MCC East Bay

Career Panel for Teens
2024-04-26 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
After the Friday teen Jumu’ah ends at 4 p.m., please join us for a great career panel to learn about possible careers and get advice, tips, and resources to help you prepare for your future.

4 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Friday, April 26 | MCC Conference Room | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live

Whatever your plans after high school, our panel speakers will have something for you! Pizza and snacks will be provided, so join us and come with interest, questions, and a friend. Also, hear from professionals in various careers about what living your faith out in the workplace looks like. Parents and adults are also welcome to join.

This career panel, moderated by a high schooler, aims to inspire our youth and allow them to interact with professionals in various career areas, like lawyers, firefighters, data scientists, engineers, and more! You will hear professionals answer questions about their skills, opportunities, and what excites them about their job—plenty of time for Q&A.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Below is the bio of the panelists:

Br. Belal Mogaddedi is a first-generation Afghan American working as a firefighter for the City and County of San Francisco. In addition to being the founder of the organization Muslim First Responders, he co-founded The 5ive Pillars, which aids resettlement of incoming new refugees. He also serves his skills and passion as the Red Cross Program Manager for the Disaster Action Team (DAT) and Disaster Health Services (DHS) Team under the umbrella of Alameda County. ​As Program Manager at The 5ive Pillars Organization, he oversees teams ready to respond to local emergencies 24/7, from offering emotional support to immediate needs for shelter/supplies and connecting to long-term recovery services. When he’s not busy saving lives, he spends time in the community volunteering with organizations such as Afghan-American Muslim Outreach and the Afghan Coalition and serving as a role model for the Sports Program for at-risk youth. ​He lives and leads a life of service to others with a heart that has no end when helping out the community.

Sr. Jessica Ozalp is a lawyer with over ten years of experience in education and legislative practice in public agencies and private law firms. She is also a former educator and will share how a law degree can be used for the public good in service of community values. Sr. Santi Chrisanti has a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering and over 15 years of progressive experience. She leads a team of materials/chemists and data scientists in one of the largest multinational biotech companies. Her team is developing next-generation sequencing technology and having fun doing it.

Sr. Saba Usmani is a digital marketing analytics leader with over ten years of experience in marketing strategies, executing experimentation, data science, and customer insights in the financial and retail industries. With a computer science and management science education, she transitioned from a career in software development to analytics. She helps business teams utilize prediction models and make data-driven decisions.

Br. Shuaib Khwaja has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from India. With 26 years of experience in engineering, he has worked on various software products on desktop, mobile, and cloud platforms. Currently, he works at Adobe as a software architect, and his team works on backend cloud services to support collaboration and Generative AI on Adobe Creative products.

The Essentials & Wisdom of Sending Blessings Upon the Prophet (ﷺ) | Ustadh Tariq Samady
2024-06-01 09:00 - 16:00
Join Ustadh Tariq Samady for an interactive session where you will learn the fundamentals of sending Salawat (prayer) upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw). Discover the wisdom behind it and delve into its meanings, virtues, and benefits.

Saturday, June 1 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | Join in-person or watch online (link shared with those who register) | Register at mcceastbay.org/circles

We will be using the book Sending Prayers upon the Prophet by Imam ʿAbdallah Sirajuddin Al-Husayni.

We will break for lunch between 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will not be provided by MCC. Please plan to bring lunch or visit a nearby restaurant. Congregation Zuhr prayer is from 1:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. We will provide space for lunch in the Banquet Hall.

Ustadh Tariq Samady

Ustadh Tariq Samady is a native of the Bay Area with roots hailing from the ancient city of Kabul. He is a lifelong seeker of Islamic knowledge, learning from a wide range of Muslim scholars – local and international. With blessings from 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 benefit of the community. He studied Computer Science at California State University – East Bay and has over ten years of experience as a Developer and Analytics QA Engineer.

Ustadh Mahdy Amine (Guest Speaker)

Ustadh Mahdy Amine is a Zaytuna College alumnus and practicing attorney. He teaches Islamic Studies at ILM Tree and serves as Convert Care Coordinator for Ta’leef.

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 Tri-Valley and East Bay Mawlid celebrations: http://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 Ustadh Tariq: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/tariq

– More Ustadh Mahdy: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/mahdy

Women's Retreat: Finding a Path to God | A Journey Through His Names
2024-06-28 17:00 - 21:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
“Indeed, Allah has Ninety-Nine particular Names – one hundred minus one – whoever encompasses them will enter the Garden.” (Bukhari)

For sisters Ages 12+! Join us with a special guest, Dr. Jinan Yousef (author of Reflecting on the Names of Allah), along with Dr. Rania Awaad, Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed, and Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi, to reflect on the beautiful names of Allah (swt).

Friday, June 28 | 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (PST) | MCC Conference Room | Women & Girls Ages 12+ | In-person ($20) or Online ($10) | Register at mcceastbay.org/pathSchedule:5:00 – 5:15 pm: Intro5:15 – 5:45 pm: The Art of Du’ah: When to Whisper, When to Weep | Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed5:45 – 6:15 pm: Acquiring Beautiful Character through the Divine Names | Ustadha Hosai MojaddidiAsr and dinner break6:45 – 7:15 pm: ⁠Emotional Blocks & Learning to Let Your Guard Down with God through His Divine Names | Dr. Rania Awaad7:15 – 8:00 pm: Having a Deeper Connection with ﷲ through His Divine Names | Ustadha Dr. Jinaan YousefPanel questions until Maghrib9:00 – 9:30 pm: Special session—book signing/meet and greet

We will also have a limited of Dr. Jinan’s books, Reflecting on the Names of Allah, for sale. You can pre-purchase a copy on the checkout page.

This women-only event will not be publicly live-streamed. To cover event costs, all in-person ($20) and virtual attendees ($10) will receive an unlisted link via email at 4:30 p.m. PST this Friday to join via an unlisted link on MCC’s YouTube page. That unlisted link will be retained indefinitely for all paid viewers to watch on replay later.

The Rahmah Foundation, Tawasaw Institute, and MCC East Bay are sponsors for this event.

– More videos in collaboration with Rahmah Foundation: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/rahmah-foundation

MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never prevent a person from attaining spiritual knowledge offered by MCC. For a financial-based scholarship discount code, please email scholarship@mcceastbay.org

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Dr. Jinan YousefDr. Jinan Yousef has been an author for over a decade and most recently published “Reflecting on the Names of Allah” (Al-Buruj Press, 2020). She has been a student of Sheikh Akram Nadwi for many years and is currently studying tafsir and hadith at Al-Salam Institute. Jinan teaches classes on the names of Allah for SWISS online. She is passionate about helping Muslims connect to Allah through knowing Him by His names. Watch her recent talk on the Yaqeen podcast: https://youtu.be/_IyG-VK93DU?si=nnJLNxNrsFlCFFDw.Ustadha Dr. Rania AwaadRaised in the U.S., Ustadha Rania Awaad began her formal study of the traditional Islamic sciences when her parents permitted her to travel to Damascus, Syria, at 14. Her desire to continue studying the Deen resulted in multiple trips back to Damascus, interspersed between her high school, college, and medical studies. She was honored to receive Ijazah (authorization to teach) several branches of the Shari’ah sciences at the hands of many renowned scholars, including many female scholars. She has received Ijazah to teach Tajwid in the Hafs and Warsh recitations from the late eminent Syrian scholar Shaykh Abu Hassan al-Kurdi. In addition to completing several advanced texts of the Shafi’i madhhab, she is licensed to teach texts of Maliki fiqh, Adab, and Ihsan. Currently, Ustadha Rania teaches online and local classes for The Rahmah Foundation, Rabata. She is on the faculty of Zaytuna College, where she teaches courses in Shafi’i fiqh and women’s issues in fiqh and has helped develop and co-direct the Tajweed and Hifz program.

