community
5:15-5:45 pm: Dinner (RSVP required. Dinner will be catered for our attendees. There will be a vegetarian and a halal chicken option.)
5:45 pm: Screening of Where Olive Trees Weep
7:30 pm: Community discussion with local members of the Palestinian community
8:00 pm: Isha prayer in the community
The film starts at 5:45. Note: An adult must accompany children under 17.

Please RSVP if you would like to attend (even without dinner) so we can guarantee a seat for you.
Sponsored by Soul of my Soul Exhibit & MCC East Bay.
All profits will go directly to supporting Palestinians on the ground in Palestine (either Gaza or the West Bank).
Soul of My Soul Exhibit promotes conversations about Palestine through arts and culture. You can learn more about the Soul of My Soul Exhibit at www.soulofmysoulexhibit.com

– More talks about Palestine: http://mcceastbay.org/palestinian
– MCC Stands with the People of Palestine: https://mcceastbay.org/palestine-update
– A Mental Health Guidebook: Nurturing Muslim Students’ Mental Health Amid University Protests – A tailored resource for student advocates navigating the unique challenges they face in calling for justice amid university repression: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g9hI3E6-7laSv3Y7j5BMjawJ7JULjW9J/view?mc_cid=0f3758fdbe&mc_eid=9d52cce10a
Screening in October in Livermore: https://mcceastbay.org/event/where-olive-trees-weep-screening

This powerful film explores the resilience of Palestinians under occupation. The documentary explores loss, trauma, and the quest for justice. We follow, among others, Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, and Israeli journalist Amira Hass. We witness Dr. Gabor Maté offering trauma-healing work for a group of women who have been tortured in Israeli prisons. Ancient landscapes bear deep scars, having seen the brutal reality of ancestral land confiscation, expulsions, imprisonment, home demolitions, water deprivation, and denial of fundamental human rights. Yet, through the veil of oppression, we catch a glimpse of resilience—deep roots that have carried the Palestinian people through decades of darkness and shattered lives.
This emotional journey bares the humanity of the oppressed while grappling with the question: what makes the oppressor so ruthlessly blind to its cruelty?
Watch the movie at https://www.WhereOliveTreesWeep.com and share #WhereOliveTreesWeep
“Where Olive Trees Weep” offers a searing window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. It explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice.
We follow, among others, Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, and Israeli journalist Amira Hass. We witness Dr. Gabor Maté offering trauma-healing work for a group of women who have been tortured in Israeli prisons.
Ancient landscapes bear deep scars, having witnessed the brutal reality of ancestral land confiscation, expulsions, imprisonment, home demolitions, water deprivation, and denial of basic human rights. Yet, through the veil of oppression, we catch a glimpse of resilience—deep roots that have carried the Palestinian people through decades of darkness and shattered lives.
This emotional journey bares the humanity of the oppressed while grappling with the question: what makes the oppressor so ruthlessly blind to its cruelty? Want to Host a Screening? Visit: https://www.WhereOliveTreesWeep.com
The film provides background to the current crisis in Israel/Palestine and illuminates the lives of people we met on our 2022 journey in the occupied West Bank. Their universally human stories speak of intergenerational pain, trauma, and resilience. We hope they touch your heart, stir compassion and understanding, and inspire a pursuit of justice. For without justice, peace remains an empty slogan.
Cinema can be a powerful force for change. This film aims to move hearts and minds beyond mere education and inspire audiences to echo the calls for freedom, equality, and dignity that have gone unanswered for far too long.
The film is our modest contribution towards our dream for an end to the occupation in Palestine, the attainment of equal rights and fair treatment for Palestinian people, and the spreading of healing for all intergenerational cycles of trauma in the region.
Directors’ Statement
Where Olive Trees Weep explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice. We follow, among others, Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, and Israeli journalist Amira Hass. We also watch Dr. Gabor Maté support a group of women seeking understanding and healing and offer his insights into intergenerational trauma.
Through the veil of oppression, we catch a glimpse of resilience—deep roots that have carried the Palestinian people through decades of darkness and shattered lives. This emotional journey bares the humanity of the oppressed while grappling with the question: what makes the oppressor so ruthlessly blind to its cruelty? Where Olive Trees Weep: Official Trailer (2024)
All profits will go directly to supporting Palestinians on the ground in Palestine (either Gaza or the West Bank).
Soul of My Soul Exhibit promotes conversations about Palestine through arts and culture. You can learn more about the Soul of My Soul Exhibit at www.soulofmysoulexhibit.com

