#TeamFajr Monthly Sunday Breakfast & Qur'an Khatam
2025-11-02 06:00 - 07:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
“If people knew the reward in praying Fajr & Isha in a congregation, they would go to the Masjid even if they had to crawl” [Bukhari & Muslim]
Join Qari Amar Bellaha on the first Sunday of each month. Pray the pre-dawn prayer in congregation (6 a.m.), followed by recitations of Surah Yaseen and Al-Wird Al-Latif (booklets provided) in unison, community dua, and following sunup, Salat al-Ishraq prayer in congregation. Qari Amar will also lead the Khatam (completion) of the Qur’an. Each month, congregation members complete one Juz of the Holy Qur’an. Please finish your Juz by the first Sunday of each month. Sign up for Juz at mcceastbay.org/juz This program is also streamed virtually at https://mcceastbay.org/live. 2025 Sunday Monthly Khatam with Qari Amar Bellaha:

– January 5, 2025
– February 2, 2025
– No TeamFajr in Ramadan
– April 6, 2025
– May 4, 2025
– June 1, 2025
– July 6, 2025
– August 3, 2025
– September 7, 2025
– October 5, 2025
– November 2, 2025
– December 7, 2025

There are numerous benefits and virtues of reciting the Holy Qur’an and sending Salawat upon Rasulullah (S). Along with bringing great barakah into our lives, these two acts of ‘ibadah are a means by which Allah elevates our rank in Jannah. Though it may be challenging to make a habit of tilawah (recitation) and Salawat individually, there is strength in our numbers. Join your MCC community in our goal of collectively completing a Qur’an khatam. Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

More Qari Amar: https://mcceastbay.org/amar
Imam al-Haddad’s litanies (al-Wird al-Latif): https://mcceastbay.org/wird
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “He who performs the Fajr will be under the protection of Allah.” [Muslim]
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The best prayer before Allah is the Fajr prayer on Friday in the congregation.”

Remembering the Beloved ﷺ | Shaykh Yahya Rhodus
2025-11-06 20:00 - 22:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join us for an inspiring evening of remembrance with our beloved teacher, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, to connect the listener to the Prophet ﷺ and his teachings. The more we know about his life, character, and way, the more we will come to love and follow the one beloved to Allah. PDF for gathering: https://bit.ly/39mLNXV
Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 8 p.m. (after Isha prayers) to 10:30 p.m. | MCC Prayer Hall | Join us in-person or virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Shaykh Yahya is joined in this gathering by our beloved Bay Area teachers, Qari Amar Bellaha, Qari Tayeb Bouamama, and Sidi Mahdy Amine. This program includes a recitation of the prophetic biography in poetry form, followed by a counsel intended PDF for gathering: https://bit.ly/39mLNXV
On Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, Shaykh Rhodus will also give a free workshop at MCC about the traits of the righteous. Learn more at: https://mcceastbay.org/event/traits-of-righteous
“Prayer itself orients and situates us, just as these gatherings do. Every time we come together, it is an opportunity for us to realign, to reset, to remind ourselves of what is truly important.” – Shaykh Yahya Rhodus
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About Shaykh Yahya
One of the most well-respected Muslim scholars in the Western world, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, has spent the best part of two decades studying at some of the most prestigious learning institutions in the Muslim and Western worlds.
Having embraced Islam at 19 in Santa Clara, California, he immediately began studying the Islamic sciences with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and visiting Mauritanian scholars, such as Shaykh Khatri Wuld Bayba and Shaykh Abd Allah Wuld Ahmadna. Shortly thereafter, he traveled to Mauritania to pursue a full-time course of study where he could learn from one of Mauritania’s most outstanding scholars, Murabit al-Hajj. Following an interim study period in Damascus, Syria, Shaykh Yahya spent the best part of seven years in Tarim, in the Hadramawt Valley of Yemen. There, he studied at the reputable school, Dar al-Mustafa, with the renowned scholars Habib Umar bin Hafiz and Habib Ali al-Jifri.
Since then, Shaykh Yahya has been the official translator for Habib Umar and Habib Ali at various international speaking engagements, including the Common Word Conference held at Yale University in 2008. Upon returning to the United States, Shaykh Yahya was a full-time instructor at Zaytuna College. He has a B.A. in Near Eastern Studies from UC Berkeley and an M.A. in Islamic Studies from the Graduate Theological Union. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Cambridge, England, in collaboration with Dr. Tim Winter (Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad).
He is the Founding Director of al-Maqasid, where he is a full-time scholar and teacher. Al-Maqasid’s mission is to cultivate holistic learning environments rooted in knowledge, devotion, and service by providing full-time, part-time, online, and community programs.