Ustadha Rania is also a medical doctor specializing in psychiatry. She completed her Psychiatric residency and fellowship training at Stanford University, where she is currently on the faculty as a Clinical Instructor in the Stanford Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences department. Her medical interests include addressing mental health care concerns in the Muslim community- particularly that of Muslim women and girls. She has been awarded grants from the NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) to research this topic and has presented her findings at several medical conferences. Other ongoing endeavors include compiling manuscripts addressing female-related mental health and medical issues from a fiqh-oriented perspective. She currently serves as the Director of the Rahmah Foundation, a non-profit organization that teaches traditional Islamic knowledge to Muslim women and girls. In this capacity, she also heads the Murbbiyah Mentoring Program, which trains young women to teach and mentor Muslim girls and teens. Ustadha Rania is both a wife and a mother; she has been counseling and teaching women classes on Tajwid, Shafi’i Fiqh, Ihsan, marriage, and raising children since 1999.

– More from Dr. Rania: http://mcceastbay.org/rania– More Dr. Rania’s Friday Evening Halaqas: http://www.mcceastbay.org/womens-halaqa

Ustadha Shamira Chothia AhmedBorn and raised in California’s Central Valley, Shamira Chothia Ahmed is passionate about educating and empowering Muslim women to reach their highest spiritual potential through acquiring sacred knowledge.

Having graduated as valedictorian from a large public high school, her studies led her — following a brief soul-searching stint at Georgetown University — to seek sacred knowledge from scholars on three continents — Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Ustadha Shamira began her journey in seeking sacred knowledge at the women’s Dar-ul-Uloom Mu’eenal Islam seminary in South Africa and completed the five-year intensive ‘Alima programs at Ja’mia Al-Imam Muhammad Zakariyya, one of Britain’s first and most renowned Islamic universities for women. Thereafter, she continued her Arabic and Qur’anic studies in Damascus, Syria, where she obtained an ijāzah in Tajwīd of the Ḥafṣ recitation from the late eminent Syrian scholar Shaykh Ḥasan al-Kurdī.

In 2005, Ustadha Shamira taught Hanafi fiqh for women at the Zaytuna Institute in California and, since then, has taught various Islamic sciences in venues across North America. In 2008, she earned a Master’s Degree in Demographics and Social Analysis from the University of California at Irvine, focusing on the identity formation of the Muslim-American population.

In 2013, Ustadha Shamira specialized in the detailed rulings of menstruation, lochia, and abnormal discharge under the direction of Mufti Abdur Rahman Ibn Yusuf Mangera and assisted in compiling Imam Abu Hanifa’s Al-Fiqh al-Akbar Explained.

Shamira is a wife and mother of five children. She is passionate about empowering women in their childbearing years to gain closeness to their Lord through her spiritual birth consultations and virtual doula services.

Ustadha Shamira is a co-founder of the Rahmah Foundation and currently teaches for Nur al-Iman, a full-time girls’ shariah program with Ustadha Mona Elzankaly based in the Bay Area.

Ustadha Hosai MojaddidiUstadha Hosai Mojaddidi co-founded MH4M (http://mentalhealth4muslims.com), established in 2010. For nearly 20 years, she has been actively involved in the Bay Area and Southern California Muslim community, working and volunteering for many notable organizations. Learn more about her at http://hosaimojaddidi.comUstadha Hosai Mojaddidi was born in Afghanistan and moved to the United States with her family at age two. She credits her Islamic journey to 1996, when she attended Islamic classes in Hayward, California. Her teacher and mentor, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, has taught these classes since then.One of her main areas of focus is to help create a strong sisterhood for women in the community by leading halaqas (spiritual study circles) and support groups whilst offering individual spiritual counseling and mentoring. She noted that many of the spiritual problems encountered were reflective of the deep and complicated mental health issues of the community and would be better served by focusing on mental health. Thus, along with her cousin Dr. Nafisa Sekandari, they co-founded a website called Mental Health 4 Muslims (www.mentalhealth4muslims.com).Ustadha Hosai is a freelance writer and editor who lectures on various Islamic/spiritual topics.– More Ustadha Hosai: http://mcceastbay.org/hosai

Six-Week Summer Arabic Calligraphy Camp | Zubair Simab
2024-07-09 17:30 - 18:30
For Ages 13+: Join a six-week calligraphy summer camp with Calligrapher Zubair Simab for intermediate students to learn to write each Arabic letter in the popular Thuluth writing style and to prep pen, paper, and ink. You will learn the following:

Understanding of pen, paper, and ink

Preparing the pen

Technically analyzing alphabet letters in Thuluth style

Tuesdays | 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | July 9 to August 13 | Banquet Hall | $90.00 (plus $35 calligraphy kit available for purchase during first class session) | Register at mcceastbay.org/calligraphy

This workshop will provide you with an understanding of pen, paper, and ink in calligraphy, preparing the pen, and learning the Thuluth style of writing and techniques. You will have a chance to write and practice in class.

Sessions are held in the Banquet Hall.

About the Instructor

Zubair Simab is a calligrapher and engineer living in Silicon Valley. He was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, where his initial passion for calligraphy was sparked as a young boy. Since 1997, Zubair has delightfully returned to the tradition of calligraphy. Through his work, the correlation between calligraphy and engineering is evident. With a background in engineering from the School of Engineering at San Jose State University, his calligraphy shows a high attention to detail and technical mastery. Learn more about Zubair at http://www.simabcalligraphy.com

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

A Tour of Tales: From the Dream to the Throne | Mufti Abdul Wahab Waheed
2024-10-25 18:00 - 22:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join Mufti Abdul Wahab Waheed as he presents an emotional analysis of the life of Prophet Yusuf (AS) as he drifts through chapters in his life marked with greed, lies, and betrayal.
The story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) is presented in the Qur’an as an exemplary model of endurance through difficulties, acceptance of Divine decree, and perseverance in the way of Allah (SWT).
Surah Yusuf teaches us that the resolve of Dunya is pain, and the essence of faith is the belief that our agony serves a purpose and that we will ultimately reap its benefits in the Akhira.
*Friday, Oct. 25 | 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. | MCC Prayer Hall | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/yusuf | Free; join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
*Updated date.
This workshop is sponsored by Miftaah Institute & MCC East Bay.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
What is the program schedule?
Here is the proposed schedule for the evening:

– 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Check-in & welcoming
– 6:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. – Maghrib Salah
– 6:45 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. – Qur’an Recitation
– 6:50 p.m. to 7:55 p.m. – Mufti Abdul Wahhab Waheed | Session 1
– 8 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. – Isha Salah
– 8:25 p.m. to 9:50 p.m. – Mufti Abdul Wahhab Waheed | Session 2
– 9:50 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Closing remarks