Family Caregiver Peer Support Group | Arzina Ali
2024-12-06 17:00 - 18:15 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Family Caregivers of an Aging Family Member who is 60+: Join us monthly for a peer support group that aims to connect unpaid family caregivers who are caring for an aging adult (60+) where they can share their experience and resources.
Participation is free, and light refreshments will be provided.
Friday, Dec. 6 | 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. | Room 22 | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/caregivers
Dates for 2024/2025:

Friday, Dec. 6
Friday, Jan. 17
Friday, Feb. 21

About the facilitator:
Arzina is a dedicated community member focused on addressing the long-term needs of aging Muslims through strategic partnerships, programming and education, research, and advocacy. Arzina is pursuing an MS in Gerontology at the University of Southern California (USC) and resides in Northern California with her family.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Attorneys @ Jumu'ah: Free Legal Clinic
2024-12-20 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-01-17 13:00 - 15:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
During the third and fourth Jumu’ah services at MCC, Legal Attorney Erum Choudhry will be providing a free fifteen-minute consultation in the following areas:

Islamic Estate Planning
Immigration: Family-based, employment-based, Citizenship
Bankruptcy: Chapters 7 and 13

Appointments are required to receive a free consultation. No walk-ins will be allowed. Please sign up at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
Friday, Dec. 20 | 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | MCC Meeting Room | Appointment required (no walk-ins); RSVP at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
MCC will hold legal clinics on the following days:

2024:

October 25th
November 15th
December 20th

2025:

January 17th, 2025

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Erum Choudhry has more than ten years of legal experience. She graduated from Cornell Law School in 2002. She served as a senior attorney/associate with boutique law firms in Silicon Valley and well-established law firms in Northern California. She counsels clients from individuals, families, and startups to Fortune 500 companies, major hospitals, and multinational corporations.
She is committed to helping each client with a personalized solution. She is well equipped with the tools like experience, staff, empathy, and compassion to help communities grapple with boom-bust challenges, whether immigration, bankruptcy, or estate planning matters. She picked these areas of practice because these areas of law allow her to understand her clients, serve the community, and help them enjoy a stress-free life.
She enjoys interacting with her clients and audience. She is a frequent speaker at local community and youth events. She provides pro bono services to underprivileged community members and works with local nonprofit organizations to help immigrants.

Breaking Addictive Habits Support Group
2025-01-04 10:00 - 11:00 | CA
In preparation for Ramadan, we will be meeting to learn tools to help our addictive habits to digital and chemical vices. This group is for anyone struggling with addictions like pornography, prescription medications, drugs, alcohol, etc. You can join anonymously and keep your video off. All are welcome.
Starts Saturday, Jan. 4 | 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Weekly | Virtual only | Register at mcceastbay.org/habits
Co-hosted with MadinaHouse.
– Madina House: http://madinahouse.org
– More Madina House videos: http://mcceastbay.org/madina-house

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Family Caregiver Peer Support Group | Arzina Ali
2025-01-24 17:00 - 18:15 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Family Caregivers of an Aging Family Member who is 60+: Join us monthly for a peer support group that aims to connect unpaid family caregivers who are caring for an aging adult (60+) where they can share their experience and resources.
Participation is free, and light refreshments will be provided.
Friday, Dec. 6 | 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. | Room 22 | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/caregivers
Dates for 2025:

Friday, Jan. 24
Friday, Feb. 21

About the facilitator:
Arzina is a dedicated community member focused on addressing the long-term needs of aging Muslims through strategic partnerships, programming and education, research, and advocacy. Arzina is pursuing an MS in Gerontology at the University of Southern California (USC) and resides in Northern California with her family.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Candid Conversations: Conquering Doubts & Defending Islam | Getting to Know Dr. Ali Ataie
2025-01-31 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Dr. Ali Ataie speaks about his journey from a nominal Muslim youth to a teacher and researcher of Islamic sciences, specializing in theology and Biblical interpretation. Today, few match his comprehensive knowledge of the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Sidi Ahmed Khan, a Zaytuna College student, interviews Ustadha Dr. Ali Ataie.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Friday, Jan. 31 | MCC Prayer Hall | Join us in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live