– More Sheikh Yahya: http://mcceastbay.org/yahya

Smarter Sadaqah: Creating a Family Foundation to Multiple Impact and Maximize Tax Savings | Hafiz Yaser Ali J.D.
2025-11-07 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
As the year ends and tax season approaches, people typically increase their charitable giving. But what if you could do more — give generously, save taxes legally, and build lasting reward?
In this practical session, Attorney Yaser Ali will show how a Family Foundation can function as a modern waqf—a vehicle that lets you give and invest strategically, support causes you care about, and reduce your taxable income at the same time.
Friday, November 7, 2025 | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Prayer Hall | Free; no registration required | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
You’ll learn:

How to set up a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit entity before year-end to maximize tax deductions

The key differences between a Donor Advised Fund and a Foundation, and when each makes sense

How to use these tools for Zakat and Sadaqah locally and internationally

How to include a bequest (wasiyah) in your estate plan to continue your charitable impact beyond your lifetime

Whether you give a little or a lot, this session will show you how to turn your generosity into Smarter Sadaqah—charity that saves taxes, multiplies blessings, and builds your family’s legacy of ongoing good.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About Shaykh Yaser

Shaykh Hafiz Yaser Ali, J.D., is a trusts & estates attorney specializing in helping American Muslims create tax-efficient, Sharia-compliant estate plans. Yaser is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley School of Law and is trained in classical Islamic Inheritance Law.

For a talk about advance care planning: https://youtu.be/hSVVdlQ_ocI

More Islamic perspectives on end-of-life matters: https://mcceastbay.org/end-of-life

More special guests hosted at the MCC: https://mcceastbay.org/guests

Funeral & burial options in the San Francisco Bay Area: https://mcceastbay.org/funeral

More Hafiz Yaser: https://mcceastbay.org/yaser

Wills & Trusts attorneys in the community: https://mcceastbay.org/will/

https://youtube.com/live/pBxwEtVe2r8

https://youtube.com/live/Q0G28AwEQdY

Ninth-Annual Family Fun Fall Fest
2025-11-09 15:30 - 20:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For ages 0 to 17, join us for the Ninth-Annual MCC Family Fall Festival. This popular annual event will be positively capped at 400 children.
This year, we will have halal food trucks, a live petting zoo, an immersive bubble experience, goodie bags, and more! We will also have activities such as face painting, archery, potato sack races, and a scavenger hunt!
Teen volunteers ages 15+ are needed; sign up through this form. Dinner from the food trucks is provided for volunteers.
RSVP at mcceastbay.org/fall-fest
Special need families, RSVP (for free) at mcceastbay.org/muhsen-fall
3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Isha) Ages 2 – 17 $8.00 per child pre-registration $11.00 per child at the door
Pre-registration is required for goodies bags. One goodie bag for each registered child.
Entrance for parents and children under 2 is free.
List of Vendors:

Halal Bites of Chicago
SG Zeeshan Burgers
Yomna Bendary from Siraat
MCC Youth Hot Chocolate

Parents: Please do not bring children in costume. Please watch this sermon to see why MCC has made this annual investment to put on annually this popular event that is attended by hundreds of children: https://mcceastbay.org/halloween-sermon
Community vendors: This event is for children. The organizers have decided not to host community vendors so we can entirely focus on the kids attending this annual event.
Schedule (see facility map at https://mcceastbay.org/facilty-map):

– 3:30 p.m. – Registration begins in front of the Mens’ Entrance

Potato Sack Races (Conference Room)

Face painting, Henna, Ring Toss, Coloring (Banquet Hall & Main Hallway)

– 5:13 p.m – Maghrib Prayer (Prayer Hall)
– 5:30 p.m.