Do you offer babysitting?
No. I am sorry, but we do not have babysitting.
Are there food options?
Yes, we will have food boxes in the MCC lobby starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday for attendees to grab dinner. To pre-purchase your Mirchi Cafe in Dublin dinner, please do so at mcceastbay.org/yusuf
Are there vendor opportunities?
We cannot accommodate vendors due to the number of expected attendees and the program’s format.
Is there a live stream option?
We strongly encourage our community to attend in person. If you cannot make it in person, please watch for free on MCC’s YouTube channel starting at 6 p.m. PST at mcceastbay.org/live
Who is the retreat speaker?
Mufti Abdul Wahab Waheed was born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI. He began Islamic studies at Jaamiah al-Uloom al-Islamiyyah in Canada, where he became a Hafiz at 11. He started his 7-year Shariah program in Toronto, Canada, and went even further to pursue higher education in Hadith in Karachi, Pakistan. Throughout his travels, Mufti Abdul Wahab addresses communities across the United States on a wide range of Islamic topics and, InshAllah, continues to do so with the Tawfiq of Allah SWT. Mufti Abdul Wahab is a co-founder and director at Miftaah Institute and Michigan Islamic Institute.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Career Panel for Teens
2024-11-01 16:00 - 17:00
In our ongoing series to help teens find their career path, this month, we hear from a family therapist, a tech leader, a chemical engineer, and an internal medicine doctor. We meet over pizza and snacks right after the weekly teen Jumu’ah!
After the Friday youth Jumu’ah ends at 4 p.m., please join us for a great career panel to learn about possible careers and get advice, tips, and resources to help you prepare for your future.
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (right after weekly teen Jumu’ah ends) | Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 | MCC Conference Room | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Whatever your plans after high school, our panel speakers will have something for you! Pizza and snacks will be provided, so join us and come with interest, questions, and a friend. Also, hear from professionals in various careers about what living your faith out in the workplace looks like. Parents and adults are also welcome to join.
This career panel, moderated by a high schooler, aims to inspire our youth and allow them to interact with professionals in various career areas, like doctors, data scientists, engineers, and more! You will hear professionals answer questions about their skills, opportunities, and what excites them about their job—plenty of time for Q&A.
Questions? stem@mcceastbay.org
Panelist biographies
Sr. Sabreen Azhar is a compassionate and experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to fostering resilience and well-being in individuals, couples, and families. With a strong background in clinical and school-based settings, Sabreen has a unique ability to connect with youth and adults, addressing their diverse needs and challenges. Grounded in an Islamically integrated approach to psychology, Sabreen’s practice honors her clients’ spiritual beliefs and values, weaving together the principles of faith and evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Her work is rooted in a deep understanding of human relationships’ complexities and therapeutic support’s power. Sabreen is also a sought-after workshop facilitator, creating engaging educational programs that address pressing community issues with sensitivity and expertise. She has a gift for tailoring her workshops to the communities’ most urgent needs, promoting greater awareness, understanding, and positive change.
Br. Nauman (Noni) Azhar is a seasoned information technology leader. He has lived in the Bay Area since 2001 and resides in San Jose, California, with his wife and three children. He has also lived in Pakistan and on the East Coast. He prioritizes self-improvement in all aspects of his life. He enjoys spending time with family and friends and is an avid sports fan.

Br. Farhan Ahmad is a chemical engineering graduate with over two decades of experience in the semiconductor industry. He is a seasoned finance leader with expertise in fostering investor relations, creating finance strategy, and leading finance operations.
Dr. Moyra Rasheed is an internal medicine doctor with several years of experience. She has also worked as a hospitalist for multiple hospitals. She is continuing to expand her education and recently completed a master’s in public health to expand her research skills with data science.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Fall Arabic Calligraphy Class | Br. Zubair Simab
2024-11-06 17:30 - 18:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Children & Adults Ages 13+: Join a six-week calligraphy session with Calligrapher Zubair Simab for beginner & intermediate students. The class is designed to learn the popular Thuluth style of writing. Students will learn the following:

Understanding of pen, paper, and ink

Preparing the traditional calligraphy pen

Technically analyzing alphabet letters in Thuluth style

Introduction to fundamentals of composition

Wednesdays | 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Nov. 6 to Dec. 11 | $150.00/student (includes a calligraphy kit, which will be provided on the first day of class
Capped at 20 attendees.
Register at mcceastbay.org/calligraphy
The ten-week sessions will provide you with an understanding of pen, paper, and ink in calligraphy, preparing the pen, and learning the Thuluth style of writing and techniques. It will also introduce the fundamentals of composition. You will have a chance to write and practice in class. No previous experience is necessary.
Sessions are held in the Banquet Hall. On Tuesdays: 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/03, & 12/10
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
About the Instructor:
Zubair Simab is a Danville-based and award-winning traditional calligrapher and Silicon Valley engineer. He is an active traditional arts practitioner and teacher in his local community. Zubair has exhibited, lectured, and demonstrated throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. His initial passion for calligraphy was sparked in his birthplace of Kabul, Afghanistan, where he began training in calligraphy as a young boy. Twenty-five years ago, Zubair returned to the serious study and practice of traditional calligraphy. Zubair is influenced by the Afghan and Turkish master calligraphers. His pieces are based on Farsi poetry, verses from the Quran, and traditional Afghan and Arabic proverbs.
http://www.simabcalligraphy.com
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Preparing for Anticipated Immigration Challenges Under Trump Administration | Spojmie Nasiri & Omar Aziz
2025-01-11 11:00 - 12:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Protect your rights as an immigrant and learn how to navigate the legal landscape while understanding potential new policy impacts as we prepare for anticipated immigration challenges under the incoming Trump Administration. Longtime Pleasanton-based Immigration Attorney Spojmie Nasiri will lead this legal rights workshop in Pashto, Dari & English. Omar Aziz, Executive Director of the Afghan-American Community Organization (AACO), will also speak.
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PST (Zuhr) | Saturday, January 11, 2025, | MCC Conference Room | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Attendees will receive family and school supplies—snacks and refreshments served after the Zuhr prayer.
This event is sponsored by the Afghan-American Community Organization, The 5ive Pillars Organization, and the SRVIC-MCC Refugee Team.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About the Speakers
Spojmie Nasiri founded the Law Office of Spojmie Nasiri, PC, in 2011 in Pleasanton, California, to provide her clients with the personalized and compassionate immigration legal service they deserve. Mrs. Nasiri currently practices immigration law exclusively and is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She has extensive experience representing clients with family-based Immigration matters before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; complex deportation matters before the Federal Immigration Court and U.S. Embassies around the World.

Omar Aziz wears many hats in life. He is an educator, a PhD student, a husband, a father to two daughters, and most recently, AACO’s Executive Director–the organization’s first full-time position. Born and raised in Fremont, CA, Aziz is settling into his new life in Maryland with his family and embarking on two adventures centered around the Afghan-American diaspora. Within his PhD program in higher education at George Mason University, Omar is concluding his dissertation research focusing on Afghan-American college students and the intersection between race, ethnicity, and immigration. Simultaneously, Omar begins his post as AACO’s Executive Director to build a stronger, more engaged, and more cohesive Afghan-American community.

Afghan-American Community Organization (AACO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the Afghan-American community through education and outreach and promoting civic and social engagement through the annual conference and beyond.

Friday Night Primer on the Weekend Retreat with Shaykh Samer Al-Nass
2025-01-17 17:30 - 19:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join us over the weekend with a renowned scholar of the Qur’an, Tafsir, & Hadith, Shaykh Samer Al-Nass, to learn the 40 Hadiths on Loving and Hating for the Sake of God, and 40 Hadiths on His Characteristics and His Nation ﷺ using Shaykh Yousuf Al-Nabhani (ra)’s books.
Fri. Jan 17, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Introduction – Free) | Sat. Jan 18, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. Jan 19, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | $20/in-person for the weekend or $10/person (watch live online both days)
Register at https://mcceastbay.org/forty-hadiths
Ijaza with Sanad (certificate) will only be given to in-person attendees. While online viewers will benefit from joining the retreat virtually, they will not receive a completion certificate.
Both books used in the retreat will be available for purchase on-site on Friday and Saturday at a discounted price.
For those attending the retreat in person, we will provide lunch to those who pre-purchased the lunch ticket online. The last day to purchase the lunch option is Friday.
The event will not be publicly live-streamed. The public release of the recordings will be at the discretion of every speaker. There’s no guarantee that recordings will be released on the media channels for MCC East Bay. Please try to attend the program in person or live online. The event will take place at Pacific Standard Time.
No babysitting is provided.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never prevent a person from attaining spiritual knowledge. For a financial-based scholarship discount code, please email scholarship@mcceastbay.org
About the Presenter:
Shaykh Samer was born in Damascus, Syria, where he studied at the College of Medicine of the University of Damascus. He went on to study in the United States, where he qualified in internal medicine.
The Shaykh has studied under some of the great ‘ulama of the Levant (Shaam) and the Arabian peninsula. He has a traditional license to teach (ijazah) in the ten styles of recitation of the narration of the Shatibiyyah and the Durra from the world-renowned Shaykh Muhammad Sukkar. He received an ijazah in the ten styles of recitation of the narration of Tayyibah from the Egyptian Shaykh Ahmad Mustafa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, himself a student of Shaykh Abd al-Aziz al-Zayyat of Egypt. Shaykh Samer has a traditional license to teach (ijazah) in Islamic law (fiqh) and theology and creed (‘aqida) from Shaykh Lutfi al-Fayumi and the late Hanafi Mufti, Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. He also studied with the previous Mufti of Syria, Shaykh Abu Yusr Ibn `Abidin. Shaykh Samer was honored to study hadith in Mecca with the great Indonesian-Meccan Shaykh Yasin al-Fadani and with Shaykh Nur ud-din `Itr of Syria. He also has an ijazah in Prophetic traditions (hadith) from the late Shaykh `Abd Allah Siraj al-Din of Aleppo, Syria.
Shaykh Samer is presently a teacher at Ma’had al-Fatih al-Islami in Damascus, teaching the Hanafi fiqh manual Al-Hidayah in the department of Islamic Law (Shariah), and lecturer on the ten recitations of the Qur’an in the MA program. The Shaykh teaches Qur’anic recitation (tajwid) after fajr prayers daily in the blessed mosque of Shaykh Ibn `Arabi, a post given to him by his Shaykh and father-in-law, one of the illustrious Shaykhs of Quran in the Levant (Sham), the late Shaykh Muhammad Sukkar. Shaykh Samer has been teaching various Islamic studies courses in England and North America since 2000.