– More Dr. Ataie: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/ataie

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About the Speakers
Ustadh Ali Ataie is a perennial student and researcher involved in interfaith activities for over two decades. He holds a Masters in biblical studies focusing on New Testament and biblical languages. He also has a PhD in cultural and historical religious studies from the Graduate Theological Union. His doctoral work focused on Muslim hermeneutics of biblical texts, especially the Gospel of John. He lives in San Ramon, California, with his wife, Roya, and three daughters. Learn more about him at https://zaytuna.edu/academics/faculty/ali-ataie
– More Professor Dr. Ali Ataie videos: http://mcceastbay.org/ali-ataie
Sidi Ahmed Khan is a graduating student at Zaytuna College, focusing on Islamic studies. He founded The Creative Minority Podcast, a podcast aimed at addressing contemporary issues for Muslims. He is also the founder of Umran.co, an online aggregator service dedicated to distributing the top Muslim podcasts, lectures, and video series.
– More Sidi Ahmed: https://mcceastbay.org/ahmed-khan

Attorneys @ Jumu'ah: Free Legal Clinic
2025-02-21 13:30 - 15:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
During the third and fourth Jumu’ah services at MCC, Legal Attorney Erum Choudhry will be providing a free fifteen-minute consultation in the following areas:

Islamic Estate Planning
Immigration: Family-based, employment-based, Citizenship
Bankruptcy: Chapters 7 and 13

Appointments are required to receive a free consultation. No walk-ins will be allowed. Please sign up at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
Friday, Feb. 21 | 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | MCC Meeting Room | Appointment required (no walk-ins); RSVP at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
MCC will hold legal clinics on the following days:

2025:

January 17, 2025

Feb 21, 2025

No clinic in March due to Ramadan

Apr 18, 2025

May 22, 2025

Jun 20, 2025

Jul 18, 2025

Aug 22, 2025

Sep 19, 2025

Oct 17, 2025

Nov 21, 2025

Dec 19, 2025

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Erum Choudhry has more than ten years of legal experience. She graduated from Cornell Law School in 2002. She served as a senior attorney/associate with boutique law firms in Silicon Valley and well-established law firms in Northern California. She counsels clients from individuals, families, and startups to Fortune 500 companies, major hospitals, and multinational corporations.
She is committed to helping each client with a personalized solution. She is well equipped with the tools like experience, staff, empathy, and compassion to help communities grapple with boom-bust challenges, whether immigration, bankruptcy, or estate planning matters. She picked these areas of practice because these areas of law allow her to understand her clients, serve the community, and help them enjoy a stress-free life.
She enjoys interacting with her clients and audience. She is a frequent speaker at local community and youth events. She provides pro bono services to underprivileged community members and works with local nonprofit organizations to help immigrants.

*Postponed* Family Caregiver Peer Support Group | Arzina Ali
2025-02-21 17:00 - 18:15 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States

Community Iftar at MCC
2025-03-08 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-15 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For the first three Saturdays in Ramadan, join your fasting brothers and sisters for MCC’s community iftar and stay afterward for worship. Limited space. RSVP is required for this Iftar (registration opens Saturday prior to each iftar).
Come join us to pray and break bread in the community. Capped at 400 guests each week.
A nominal $5/person registration is required so that we can have the right amount of food available. Please join the waitlist once the Iftar goes full. The nominal cost of tickets is to avoid food wastage. It does not cover the full expense of this event, so families interested in gaining the blessings of feeding the community during Ramadan are encouraged to donate to the event.
Please note that Iftar tickets are non-refundable. Once full, please get on the waitlist, and if a spot opens up, we will email you. Access code is given to only those who are on the waitlist once additional spots open up.
MCC is a green masjid. Please bring your own water bottles to reduce the use of disposable cups.
Please cancel your RSVP at any time if you cannot make the Iftar so your fasting brother & sister can join us. Message operations@mccastbay.org

– Saturday, March 1: Register at http://mcceastbay.org/iftar-1 (opens at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26)
– Saturday, March 8: Register at http://mcceastbay.org/iftar-2 (opens at 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 27)
– Saturday, March 15: Register at http://mcceastbay.org/iftar-3 (opens at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 6)

MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attending its events and activities. To request a financial waiver to attend, please message scholarship@mcceastbay.org
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Virtual Family Caregiver Support Group | Arzina Ali
2025-05-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-28 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-06-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-06-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-06-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-06-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
For Family Caregivers of an Aging Family Member who is 60+, join us weekly for a virtual peer support group that aims to connect unpaid family caregivers who are caring for an aging adult (60+). Former caregivers are welcome to join and share their experiences, providing support.
Weekly on Wednesdays | Starts May 7 | 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Virtual only (not in person) | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/caregivers
Space is limited to 10 participants per week. Link will be provided to those who RSVP.
Sponsored by Muslim Aging and MCC East Bay.
About the facilitator:
Arzina Ali is a dedicated community member focused on addressing the long-term needs of aging Muslims through strategic partnerships, programming, education, research, and advocacy. Arzina is pursuing an MS in Gerontology at the University of Southern California (USC) and resides in Northern California with her family.
About the organization:
Muslim Aging is an organization committed to understanding and addressing the unique needs of aging American Muslims through programming, education, research, resources, and advocacy. Learn more at https://www.muslimaging.org
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org or info@muslimaging.org

Rabi’ Al-Awwal Mawlid: Hareesun Alaikum - حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُم ﷺ
2025-09-05 18:00 - 22:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
﻿

The East Bay Annual Mawlid features talks and recitations (Nasheeds) with the theme “Hareesun Alaikum- حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُم ﷺ.”
We will have talks, counsels, and recitations (Nasheeds) about “The Guiding Light: Muhammad ﷺ” with Ustadh Dr. Ali Ataie, Shaykh Faraz Khan, Sidi Mahdy Amine, Qari Amar Bellaha, Ustadh Tarif Arabi, and Bay Area Munshids. Sidi Syed Mubeen Saifullah will be the MCC for the evening.
6 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. | Friday, September 5 | MCC Prayer Hall | No RSVP needed to join post-Maghrib Mawlid program (only for pre-Mawlid dinner (capped at 600 guests & babysitting) | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
San Ramon Valley Islamic Center, Islamic Center of Livermore, Ta’leef Collective & MCC East Bay proudly present this Rabbi’al Awwal Annual Mawlid.
Program Schedule

6 p.m. – Asr congregational prayer
6:10 p.m. – Burda Shareef with Ustadh Tarif Arabi (Prayer Hall)
6:30 p.m. – Dinner service begins (men in Sunday School parking lot and women in Conference Room/Kindergarten area)
7:22 p.m. – Maghrib prayer, congregational prayer
8 p.m. – Qur’an Recitation (Qari Amar Bellaha), Talk (Ammu Tarif), Nasheeds (Sidi Mahdy Amine and team) (no RSVP needed to join this pre-Mawlid program)
9:15 p.m. – Isha congregational prayer
9:25 p.m. – Talk/presentation (TBA) (no RSVP required to join this main Mawlid program)
10 p.m. – Talk (TBA)
10:45 p.m. – Qur’an recitation and closing dua by Qari Amar Bellaha

This is a family-friendly event. Bring the entire family. Complimentary babysitting during the Mawlid program begins at 8 p.m., and goodie bags will be given to all kids at the end of the event. RSVP for the main program complimentary babysitting at mcceastbay.org/mawlid-babysitting
“Hareesun Alaikum” is a phrase from the Quran, specifically verse 9:128 of Surat At-Tawbah (The Repentance). It translates to “most eager is he for your (welfare)” or “most solicitous is he for you”. The full verse, often recited in Arabic, speaks of Prophet Muhammad’s deep concern for the well-being of believers.
The Tri-Valley Annual Mawlid ’25 coincides with the weekend of 12th Rabi ul Awwal 1447.

– Watch YouTube Livestream: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– Watch Facebook Livestream: https://mcceastbay.org/facebook
– Watch past Mawlid celebrations hosted at MCC: https://mcceastbay.org/mawlid
– More Dr. Ali Ataie: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/ali
– More Shaykh Faraz: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/faraz
– More Sidi Mubeen: https://mcceastbay.org/syed
– More Sidi Mahdy: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/mahdy
– More Qari Amar: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/amar
– More Sidi Tareef: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/tarif

Come soak in the sublime fragrance of our Beloved Nabi ﷺ. This is a celebration dedicated to falling in love with him ﷺ.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
The Mawlid is a joyous expression of the greatest blessing from Allah.
Mawlid (or Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif) is the observance of the birth of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is commemorated in Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar.