Islamic Talk about animals in Islam (Sr. Uroosa Shah)

Bubble show (Prayer Hall)

– 6:30 p.m. – Scavenger Hunt

Hot Chocolate for Sale by MCC Youth

– 8 p.m.– Isha Prayer (Prayer Hall)

Our special needs family guests receive free food vouchers for every member of the family attending, fast passes for all activities, goody bags at registration time, special seating during the interactive shows, and quiet space, if necessary. Questions? Please email us at help@mcceastbay.org
MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attaining knowledge offered within the four walls of MCC the facility. To request a financial waiver or discount, please complete: https://mcceastbay.org/scholarship
Questions? Email: events@mcceastbay.org

The Islamic American Legacy | Sidi Muizz Rafique
2025-11-14 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
The Islamic American legacy explores a rich and complex history woven into the fabric of the United States from its earliest days. It encompasses the contributions of early Muslim explorers, the presence of Muslims among enslaved Africans, the experiences of immigrant communities, and the ongoing impact of Islam on American culture and society. Explore their stories of resilience, community, and loss.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Friday, November 14, 2025 | MCC Prayer Hall | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About the Speaker
A graduate of UCLA and Georgetown University Law Center, Muizz Rafique is a native of Southern California who has lived in the Bay Area for almost a decade. He is the author of “A Fish in a Basket: The Story of Prophet Musa and Al-Khadir” and has published a series of articles with Al-Madina Institute.
Discover the deep roots of the Islamic American Legacy, shaped by Muslim immigrants, converts, & enslaved African Muslims who have enriched the cultural, social, & intellectual fabric of the United States for over a century.

Boundaries and Balance: When to Say “No” Without Guilt | Clinician Wajma Nasir (Virtual)
2025-11-15 14:00 - 15:30 | mcceastbay.org/wellness-circle
For parents, families, and caregivers of individuals with special needs, join us on the third Saturday of each month for a wellness circle with a trained Maristan clinician. We will discuss challenges, resources, and strategies for providing the best care for our families and ourselves. This month’s topic is Boundaries and Balance: When to Say “No” Without Guilt.
These wellness circles provide a safe space for caregivers with special needs to connect and share their experiences. It allows caregivers to share their joys and frustrations, ask questions, form friendships, and more.
Saturday, Nov. 15 | 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Virtual only, session will not be recorded | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/wellness-circle
Co-sponsored by Muhsen, Maristan, & MCC East Bay
These special needs wellness circles are held every second Saturday of the month (dates might change depending on the clinician’s availability):
Saturday, June 14
Saturday, July 26
Saturday, August 16
Saturday, September 27
Saturday, November 15
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Wajma Nasir is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She graduated from the University of San Francisco with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is currently employed at Wellness Together, a non-profit organization that provides school-based therapy services. She specializes in serving children in grades TK to 6th grade. She utilizes modalities such as ACT, CBT, and solution-focused approaches in order to serve the needs of her clients. She is a Certified Domestic Violence Counselor.