Past Shaykh Samer video recordings: https://mcceastbay.org/samer

Weekend Retreat with Shaykh Samer Al-Nass
2025-01-18 09:00 - 18:00, 2025-01-19 14:00 - 18:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join us over the weekend with a renowned scholar of the Qur’an, Tafsir, & Hadith, Shaykh Samer Al-Nass, to learn the 40 Hadiths on Loving and Hating for the Sake of God, and 40 Hadiths on His Characteristics and His Nation ﷺ using Shaykh Yousuf Al-Nabhani (ra)’s books.
Fri. Jan 17, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Introduction – Free) | Sat. Jan 18 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Sun. Jan 19 (2 p.m. to 6 p.m.) | MCC Conference Room | $20/in-person for the weekend or $10/person (watch live online both days)
Register at https://mcceastbay.org/forty-hadiths
Ijaza with Sanad (certificate) will only be given to in-person attendees. While online viewers will benefit from joining the retreat virtually, they will not receive a completion certificate.
Both books used in the retreat will be available to purchase at a discounted price on-site.
For those attending the retreat in person, we will provide lunch to those who pre-purchased the lunch ticket online. The last day to purchase the lunch option is Friday.
The event will not be publicly live-streamed. The public release of the recordings will be at the discretion of every speaker. There’s no guarantee that recordings will be released on the media channels for MCC East Bay. Please try to attend the program in person or live online. The event will take place at Pacific Standard Time.
No babysitting is provided.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never prevent a person from attaining spiritual knowledge. For a financial-based scholarship discount code, please email scholarship@mcceastbay.org
About the Presenter:
Shaykh Samer was born in Damascus, Syria, where he studied at the College of Medicine of the University of Damascus. He studied in the United States, where he qualified in internal medicine.
The Shaykh has studied under some of the great ‘ulama of the Levant (Shaam) and the Arabian peninsula. He has a traditional license to teach (ijazah) in the ten styles of recitation of the narration of the Shatibiyyah and the Durra from the world-renowned Shaykh Muhammad Sukkar. He received an ijazah in the ten styles of recitation of the narration of Tayyibah from the Egyptian Shaykh Ahmad Mustafa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, himself a student of Shaykh Abd al-Aziz al-Zayyat of Egypt. Shaykh Samer has a traditional license to teach (ijazah) in Islamic law (fiqh) and theology and creed (‘aqida) from Shaykh Lutfi al-Fayumi and the late Hanafi Mufti, Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. He also studied with the previous Mufti of Syria, Shaykh Abu Yusr Ibn `Abidin. Shaykh Samer was honored to study hadith in Mecca with the great Indonesian-Meccan Shaykh Yasin al-Fadani and with Shaykh Nur ud-din `Itr of Syria. He also has an ijazah in Prophetic traditions (hadith) from the late Shaykh `Abd Allah Siraj al-Din of Aleppo, Syria.
Shaykh Samer is presently a teacher at Ma’had al-Fatih al-Islami in Damascus, teaching the Hanafi fiqh manual Al-Hidayah in the department of Islamic Law (Shariah), and lecturer on the ten recitations of the Qur’an in the MA program. The Shaykh teaches Qur’anic recitation (tajwid) after fajr prayers daily in the blessed mosque of Shaykh Ibn `Arabi, a post given to him by his Shaykh and father-in-law, one of the illustrious Shaykhs of Quran in the Levant (Sham), the late Shaykh Muhammad Sukkar. Shaykh Samer has taught various Islamic studies courses in England and North America since 2000.

Past Shaykh Samer video recordings: https://mcceastbay.org/samer

Fiqh of Zakat: All Things Zakat: From Stocks to Livestock | Imam Tahir Anwar
2025-02-09 14:00 - 15:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Ramadan rapidly approaches, which enjoins the directives to fast and to give zakat. Join us for this pre-Ramadan Charitable Planning Workshop on all things Zakat: stocks to livestock, principles to rules.
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Sunday, February 9 | MCC Conference Room | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
About the Speaker
Imam Tahir Anwar is an American Muslim scholar and preacher. Born in London, England, he has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1983.
After completing his religious studies, Imam Tahir has served the Bay Area Muslim community since 2000. He also teaches Islamic Law at the renowned Zaytuna College, America’s first Muslim liberal arts college in Berkeley, California.
In addition, he is the founding board member of Averroes High School, the Bay Area’s first Muslim high school. He is currently the chairman of the board of NISA, North-American Islamic Shelter for the Abused, an organization that works towards alleviating issues related to domestic violence.
He has a passion for community service. He served on the Human Rights Commission for the City of San Jose for over 5 years and on the Human Relations Commission for the County of Santa Clara for one year. He also leads a group for Hajj each year. Learn more about him at imamtahir.com
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Inspiring Muslim Americans Toward Unity | Dr. Sherman Jackson & Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans
2025-02-14 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join Dr. Sherman Jackson and Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans for a primer on the tension between respectful disagreement and the challenges of building consensus on critical issues.
In these divisive times, don’t miss this opportunity to engage with these two great thinkers in meaningful conversations to contribute to a stronger, united Muslim American community.

Friday, Feb. 14 | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | MCC Prayer Hall | Join in-person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live

This Friday Night program is a prelude to an entire weekend workshop that will be held on Saturday and Sunday. Register for the President’s Day weekend retreat at mcceastbay.org/alim

Also, on Friday, Feb. 14, Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans will deliver the 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. sermons at MCC.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

This engaging weekend retreat is designed to inspire Muslim Americans toward unity and solidarity. Through discussions led by ALIM and esteemed local scholars, we will explore the tension between respectful disagreement and the challenges of building consensus on critical issues. Reserve your ticket today— spots are limited and filling quickly!

Sponsored by ALIM (American Learning Institute for Muslims) & MCC East Bay.

MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attaining religious and spiritual knowledge offered within the four walls of MCC East Bay. Please complete this form to request a financial waiver or a discounted ticket.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and contribute to a stronger, more united Muslim American community. Friday will be free and open to the public. Please purchase a ticket to attend the program on Saturday and Sunday!
Dr. Sherman Jackson
Co-Founder, Core Scholar, Board of Trustees, ALIM
Dr. Jackson is the King Faisal Chair of Islamic Thought and Culture and Professor of Religion, American Studies, and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California (USC). He received his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and has taught at the University of Texas at Austin, Indiana University, Wayne State University, and the University of Michigan.
He is the author of several books and has contributed to several publications. The Religion Newswriters Foundation’s ReligionLink lists Dr. Jackson among the top ten experts on Islam in America. The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center in Amman, Jordan, named him among the 500 most influential Muslims in the world.
Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans
Resident Scholar, ALIM
Ustadh Evans is ALIM’s first scholar-in-residence. He converted to Islam while in high school. Evans has studied at Chicagoland’s Institute of Islamic Education (IIE) in Tarim, Yemen, and Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, where he is the first African-American to graduate from its Shari’a program. Ustadh Ubaydullah also instructs with the Ta’leef Collective and the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN). As the ALIM Scholar-in-Residence, Ustadh Ubaydullah is a core instructor at the ALIM Summer Program. He teaches the History of Islamic Law, Shama’il, and Aphorisms of Ibn Ata’illah, along with other courses.
For over 25 years, ALIM (American Learning Institute for Muslims) has had its Annual Summer Program, a month-long learning intensive focused on increasing Islamic literacy.
Since 2000, ALIM has held its Winter Program, designed for working Muslim professionals. Principal scholars include Dr. Sherman Jackson, Dr. Muneer Fareed, Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans, and Sheikh Ali Suleiman Ali. Additional instructors over the years have included Imam Zaid Shakir, Dr. Umar Farooq Abdullah, Imam Siraj Wahhaj, Dr. Zainab Al Ansari, and others. Learn more about ALIM at https://www.alimprogram.org
About American Learning Institute for Muslims – Empowering Muslims through Islamic Literacy since 1998
MISSION
ALIM’s mission is to foster a healthy and religiously sound community through critical engagement with Islam’s intellectual and spiritual foundations.
VALUES
For 25+ years, ALIM has promoted Islamic literacy to empower and develop American Muslim individuals, families, and society. Through engaging programming, we aim to facilitate dialogue between Islamic traditions and the realities of American Muslim life.
MISSION
ALIM’s mission is to foster a healthy and religiously sound community through critical engagement with Islam’s intellectual and spiritual foundations.

Building Consensus and Unity in an Age of Polarity | Dr. Sherman Jackson & Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans
2025-02-15 10:00 - 17:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join Dr. Sherman Jackson & Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans and local Bay Area guest scholars for a transformative conference over President’s Day weekend as our scholars explore the tension between respectful disagreement and the challenges of building consensus on critical issues.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15 & Sunday, Feb. 16 | MCC Conference Room | $100/person or $50/student | Register mcceastbay.org/alim

Also, on Friday, Feb. 14, Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans will deliver the 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. sermons at MCC.

Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans and Dr. Sherman Jackson will also give a free community primer on this topic from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (break for Isha at 8 p.m.) on Friday, February 15. Join us in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live Learn more about that Friday night talk here.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

This engaging weekend retreat is designed to inspire Muslim Americans toward unity and solidarity. Through discussions led by ALIM and esteemed local scholars, we will explore the tension between respectful disagreement and the challenges of building consensus on critical issues. Reserve your ticket today— spots are limited and filling quickly!

Sponsored by ALIM (American Learning Institute for Muslims) & MCC East Bay.

MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attaining religious and spiritual knowledge offered within the four walls of MCC East Bay. Please complete this form to request a financial waiver or a discounted ticket.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and contribute to a stronger, more united Muslim American community. Friday will be free and open to the public. Please purchase a ticket to attend the program on Saturday and Sunday!
Dr. Sherman Jackson
Co-Founder, Core Scholar, Board of Trustees, ALIM
Dr. Jackson is the King Faisal Chair of Islamic Thought and Culture and Professor of Religion, American Studies, and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California (USC). He received his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and has taught at the University of Texas at Austin, Indiana University, Wayne State University, and the University of Michigan.
He is the author of several books and has contributed to several publications. The Religion Newswriters Foundation’s ReligionLink lists Dr. Jackson among the top ten experts on Islam in America. The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center in Amman, Jordan, named him among the 500 most influential Muslims in the world.
Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans
Resident Scholar, ALIM
Ustadh Evans is ALIM’s first scholar-in-residence. He converted to Islam while in high school. Evans has studied at Chicagoland’s Institute of Islamic Education (IIE) in Tarim, Yemen, and Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, where he is the first African-American to graduate from its Shari’a program. Ustadh Ubaydullah also instructs with the Ta’leef Collective and the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN). As the ALIM Scholar-in-Residence, Ustadh Ubaydullah is a core instructor at the ALIM Summer Program. He teaches the History of Islamic Law, Shama’il, and Aphorisms of Ibn Ata’illah, along with other courses.
For over 25 years, ALIM (American Learning Institute for Muslims) has had its Annual Summer Program, a month-long learning intensive focused on increasing Islamic literacy.
Since 2000, ALIM has held its Winter Program, designed for working Muslim professionals. Principal scholars include Dr. Sherman Jackson, Dr. Muneer Fareed, Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans, and Sheikh Ali Suleiman Ali. Additional instructors over the years have included Imam Zaid Shakir, Dr. Umar Farooq Abdullah, Imam Siraj Wahhaj, Dr. Zainab Al Ansari, and others. Learn more about ALIM at https://www.alimprogram.org
About American Learning Institute for Muslims – Empowering Muslims through Islamic Literacy since 1998
MISSION
ALIM’s mission is to foster a healthy and religiously sound community through critical engagement with Islam’s intellectual and spiritual foundations.
VALUES
For 25+ years, ALIM has promoted Islamic literacy to empower and develop American Muslim individuals, families, and society. Through engaging programming, we aim to facilitate dialogue between Islamic traditions and the realities of American Muslim life.
MISSION
ALIM’s mission is to foster a healthy and religiously sound community through critical engagement with Islam’s intellectual and spiritual foundations.
For over 25 years, ALIM (American Learning Institute for Muslims) has had its Annual Summer Program, a month-long learning intensive focused on increasing Islamic literacy.
Since 2000, ALIM has held its Winter Program, designed for working Muslim professionals. Principal scholars include Dr. Sherman Jackson, Dr. Muneer Fareed, Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans, and Sheikh Ali Suleiman Ali. Additional instructors over the years have included Imam Zaid Shakir, Dr. Umar Farooq Abdullah, Imam Siraj Wahhaj, Dr. Zainab Al Ansari, and others. Learn more about ALIM at https://www.alimprogram.org

From Inspiration to Best Seller: My Journey with The Clear Qur'an | Dr. Mustafa Khattab *Updated Time*
2025-02-22 12:40 - 16:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
*Due to a scheduling change by the speakers, the program will not start at 10 a.m. like previously advertised. This program is now from 12:40 p.m. (Zuhr) to 4:30 p.m.*
﻿﻿
Join us for a full-day interactive workshop with Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the brilliant mind behind “The Clear Quran” translation, to learn the art of giving Da’wah. Dr. Mustafa will also share his journey that led him to become the author of the best-selling translation of the Qur’an.
12:40 p.m. (Zuhr) to 4:30 p.m. (due to a scheduling change by the speakers, the program will not start at 10 a.m. like previously advertised) | Saturday, Feb. 22 | MCC Prayer Hall | Join us in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
Dr. Khattab will also deliver the 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. sermons at MCC on Friday, February 21, 2025.
Schedule:

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM: **THIS PORTION ONLY CANCELLED**Interactive Workshop: Street Dawah Training by Imam Abdul Hameed (The Clear Islam team)**THIS PORTION ONLY CANCELLED**
12:40 PM Dhuhr Iqama
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – From Inspiration to Best-Seller: My Journey with The Clear Quran by Dr. Mustafa Khattab
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Two Decades of Delivering the Quran’s Message in America by the Furqaan Project team
4:00 pm – 4:20 pm – Q&A session

About the Author

Dr. Mustafa Khattab is the resident scholar of the Al-Furqaan Foundation headquartered in Bolingbrook, Illinois. He is a Canadian-Egyptian authority who interprets the Quran. He was a member of the first team that translated the Ramadan night prayers (Tarawîḥ) live from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina (2002-2005). Khattab memorized the entire Quran at a young age and later obtained a professional ijâzah in the Ḥafṣ style of recitation with a chain of narrators going all the way to Muḥammad. He received his PhD, M.A., and B.A. in Islamic Studies in English with Honors from Al-Azhar University’s Faculty of Languages & Translation. He lectured on Islam at Clemson University (OLLI Program, 2009–2010), held the position of Lecturer at Al-Azhar University for over a decade starting in 2003, and served as the Muslim Chaplain at Brock University (2014-2016). He is a Canadian Council of Imams member and a Fulbright Interfaith Scholar. He has served as an Imam in the US and Canada since 2007. He is the translator of The Clear Quran Series (2015), the author of The Clear Quran Series for Kids (2020), Shukran (an illustrated story for children, 2020), The Clear Quran Series Dictionary (2021), The Nation of Islam (2011) and Outfoxing Fox News (2017), and contributor to the Encyclopedia of Muslim American History (2010).