– Past Tri-Valley and East Bay Al-Mawlid al-Nabawi Celebrations: https://mcceastbay.org/mawlid
– More about celebrating the Prophet (peace be upon him)’s day of birth: https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/innovation-bida-and-celebrating-the-prophets-birthday-mawlid
– In Defense of the Mawlid – Shaykh Abu Nahla Al Wazani: https://mcceastbay.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/In-Defense-of-the-Mawlid-Shaykh-Abu-Nahla-Al-Wazani.pdf

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Shaykh Faraz Khan is a scholar of Ashʿarī and Maturidi philosophical theology with field specialties in Hanafi Jurisprudence, Prophetic Biography, Hadith, and Logic. At Zaytuna College, he has taught Kalam Theology, Creedal Theology, Prophetic Biography, Readings in Muslim Spirituality, and Logic in the Islamic Tradition. Shaykh Faraz also serves as the coordinator of the Honors Program, in which he has taught Kalam, Prophetic Biography, Logic, Tafsir, and Hadith. After completing undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin, he moved to Amman, Jordan, in 2004 and read classical texts with distinguished scholars in Ashʿarī and Māturīdī scholastic theology, Hanafi jurisprudence, prophetic narration, logic, and other religious sciences, receiving scholarly authorization (ijāza) after seven years of full-time study.
Ustadh Ali Ataie is a perennial student and researcher involved in interfaith activities for over two decades. He holds a Master’s in biblical studies, focusing on New Testament and biblical languages. He also holds a PhD in cultural and historical religious studies from the Graduate Theological Union. His doctoral work focused on Muslim hermeneutics of biblical texts, especially the Gospel of John. He lives in San Ramon, CA, with his wife, Roya, and three daughters. Learn more about him at https://zaytuna.edu/academics/faculty/ali-ataie
Raised in Morocco, Qari Amar Bellaha memorized the Qur’an at 17 from Madrasat Imam Nafia. He has ijaza for the Hafs and Warsh forms of Qur’anic recitation. In 1994 and 1995, he was awarded top prizes in the National Moroccan Tajweed competition. He is recognized internationally for his recitation’s beauty, clarity, and excellence, and is one of the Bay Area’s foremost Qur’an teachers. Hafiz Amar leads MCC’s Taraweeh prayers each Ramadan.
Amu Tareef is an international scholar who studied traditional Islamic Sciences at Al-Fath Institute, al-Azhar branch in Syria. Affectionately known to the community as ‘Ammu (or Uncle), he was born and reared in Damascus, Syria. His teachers include Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghuri, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Shaykh Dr. Mustafa al-Khin, and Shaykh Dr. Samer al-Nass.

Attorneys @ Jumu'ah: Free Legal Clinic
2025-09-26 13:30 - 15:30, 2025-11-21 13:30 - 15:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
During the third and fourth Jumu’ah services at MCC, Legal Attorney Erum Choudhry will be providing a free fifteen-minute consultation in the following areas:

Islamic Estate Planning
Immigration: Family-based, employment-based, Citizenship
Bankruptcy: Chapters 7 and 13

Appointments are required to receive a free consultation. No walk-ins will be allowed. Please sign up at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
Third Fridays of Each Month | 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | MCC Meeting Room (first office) | Appointment required (no walk-ins); RSVP at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
MCC will hold legal clinics on the following days:

2025:

January 17, 2025
Apr 18, 2025
May 22, 2025
Jun 20, 2025
Jul 18, 2025
Aug 22, 2025
Sep 26, 2025
Oct 17, 2025
Nov 21, 2025
Dec 19, 2025

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Erum Choudhry has more than ten years of legal experience. She graduated from Cornell Law School in 2002. She served as a senior attorney/associate with boutique law firms in Silicon Valley and well-established law firms in Northern California. She counsels clients from individuals, families, and startups to Fortune 500 companies, major hospitals, and multinational corporations.
She is committed to helping each client with a personalized solution. She is well equipped with the tools like experience, staff, empathy, and compassion to help communities grapple with boom-bust challenges, whether immigration, bankruptcy, or estate planning matters. She picked these areas of practice because these areas of law allow her to understand her clients, serve the community, and help them enjoy a stress-free life.
She enjoys interacting with her clients and audience. She is a frequent speaker at local community and youth events. She provides pro bono services to underprivileged community members and works with local nonprofit organizations to help immigrants.