Shukr Celebration for Converts
2025-11-30 12:00 - 17:00 | CA
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you” – Surah Ibrahim, Ayat 7
Join us in celebrating the season with gratitude, reflection, and community!
As Converts/New Muslims, we strive to bring the beneficial aspects of our cultures into the Deen of Islam. Ash-Shukur (the Grateful) is one of the 99 names of Allah (swt), and as Muslims, we should strive to embody and encourage one another toward gratitude year-round.
Join us on a Sunday afternoon as we take advantage of the season for our own Shukr (gratitude) dinner, featuring halal turkey and traditional seasonal treats.
Converts are welcome to bring along their born-Muslim and non-Muslim family and friends.
Non-Muslim friends and family, as well as born-Muslim friends and family, are welcome. Sidi Afraz Khan will be our guest speaker.
Sunday, November 30, 2025 | 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. | MCC Banquet Hall | For Converts/New Muslims & Family/Friends, RSVP at mcceastbay.org/shukr
Schedule

12 p.m. – Check-in
12:30 p.m. – Zuhr congregational prayer
12:50 p.m. – Sidi Afraz Khan Talk (Conference Room)
2 p.m. – Lunch (Banquet Hall)
3:30 p.m. – Asr congregational prayer
3:50 p.m. – Desserts (Banquet Hall)
4:56 p.m. – Maghrib congregational prayer

More from the MCC Convert Care Team

– How MCC supports new Muslims: https://mcceastbay.org/convert-care
– Recordings of educational talks for reverts playlist: https://mcceastbay.org/after-shahada
– Shahadah moments at the MCC: https://mcceastbay.org/shahada

Questions? new-muslim@mcceastbay.org

#TeamFajr Monthly Sunday Breakfast & Qur'an Khatam
2025-12-07 06:30 - 07:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
“If people knew the reward in praying Fajr & Isha in a congregation, they would go to the Masjid even if they had to crawl” [Bukhari & Muslim]
Join Qari Amar Bellaha on the first Sunday of each month. Pray the pre-dawn prayer in congregation (6:30 a.m.), followed by recitations of Surah Yaseen and Al-Wird Al-Latif (booklets provided) in unison, community dua, and following sunup, Salat al-Ishraq prayer in congregation. Qari Amar will also lead the Khatam (completion) of the Qur’an. Each month, congregation members complete one Juz of the Holy Qur’an. Please finish your Juz by the first Sunday of each month. Sign up for Juz at mcceastbay.org/juz This program is also streamed virtually at https://mcceastbay.org/live. 2025 Sunday Monthly Khatam with Qari Amar Bellaha:

– January 5, 2025
– February 2, 2025
– No TeamFajr in Ramadan
– April 6, 2025
– May 4, 2025
– June 1, 2025
– July 6, 2025
– August 3, 2025
– September 7, 2025
– October 5, 2025
– November 2, 2025
– December 7, 2025

There are numerous benefits and virtues of reciting the Holy Qur’an and sending Salawat upon Rasulullah (S). Along with bringing great barakah into our lives, these two acts of ‘ibadah are a means by which Allah elevates our rank in Jannah. Though it may be challenging to make a habit of tilawah (recitation) and Salawat individually, there is strength in our numbers. Join your MCC community in our goal of collectively completing a Qur’an khatam. Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

More Qari Amar: https://mcceastbay.org/amar
Imam al-Haddad’s litanies (al-Wird al-Latif): https://mcceastbay.org/wird
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “He who performs the Fajr will be under the protection of Allah.” [Muslim]
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The best prayer before Allah is the Fajr prayer on Friday in the congregation.”

Monthly Mawlid Al Habib | Celebratory Gathering of Salutations on Our Beloved Prophet ﷺ
2025-12-20 18:00 - 20:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Connect more with Muhammad (peace be upon him) as we gather on the third Saturday of each month in remembrance and dhikr with Bay Area Munshideens and guest speakers.
During each gathering, Ustadh Tariq Samady will cover a chapter from the text The Kingdom of the Heart by Habib Umar b. Hafiz.
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Maghrib to Isha) | Saturdays | MCC Conference Room | Join us in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
Dates for Monthly Family Mawlid at MCC East Bay in 2025

Saturday, January 18, 2025
Saturday, February 15, 2025
No session during Ramadan in March ’25
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Saturday, December 20, 2025