About the Translation:
It is pleasant to read, easy to understand, and noted for its clarity, accuracy, eloquence, and flow. Approved by Al-Azhar and endorsed by the Al-Furqaan Foundation and The Canadian Council of Imams. About the Translation: For a translation to do justice to the Quran and capture its elegance and vigor, it has to be accurate, smooth, eloquent, and accessible. Unlike most popular translations, The Clear Quran masterfully passes on all counts. To achieve accuracy, the translator has used the most significant and most celebrated works of old and modern tafsir (Quran commentaries) and shared the work with several imams in North America for feedback and insight. For clarity, every effort has been made to select easy-to-understand words and phrases that reflect the beauty, flow, and power of the original text. Along with informative footnotes and surah (chapter) introductions, verses have been grouped and titled based on their themes to understand better the chapters, their main concepts, and internal coherence. Thanks to our dedicated team of scholars, editors, and proofreaders, we believe that what you are holding is now the finest translation of the Final Revelation.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Spring '25 Arabic Calligraphy Class | Br. Zubair Simab
2025-04-23 17:30 - 18:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Children & Adults Ages 13+: Join a six-week calligraphy session with Calligrapher Zubair Simab for beginner & intermediate students. The class is designed to learn the popular Thuluth style of writing. Students will learn the:

Understanding of pen, paper, and ink
Preparing the traditional calligraphy pen
Technically analyzing alphabet letters in Thuluth style
Introduction to fundamentals of composition

Wednesdays | 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | April 23 to May 28, 2025 | MCC Banquet Hall | $110.00/student ($40 calligraphy kit, can be purchased separately)
Capped at 20 attendees.
Register at mcceastbay.org/calligraphy
The six-week sessions will provide you with an understanding of pen, paper, and ink in calligraphy, preparing the pen, and learning the Thuluth style of writing and techniques. It will also introduce the fundamentals of composition. You will have a chance to write and practice in class. No previous experience is necessary.
Sessions are held in the Banquet Hall On Wednesdays: 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, & 5/28
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
About the Instructor:
Zubair Simab is a Danville-based and award-winning traditional calligrapher and Silicon Valley engineer. He is an active traditional arts practitioner and teacher in his local community. Zubair has exhibited, lectured, and demonstrated throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. His initial passion for calligraphy was sparked in his birthplace of Kabul, Afghanistan, where he began training in calligraphy as a young boy. Twenty-five years ago, Zubair returned to the serious study and practice of traditional calligraphy. Zubair is influenced by the Afghan and Turkish master calligraphers. His pieces are based on Farsi poetry, verses from the Quran, and traditional Afghan and Arabic proverbs.
http://www.simabcalligraphy.com
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Soul Alchemy: Turning Struggles into Spiritual Strength | Ustadh Mohammed Isaaq
2025-05-16 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Life throws tests, but Islam teaches us to transform them. This talk dives into the inner sciences of the soul, from sabr (patience) to tawakkul (trust), showing how faith can turn anxiety, failure, and heartbreak into light.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Friday, May 16 | MCC Prayer Hall | Free | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Sidi Isaaq will also deliver the 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. sermons on Friday, May 16, 2025.
Ustadh Isaaq will also hold a full-day workshop on Saturday: https://mcceastbay.org/event/heartwork-workshop-isaaq

– More Ustadh Isaaq: http://mcceastbay.org/isaaq

About the Speaker
Ustadh Mohammed Isaaq was born and raised in Birmingham, UK. Following his postgraduate studies in education, he has had the privilege of pursuing his studies under various teachers in the UK and abroad, including Morocco, Jordan, and Yemen. He is a graduate of the Islamic Psychology program at Cambridge Muslim College.
Upon his return to the UK in 2017, he has been teaching alongside other community projects and has now delivered programs in over 50 countries to a worldwide audience of over 40,000 participants. Learn more about him at https://www.mohammedisaaq.com

– More Sidi Isaaq: http://mcceastbay.org/isaaq

Here are also other stops Sidi Isaq will take during his May tour in the Bay Area:

MCC’s Annual Day of Arafat Talk & Iftar Community Dinner (Eve of Eid)
2025-06-05 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
7 p.m. – Qur’an recitation by Qari Amar Bellaha

7:15 p.m. – Talk & Q&A with Sheikh Hamzah Abdul-Malik

8:15 p.m. – Ending dua with Qari Amar Bellaha

8:30 p.m. – Maghrib and Iftaar dinner

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursday, June 5, 2025 | Conference Room & Banquet Hall | $5/person; RSVP at http://mcceastbay.org/arafat
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

– Details about the Eid al-Adha prayers 2025: https://mcceastbay.org/event/eid-al-adha-25
– More talks on Dhull Hijjah: http://mcceastbay.org/dhul-hijjah
– Merits of the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah | Shaykh Talal Ahdab: https://mcceastbay.org/event/the-ten-honored-days
– More Hajj talks & sermons: https://mcceastbay.org/hajj

The day before Eid al-Adha is the blessed Day of Arafah, when the Hajj pilgrims gather in worship on the plains of Arafah.

About this particular day, our Prophet (PBUH) teaches us: “Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah absolves the sins for two years: the previous year and the coming year … ” [Muslim]

Please fast on Arafah and join your community for a complimentary Iftar at sunset. RSVP is required so we can have enough dinner for you and your family. The registration cost is nominal, designed to hold community members accountable for the sponsored food at this special annual Iftar event.

Here are also ten acts to do in the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah. More about these sacred ten days.

Deeds of the Day of Arafah

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one.” (Muslim). So, don’t miss the reward of fasting it, and join the community iftars at Masjid Annoor and the Qur’an Center on that day.

Also, increase your dhikr, recitation of the Qur’an, good deeds, and duas before the morning of Eid. Don’t forget to include in your duaas your family, friends, relatives, neighbors, MCC community, and the wider Ummah, and make a special dua for our brothers in Gaza/Palestine on this special day.

https://youtu.be/Lx4aHJeOews?si=NvuEESL67dOF-Xsd

Things to Do on the Day of Arafah

1. Fasting on the Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah fasting is highly encouraged and recommended for those not going on Hajj.

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” (Muslim)

2. Du’aa of Arafah The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said of the Day of Arafah dua:

“The most excellent dua is the dua on the Day of Arafah, and the best of what I and the prophets before me have said is “There is nothing that deserves to be worshipped in truth except Allah; he is Alone and has no partner, to Him belongs the dominion and to Him belongs all praise, and He is All-Powerful over all things.'” (Muwatta)

لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له ، له الملك ، وله الحمد ، وهو على كل شيء قدير

3. Making Tahleel, Takbeer, Tahmeed and Tasbeeh It is a Sunnah of our Prophet (PBUH) to recite the Tahleel, Takbeer, and Tahmeed as many times as possible on the day of Arafah and also on the days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah).

Tahleel is to say “Laa ilaaha il-lal-laah”
Takbeer is to say “Allahu Akbar”
Tahmeed is to say “Alhamdulillaah”
Tasbeeh is to say “Subhanallaah”

4. Seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“On this day, Allah, the most Exalted, descends to the nearest heaven, and He is proud of His servants on the earth and says to those in heavens, look at My servants, they have come from far and near, with hair dishevelled and faces covered with dust, to seek my Mercy. Even if their sins are as much the sand or the froth of the sea, I shall forgive them.”