The Inner Dimensions of the Qur’an | Sheikh Mokhtar Maghraoui
2025-10-04 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Amongst the pearls of the Qur’an are those verses which carry profound spiritual importance in addition to their external practical meaning.
In this session, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui will reflect on several Qur’anic verses, exploring how they play a crucial role in our understanding of the process of self-purification and the development of good character.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Saturday, October 4, 2025 | MCC Conference Room | Join us in person or virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
The program begins right after Maghrib prayers at 6:49 p.m. We will go until Isha at 8:45 p.m. and then continue after we pray Isha in congregation with 30-minute Q&A after Isha.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui
Originally from Algeria, Shaykh Mokhtar is thoroughly versed in the Islamic sciences and holds a doctorate in physics and engineering. His expertise encompasses the disciplines of Tazkiyah and Fiqh, and he is best known for his enlightening retreats and seminars that empower Muslims on their spiritual journey. His full biography can be found here.
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui is the main scholar at AlMadina Institute (AlMadina.org).
Originally from Algeria, he is thoroughly versed in the Islamic sciences and holds a doctorate joined between the fields of physics and engineering. His expertise includes the disciplines of Tazkiyah and Fiqh, and he is best known for his enlightening retreats and seminars empowering Muslims on their spiritual quest.

Attorneys @ Jumu'ah: Free Legal Clinic
2025-12-19 13:30 - 15:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
During the third and fourth Jumu’ah services at MCC, Legal Attorney Erum Choudhry will be providing a free fifteen-minute consultation in the following areas:

Islamic Estate Planning
Immigration: Family-based, employment-based, Citizenship
Bankruptcy: Chapters 7 and 13

Appointments are required to receive a free consultation. No walk-ins will be allowed. Please sign up at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
Third Fridays of Each Month | 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | MCC Room 16 | Appointment required (no walk-ins); RSVP at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
MCC will hold legal clinics on the following days:

2025:

January 17, 2025
Apr 18, 2025
May 22, 2025
Jun 20, 2025
Jul 18, 2025
Aug 22, 2025
Sep 26, 2025
Oct 17, 2025
Nov 21, 2025
Dec 19, 2025

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Erum Choudhry has more than ten years of legal experience. She graduated from Cornell Law School in 2002. She served as a senior attorney/associate with boutique law firms in Silicon Valley and well-established law firms in Northern California. She counsels clients from individuals, families, and startups to Fortune 500 companies, major hospitals, and multinational corporations.
She is committed to helping each client with a personalized solution. She is well equipped with the tools like experience, staff, empathy, and compassion to help communities grapple with boom-bust challenges, whether immigration, bankruptcy, or estate planning matters. She picked these areas of practice because these areas of law allow her to understand her clients, serve the community, and help them enjoy a stress-free life.
She enjoys interacting with her clients and audience. She is a frequent speaker at local community and youth events. She provides pro bono services to underprivileged community members and works with local nonprofit organizations to help immigrants.

Attorneys @ Jumu'ah: Free Legal Clinic
2026-01-16 13:30 - 15:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
During the third and fourth Jumu’ah services at MCC, Legal Attorney Erum Choudhry will be providing a free fifteen-minute consultation in the following areas:

Islamic Estate Planning
Immigration: Family-based, employment-based, Citizenship
Bankruptcy: Chapters 7 and 13

Appointments are required to receive a free consultation. No walk-ins will be allowed. Please sign up at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
Third Fridays of Each Month | 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | MCC Room 16 | Appointment required (no walk-ins); RSVP at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
MCC will hold legal clinics on the following days:

2026:

Jan. 16, 2026
April 17, 2026
May 15, 2026
June 19, 2026
July 17, 2026
Aug. 21, 2026
Sep. 18, 2026
Oct. 16, 2026
Nov. 20, 2026
Dec. 18, 2026

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Erum Choudhry has more than ten years of legal experience. She graduated from Cornell Law School in 2002. She served as a senior attorney/associate with boutique law firms in Silicon Valley and well-established law firms in Northern California. She counsels clients from individuals, families, and startups to Fortune 500 companies, major hospitals, and multinational corporations.
She is committed to helping each client with a personalized solution. She is well equipped with the tools like experience, staff, empathy, and compassion to help communities grapple with boom-bust challenges, whether immigration, bankruptcy, or estate planning matters. She picked these areas of practice because these areas of law allow her to understand her clients, serve the community, and help them enjoy a stress-free life.
She enjoys interacting with her clients and audience. She is a frequent speaker at local community and youth events. She provides pro bono services to underprivileged community members and works with local nonprofit organizations to help immigrants.