– Watch past mawlid celebrations at MCC: http://mcceastbay.org/mawlid
– More Sidi Tareq: https://mcceastbay.org/tariq
– More sessions about the book using the monthly Mawlids, “The Kingdom of the Heart”: http://mcceastbay.org/kingdom
– Purchase “The Kingdom of the Heart” by Habib Umar bin Hafiz: https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Heart-Habib-Umar-Hafiz/dp/173537671X

Sponsored by Circles of Light & MCC East Bay.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
The Mawlid is a joyous expression of the greatest blessing from Allah.
We take this blessed opportunity monthly to remind ourselves of the three sacred rights that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ requires from us, instilling in us a deep sense of respect and reverence.

– Marifah – Recognizing who the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is
– Muhabbah – Loving the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
– Ittiba’ – Obedience to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ

The second two (loving and obeying) are not entirely possible without truly recognizing the first, who the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was. This recognition enlightens us and deepens our knowledge of his teachings.

– Past mawlid celebrations at MCC: http://mcceastbay.org/mawlid

About the Book, “The Kingdom of the Heart”
“Within every human being is a Kingdom. The heart is the ruler of this Kingdom, and the rest of the body is its subjects. If the heart rules with justice and excellence, the body will perform good actions, and the Kingdom will flourish. If the heart neglects its duties, the body will disobey Allah, and the entire Kingdom will suffer the consequences. Allah ﷻ made this Kingdom so crucial that through it the eternal and everlasting dominion of the next life is either gained or lost.” The Kingdom of the Heart by Habib ‘Umar Bin Hafiz gives the reader a deeper understanding of the importance of cultivating the spiritual kingdom of the heart. Readers will gain a deeper appreciation of how outward actions have spiritual consequences. Some of the topics covered are: •⁠ ⁠The Tongue & Its Effects •⁠ ⁠Looking at Creation with Love & Mercy •⁠ ⁠The Impact of Shaking Hands •⁠ ⁠Attending to the Ending of Our Lives •⁠ ⁠The Impact of Intention This book uniquely shows the direct correlation between outward actions and the heart, giving us insights into how various actions impact the state of our hearts. Ultimately, it gives us a way to internalize the wisdom and purpose of acts of devotion, resulting in the purification of the heart and nearness to Allah ﷻ.
About the Author
Habib Umar bin Hafiz (Arabic: حبيب عمر بن حفيظ, romanized: Ḥabīb ʿUmar bin Ḥafīẓ; Arabic pronunciation: [ħabiːb ʕumar bin ħafiːðˤ]; born 27 May 1963) is a Yemeni Sunni and Sufi Islamic scholar, teacher, and founder and dean of Dar al-Mustafa Islamic seminary.[3] He is also a Supreme Advisory Council member for the Tabah Foundation in Abu Dhabi.
Ustadh Tariq Samady
Ustadh Tariq Samady is a native of the Bay Area with roots in the ancient city of Kabul. He has been a lifelong seeker of Islamic knowledge, learning from a wide range of Muslim scholars, both local and international. With the blessings of his teachers, he has contributed to various educational programs and gatherings of dhikr.
His research and editing interests span Qur’an and Hadith commentaries, Philology, Spirituality, and Persian Poetry. Tariq is the founder of Circles of Light (حلق النور), a fledgling educational initiative focused on sharing sacred learnings and wisdom for the community’s benefit. He studied Computer Science at California State University—East Bay and has over ten years of experience as a Developer and Analytics QA Engineer.
About Circles of Light
Circles of Light is a fledgling educational initiative focused on sharing sacred learnings and wisdom for the benefit of the community, meant to assist in maximizing Dunya (this life) for our Deen (Faith). He gives wisdom to whomever He wills. Whoever is given wisdom has been given much good. But none pays heed except those with insight. (Quran). We are motivated by the words of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him); the most beloved people to Allah are those most beneficial to the people. (Hadith). We seek to achieve this aim through our in-person educational programs and publications.
Almighty Allah ﷻ directs us in Sūratul Aḥzāb, “Verily, Allah and His Angels send blessings on the Messenger of Allah. You who believe invoke blessings on him and salute him with a worthy salutation.” Our purpose of invoking blessings upon the Beloved ﷺ leads to proximity to Almighty Allah ﷻ by obeying this command while simultaneously fulfilling our rights upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. It is crystal clear how vital the invocation of Ṣalawāt is for the believer, and it is a Mercy of Almighty Allah ﷻ for its rewards to be multitudinous. Abundant Ṣalawāt upon the Beloved ﷺ leads to loving him and knowing his beautiful qualities. By that virtue, degrees of purity are realized. From the signs of the people of the Sunnah is sending Ṣalawāt upon him, for the key to all goodness is Ṣalawāt upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