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursday, June 5, 2025 | Conference Room & Banquet Hall | $5/person; RSVP at http://mcceastbay.org/arafat

“Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah absolves the sins for two years: the previous year and the coming year … ” – Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) [Muslim]

Please join us for MCC’s Annual Arafat Iftar the evening before Eid-ul-Adha.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursday, June 5, 2025 | Conference Room & Banquet Hall | $5/person; RSVP at http://mcceastbay.org/arafat

7 p.m. – Qur’an recitation by Qari Amar Bellaha

7:15 p.m. – Talk & Q&A with Sheikh Hamzah Abdul-Malik

8:15 p.m. – Ending dua with Qari Amar Bellaha

8:30 p.m. – Maghrib and Iftaar dinner

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursday, June 5, 2025 | Conference Room & Banquet Hall | $5/person; RSVP at http://mcceastbay.org/arafat
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

– Details about the Eid al-Adha prayers 2025: https://mcceastbay.org/event/eid-al-adha-25
– More talks on Dhull Hijjah: http://mcceastbay.org/dhul-hijjah
– Merits of the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah | Shaykh Talal Ahdab: https://mcceastbay.org/event/the-ten-honored-days
– More Hajj talks & sermons: https://mcceastbay.org/hajj

The day before Eid al-Adha is the blessed Day of Arafah, when the Hajj pilgrims gather in worship on the plains of Arafah.

About this particular day, our Prophet (PBUH) teaches us: “Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah absolves the sins for two years: the previous year and the coming year … ” [Muslim]

Please fast on Arafah and join your community for a complimentary Iftar at sunset. RSVP is required so we can have enough dinner for you and your family. The registration cost is nominal, designed to hold community members accountable for the sponsored food at this special annual Iftar event.

Here are also ten acts to do in the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah. More about these sacred ten days.

Deeds of the Day of Arafah

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one.” (Muslim). So, don’t miss the reward of fasting it, and join the community iftars at Masjid Annoor and the Qur’an Center on that day.

Also, increase your dhikr, recitation of the Qur’an, good deeds, and duas before the morning of Eid. Don’t forget to include in your duaas your family, friends, relatives, neighbors, MCC community, and the wider Ummah, and make a special dua for our brothers in Gaza/Palestine on this special day.

https://youtu.be/Lx4aHJeOews?si=NvuEESL67dOF-Xsd

Things to Do on the Day of Arafah

1. Fasting on the Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah fasting is highly encouraged and recommended for those not going on Hajj.

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” (Muslim)

2. Du’aa of Arafah The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said of the Day of Arafah dua:

“The most excellent dua is the dua on the Day of Arafah, and the best of what I and the prophets before me have said is “There is nothing that deserves to be worshipped in truth except Allah; he is Alone and has no partner, to Him belongs the dominion and to Him belongs all praise, and He is All-Powerful over all things.'” (Muwatta)

لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له ، له الملك ، وله الحمد ، وهو على كل شيء قدير

3. Making Tahleel, Takbeer, Tahmeed and Tasbeeh It is a Sunnah of our Prophet (PBUH) to recite the Tahleel, Takbeer, and Tahmeed as many times as possible on the day of Arafah and also on the days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah).

Tahleel is to say “Laa ilaaha il-lal-laah”
Takbeer is to say “Allahu Akbar”
Tahmeed is to say “Alhamdulillaah”
Tasbeeh is to say “Subhanallaah”

4. Seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“On this day, Allah, the most Exalted, descends to the nearest heaven, and He is proud of His servants on the earth and says to those in heavens, look at My servants, they have come from far and near, with hair dishevelled and faces covered with dust, to seek my Mercy. Even if their sins are as much the sand or the froth of the sea, I shall forgive them.”

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Post-Fajr Khatirah: Humility & Gratitude in Worship | Ustadh Dr. Daoud Nassimi
2025-06-14 05:15 - 06:00
In this post-Fajr Khatirah (short reminder), join a visiting scholar as he discusses how to prepare for worship with humility & approach God with a humble, dutiful heart. Visiting Scholar Dr. Daoud Nassimi will explore the differences between obedience to Allah and worship of Allah, as well as how to cultivate humbleness during our acts of worship.
5:15 a.m. (after Fajr) | Saturday, June 14 | MCC Prayer Hall | Join us in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
To help the worshippers of Allah focus more on establishing humility during their acts of worship.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About the Speaker
Dr. Daoud Nassimi has been leading the Qurtuba Institute and teaching many courses in every Quarter of the Certificate program in Islamic Sciences. He has also served as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Islam and world religions at NOVA College in Virginia. He has taught numerous Islam courses at Shenandoah University, Johns Hopkins University, Kabul University, and Salam University in Afghanistan.
Dr. Nassimi served as the vice chairman of the Council of Muslim Organizations in the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area for seven years. He has also served as a volunteer Imam, Friday Khateeb, instructor, and youth and family counselor at the ADAMS Center and many other Masajid in Northern Virginia for 24 years.
Dr. Nassimi has a unique and combined educational background in Engineering and Islamic Studies. After growing up and completing his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Kabul University in Afghanistan, he came to the United States. He earned his master’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Purdue University in Indiana. He worked as an electrical engineer in the field of telecommunications and satellite communications for 15 years. Then, due to his passion for Islam and a desire to serve society in more meaningful ways, he decided to transition his career from engineering to Islamic Studies and Services.
Dr. Nassimi began his academic studies in Islamic sciences by first learning the Arabic language at Imam Muhammad University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Then, he moved to Virginia to join the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Sciences. Later, he earned a second master’s degree in Islamic Studies at Cordoba University, and then he did his PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Birmingham in England in 2008. His PhD thesis was on a comparative review of English translations of the Qur’an, which is currently available in the university’s online library. He is currently a member of the Shari’ah Council of America. Learn more about him here and here.

Digital Deceptions: An Islamic Perspective on Navigating the Digital Age l | Dr. Ahmed Howeedy & Arfan Qureshi
2025-07-11 19:30 - 21:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join us this Friday evening to explore how digital media impacts our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. We will discuss the effects on our children and strategies for balanced tech use. We will also learn techniques for maintaining spiritual well-being in the digital age.
Friday, July 11 | 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | Join in-person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
After this author’s event, copies of the book Digital Deceptions, An Islamic Perspective on Navigating the Digital Age will be available for purchase for $15. You can get your book signed by the authors.
This program is recommended for adults 18 years of age and older.
Co-sponsored by SageTree Foundation and MCC East Bay.
About the Authors:
Arfan Qureshi is the Head of Learning and Leadership Development at Campbell’s Company and has held HR Executive roles at several Fortune 500 organizations. He is also the founder of Sagetree Foundation. He obtained his master’s degree in Change Management Coaching and Consulting from a joint program between Oxford University’s Said Business School and HEC Paris’s School of Business. He also holds a master’s degree in Social and Personality Psychology from Michigan State University. His passions include the outdoors, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, parenting, education, and Islamic spirituality. He resides in New Jersey with his wife and two children.
Dr. Ahmed Howeedy is a Family Medicine physician in Boca Raton, Florida, where he serves as Chief Medical Officer for FHE Health, a Substance Use and Mental Health facility treating psychiatric and addiction disorders. He also serves as a Medical Review Officer and USCIS Civil Surgeon. Dr. Howeedy obtained his medical degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa and his undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Miami. During his medical studies, he pursued his studies in Islamic sciences. Dr. Howeedy is also the Managing Director of the Sagetree Foundation. He is currently completing his degree in Islamic Jurisprudence and Legal Theory at Jamiat Al-Ulum Islamiyya al-Alamiyya in Amman, Jordan. He currently serves as a board member, teacher, and youth instructor at the Islamic Center of Boca Raton.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

About the book:
Digital devices have drastically shaped our lives and changed how we do almost everything. Because of their ease and convenience, we often make use of whatever is available without a second thought. Smartphones, social media, apps, internet, video games…If it’s new, easier, and faster, it must be better, right? Have we stopped to ask what are the benefits and harms of these devices? As we spend more and more time on screens, what does this mean for us spiritually, psychologically, socially, and even physically? Knowing the answers to these questions can help us make better choices. Digital Deceptions explains the proven harms behind those seemingly free and convenient devices and services, and shows us a liberating, practical, and more balanced way to live, worship, and parent in this digital age using the timeless spiritual and rational principles of Islam. “…comprehensively addresses a critical need of our time.” Shaykh Riad Saloojee, Al-Madina Institute Suhba Seminary
About SageTree Foundation:
SageTree Foundation is dedicated to reviving the light and wisdom of the prophets and sages to help seekers in the modern world navigate the confusion and darkness that have permeated all aspects of life. While the enemies of humanity are many, the light is one. The Light of God is the source of light for His Final Messenger, the prophets, sages, righteous, and ultimately the source of light for all those who travel their path today.