– More Sidi Tariq Samady: http://mcceastbay.org/tariq
– More Tri-Valley and East Bay Mawlid 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
– More sessions about “The Kingdom of the Heart”: http://mcceastbay.org/kingdom

Isra & Me’raj '26: The Sacred Ascension
2026-01-16 18:00 - 22:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
On ⁠Friday, January 16, 2026, or Saturday, January 17, 2026, join us for a faith-affirming evening to learn lessons from the Prophet’s blessed heavenly ascension: Al-Isra wal-Mi’raj.
The Bay Area Muslim community annually commemorates a momentous occasion in the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ life: the miraculous Night Journey to Jerusalem and Ascension to Heaven (al-Isra wal-Mi’raj).
Muslims choose to fast on the day of Isra and Mi’raj to commemorate this blessed day and earn extra rewards.
We will have a community Iftar before the program from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Maghrib on this day is at 5:42 p.m. Register for Iftar at mcceastbay.org/isra-miraj-iftarPlease note that Iftar tickets are non-refundable.
6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Friday, January 16 or Saturday, January 17 | MCC Conference Room | Join in person or watch virtually at https://mcceastbay.org/live

– Past talks commemorating Al Isra Wal Miraj: https://mcceastbay.org/isra
– More Sheikh Faraz Khan talks: https://mcceastbay.org/faraz

Schedule

5:40 p.m. – Break the fast/ Iftar
5:50 p.m. – Maghrib
6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Dinner
7:10 p.m. – 8 p.m. Zikr
8:00 p.m. – Isha
8:15 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. — Program

This event is organized by the San Ramon Valley Islamic Center (SRVIC), Islamic Center of Livermore (ICL), and Muslim Community Center – East Bay.
Muslims worldwide remember this event as one that changed the course of history. Allah bestowed the tremendous honor of this journey and the command of Prayer (salah) upon His Messenger – a perpetual gift and source of comfort for Muslims until eternity.

This session is also an excellent way to begin spiritually preparing ourselves for Ramadan and to enliven our spirits to get through the uncertainty we are facing now.

More about this special night

Isra Mi’raj is celebrated on the 27th of Rajab. This night happened in 621, the year of sadness (‘Aam ul Huzn), when Abu Talib & Khadijah (RA) died. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) rode Buraq (a white steed) during his journey, and Allah enjoined 50 prayers and later reduced them to five.

He met different Prophets on the journey:

– 7th Heaven met Ibrahim (AS)
– 6th Heaven met Musa (AS)
– 5th Heaven met Harun (AS)
– 4th Heaven met Idris (AS)
– 3rd Heaven met Yusuf (AS)
– 2nd Heaven met Isa (AS) & Yahya (AS)
– 1st Heaven met Adam (AS)

MI’RAJ – Ascend to heaven, where he speaks to GodISRA’ – Night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Nisf Sha’ban (15th of Shaban - Laylatul Bara’a) '26 | A Night For Asking Forgiveness
2026-02-03 18:00 - 20:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
The Prophet (saw) said, ′Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban and then forgives all His slaves except for two types of people: those who attribute partners to Allah and those who have rancor for their fellow Muslims’. [Ahmad]
At Maghrib (sunset) on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 or Wednesday, February 4, 2026, or , marks the night of the 15th Sha’ban, also called Laylat al-Bara’ah, Laylat an-Nisf min Sha’ban, and Shab-e-Barat. We also highly encourage you to fast on this day.
Join Qari Amar Bellaha for a recitation of Surah Al-Yaseen three times on one of the five blessed nights when duas are accepted, according to Imam Nawawi. Join us in this annual commemoration of laylatul-bara’ah (the Night of Innocence).
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Tuesday, February 3 or Wednesday, Feb. 4 | MCC Conference Room | Join us in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
Program:

– 5:30 p.m.: Maghrib prayer
– 6:05 p.m.: Qari Amar Bellaha recites Surah Yaseen three times
– 7:05 p.m.: Dinner/Iftar (for those fasting) – Please RSVP for dinner only (not needed just for the program) at mcceastbay.org/shaban-dinner
– 8 p.m.: Isha prayer

– Past talks at MCC about Nisf Shaban (Laylatul Bara’a): http://mcceastbay.org/shaban
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Ibnul Haj (rahimahullah) states: “The salaf (pious predecessors) would sanctify this night and prepare themselves for it in advance.”
Join Qari Amar Bellaha for a faith-affirming evening to mark one of the five blessed nights when duas are accepted, according to Imam Nawawi. We also highly encourage you to fast on that day and join us for a community Iftar in the evening. Join us in this annual commemoration of laylatul-bara’ah (the Night of Innocence).
– Past talks commemorating Nisf Sha’ban: https://mcceastbay.org/shaban
About Nisf Sha’ban
The month of Shaban is the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The fifteenth night of this month is known as laylatul-bara’ah (the Night of Innocence) or Laylat un-Nisf min Shaban (the Middle Night of Shaban or shab-e-barat).
It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, said: “There are five nights on which dua is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha‘ban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al Fitr and the night before Eid al Nahr (al Adha).” (al Suyuti)
Locally, for those who follow moonsighting, the 15th night of Shaban starts on the evening of Tuesday, February 3rd. This is a special night for making dua and other acts of worship. Our faith also teaches us to fast on the 15th day of Shaban (Tuesday, February 3) and the 16th day of Shaban (Wednesday, February 4th) as recommended acts.
For more information, see the following links: https://muwasala.org/2015/05/17/merits-of-shaban/
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Allah (swt) forgives many of His servants on this night
The primary blessing of this night is that Allah pours His mercy and forgiveness upon the earth from Maghrib until Fajr. The Prophet (saw) described the extent of His forgiveness in powerful language in numerous narrations:
The Prophet (saw) said, ′Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban and then forgives all His slaves except for two types of people: those who attribute partners to Allah and those who have rancor for their fellow Muslims’. [Ahmad]
(In other narrations, he (saw) mentioned more categories of people who wouldn’t be forgiven, including those who severed the ties of kinship and those who disobeyed their parents, among others).
Aishah (ra) also narrated that the Prophet (saw) once remained in Sajdah for so long during this night that she became scared and touched his foot to make sure he was still alive. He (saw) moved his foot, and she heard him reciting the following du’a:

The Prophet (saw) also said to Aishah (ra), ′Allah descends on the night of the middle of Sha’ban to the lowest heaven, and He forgives more than the numbers of hairs on the sheep of Banu Kalb (an Arab tribe renowned for their great flocks of sheep)’. [Ibn Majah and others]
Finally, the Prophet (saw) said that on this night, from sunset until dawn, Allah asks His servants, ′Is there anyone seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision from Me so I may provide for him? Is there anyone suffering so I may relieve his suffering?′ [Ibn Majah]
Therefore, make du’a for forgiveness on the 15th night of Sha’ban. Increase your dhikr, and ask Allah for forgiveness, mercy, relief from suffering, and provision. Remember to forgive anyone you have a grudge against and resolve your problems with them, especially if they are family members so that Allah will forgive you.
Fasting on 15th Sha’ban
There is only one weak hadith regarding fasting on the 15th day of Sha’ban. However, it is from the Sunnah to fast the Bright Days (the 13th, 14th, and 15th) of every month anyway. (You can learn more on our blog about the Bright Days).
Furthermore, it is from the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw) to increase our voluntary fasts during Sha’ban, as this is the month in which actions are raised to Allah:
Prescribed prayers for this night
Again, the hadith regarding prescribed prayers for this night – such as prayers of fourteen raka’at – are weak Hadith, so it cannot be considered a Sunnah practice. However, you can still perform nafl (voluntary) prayers tonight to benefit from its blessings. As Ibn Taymiyyah (rh) says, ‘Some of the pious predecessors used to devote this night (15th Sha’ban) for Salah especially’.
Moreover, the Prophet (saw) always encouraged performing nafl prayers and making du’a at night, particularly during the last third of the night. This is the case for any night in the year.
Is this the Night of Destiny?
Most scholars agree that the night of 15th Sha’ban is not mentioned in the Qur’an.
Some commentators have said that the night of 15th Sha’ban is mentioned in Surah Ad-Dukhan – ‘Indeed, We sent it [the Book] down during a blessed night. Indeed, we were to warn [mankind]. On that night, every precise matter is made distinct. [The Noble Qur’an, 44:3-4]
However, most scholars agree that this ayah refers to Laylat al-Qadr. The opinion that 15th Sha’ban is ‘the Night of Destiny’ – i.e. the night on which your provision and time of death is named – is not strong. And Allah knows best.
Whether mentioned in the Qur’an or not, it is still a blessed night. Umar bin Abd al-Aziz (rh) and others have said, ′Do not neglect four nights in the year, because on those nights Allah pours His mercy upon His slaves: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha’ban, the night before Eid al-Fitr, and the night before Eid al-Adha’.
Thus, we should try to increase our ’ibadah and ask for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness on this night. We should also strive to remove from our hearts any hatred or grudges for our fellow Muslims to receive Allah’s forgiveness on this night.
Remember: Sha’ban is the month in which our annual deeds are raised to Allah – and the night of the 15th Sha’ban is the perfect opportunity to enter Ramadan with our sins forgiven, in that Allah!
Preparing for Ramadan
Sha’ban is a special month, and we shouldn’t neglect its blessings. It is a time when our actions are raised to Allah, where our love for the Prophet (saw) increases, and where we should prepare for the blessed month of Ramadan.
Source: https://muslimhands.org.uk/latest/2019/04/the-importance-of-15th-shaban-night
The blessed month of Sha’ban is loved and honored by our Prophet ﷺ. Usamah ibn Zayd, may Allah be pleased with him, asked, “Ya Rasulallah, I haven’t seen you [voluntarily] fast in a month as much as you fast during Sha’ban.” The Messenger ﷺ replied, “People neglect that month between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which deeds are raised to the Lord of the Worlds, and I like that my deeds be raised while I am fasting.” (Ahmad and Nasa’i)
It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, said: “There are five nights on which dua is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha‘ban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al Fitr and the night before Eid al Nahr (al Adha).” (al Suyuti)
For more information, see the following links:
– https://seekersguidance.org/tag/15th-shaban
– https://muwasala.org/2015/05/17/merits-of-shaban
About Qari Amar:
Raised in Morocco, Qari Amar Bellaha memorized the Qur’an at 17 from Madrasat Imam Nafia. He has ijaza for the Hafs and Warsh recitations of the Qur’an. In 1994 and 1995, he was awarded top prizes in the National Moroccan Tajweed competition. He is recognized for his recitation’s beauty, clarity, and excellence, and is one of the Bay Area’s foremost Qur’an teachers.

In his Majmu’, Imam Nawawi quoted from Imam al-Shafi’i’s Kitab al-Umm that there are 5 nights when du’as (supplications) are answered, one of them being the night of the 15th of Sha`ban.