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.

Being Muslim: Monthly Convert Bookclub | Ustadh Omar Naisan
2026-01-10 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-02-14 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-04-11 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-05-09 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-06-13 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-11 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-08-08 10:30 - 12:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For All New Muslim Women & Men (regardless of when you took your Shahadah): The Being Muslim Bookclub is dedicated to empowering converts and beginning Muslims to live Islam in a practical, sustainable way.
Each month, we delve into one chapter to gain clarity on how to live and practice Islam, exploring the foundational elements of what Muslims believe.
This eight-month book club with Ustadh Omar Naisan is for all reverts, regardless of when you took your Shahadah. It is invaluable to those new to their journey in Islam and those returning to faith.
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Second Saturday of Each Month | MCC Prayer Hall | Free; no registration required | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live

– Watch past recordings of “Being Muslim Bookclub”: http://mcceastbay.org/being-muslim
– More Sidi Omer Naisan: http://mcceastbay.org/omar

MCC’s new Muslim Coordinator, Blanca Vizcarra, facilitates these monthly meetings. She can be reached at blanca@mcceastbay.org or (510) 660-7524.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Saturday, January 10, 2026 (Chapters 1 & 2)
Saturday, February 14, 2026 (Chapter 3)
No session in March during Ramadan break
Saturday, April 11, 2026 (Chapter 4)
Saturday, May 9, 2026 (Chapter 5)
Saturday, June 13, 2026 (Chapter 6)
Saturday, July 11, 2026 (Chapter 7)
Saturday, August 8, 2026 (Chapter 8)

Attendees, we recommend getting the “Being Muslim: A Practical Guide”: https://a.co/d/30W2yXM
The Being Muslim book club provides attendees with practical knowledge they can apply in their daily lives. Whether you are new to the religion or want to freshen up on the basics, the material is designed to deepen your connection to the most essential aspects of Islam through a holistic integration of the three branches of the religion: true beliefs (imān), good conduct (islām), and beauty of character (iḥsān).
We will cover a broad array of subjects, including core theology, purification and prayer, the path of spiritual refinement, a survey of the life of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, an introduction to the Qur’an, how to live an ethical, Islam-centered lifestyle, and more. New Muslims of all backgrounds and ages are welcome.
In our monthly chapter readings, we will focus on foundational beliefs, worship, spiritual refinement, lifestyle, and more. We recommend this book club for those seeking a deeper meaning in their faith.
About the Facilitator
Ustadh Omar Naisan is a Ph.D. student in the Historical & Cultural Studies of Religion program at the Graduate Theological Union. He holds a Master of Arts in New Testament from the Graduate Theological Union. His published MA thesis is titled “Decrypting the Son of Man Problem: An Inquiry into the Dominant Approaches to the Son of Man Problem and its Conspicuous Application in Mark 8:27-31.” His interests include comparative theology, philology in religious corpora, and historical-critical studies of religious canons.
– More Ustadh Omar: http://mcceastbay.org/omar
About the Author
After completing his bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies at the University of Michigan, Asad Tarsin continued his private study of Islamic theology, sacred law, philosophy, and spirituality with various scholars, including Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and Dr. Sherman Jackson. He has served on the board of the Deen Intensive Foundation for over fifteen years. He has a particular interest in creating sustainable models of education for new and returning Muslims, as well as educating the broader public about the beauty of Islam. “Being Muslim: A Practical Guide” is his first published work. Dr. As’ad Tarsin is an emergency physician by training and lives in Michigan with his wife and three children.

*POSTPONED* Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Old Testament | Ustadh Dr. Ali Ataie
2026-02-07 10:00 - 16:00
*Due to a scheduling conflict, this event is postponed until after Ramadan ’26. We will announce a new date soon.*
One of the most powerful proofs of prophecy is to demonstrate that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is described in ancient texts whose compositions predate his birth by hundreds and hundreds of years.
In this seminar, Dr. Ali Ataie will guide us through a fascinating historical, exegetical, and linguistic examination of the biblical text in an attempt to validate the Quran’s claim that “the Messenger” and “Gentile/Unlettered Prophet” is “described with them in the Torah and the Gospel,” although the focus will be on the Tanakh (Old Testament).
This lecture will cover topics such as comparative hermeneutical frameworks, debunking the “Islamic Dilemma,” the historical-critical method, the subtleties of ancient sacred poetry, and close readings of the biblical text in the original language (Hebrew).
This free all-day Saturday workshop is a must for students of comparative religion and serious callers (du’at) to the Religion of Allah.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Saturday, February 7, 2026* | Conference Room | Free | Join us in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
*Due to a scheduling conflict, this event is postponed until after Ramadan ’26. We will announce a new date soon.*
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

– More Dr. Ali Ataie: https://mcceastbay.org/ali-ataie

Ustadh Dr. Ali Ataie is a leading scholar in comparative religion. He currently lectures at Zaytuna College in Berkeley, California. He has taught at several Western academic institutions.

Session One (with one break): 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Zuhr Prayer/lunch: 12:40 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Session Two: 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Coffee/Tea break (provided by MCC): 2:15 p.m. to 2:25 p.m.

Session Three: 2:25 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Asr Prayer: 4:15 p.m.

– More Dr. Ali Ataie: https://mcceastbay.org/ali-ataie

Ustadh Ali Ataie is a perennial student and researcher who has been involved in interfaith activities for over two decades. He holds a Master’s in Biblical Studies with a focus on the New Testament and biblical languages. He also holds a Ph.D. in cultural and historical studies in religion 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
Muhammad ﷺ in the Old Testament
While the Old Testament doesn’t explicitly name Muhammad (PBUH), Islamic tradition identifies several passages as prophecies foretelling his coming, primarily in Deuteronomy 18:18-19, which speaks of a prophet “like you (Moses)” raised from among the brethren, and Deuteronomy 33:2 (Mount Paran/Ishmael). Other potential references include Song of Solomon 5:16 (interpreting “Muhammadim” as a name) and Isaiah 60:1-7 (describing light from the East). Christians generally interpret these prophecies differently, often relating them to Jesus or other figures, but Muslims see them as clear signs of Muhammad’s prophethood, highlighting similarities to Moses (e.g., family life, worldly leadership) that differ from Christian interpretations of Jesus.

Key Old Testament Passages Cited by Islamic Tradition

Deuteronomy 18:18-19: “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever does not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.”

Islamic Interpretation: This prophet is like Moses (a lawgiver, married, had children, natural birth) but not Jesus, fulfilling the “from among your brothers” (referring to Ishmael’s descendants/Arabs).

Deuteronomy 33:2: “The Lord came from Sinai, and dawned from Seir upon them; he shone forth from Mount Paran, and he came from the midst of ten thousand holy ones”.

Islamic Interpretation: Sinai (Moses), Seir (Jesus), and Mount Paran (Mecca/Ishmael’s descendants).

Song of Solomon 5:16 (Hebrew): Contains the word “Muhammadim” (often translated as “altogether lovely” or “desirable”).

Islamic Interpretation: A direct, albeit transliterated, mention of the Prophet’s name.

Isaiah 60:1-7: Mentions the rising of light from the East, the gathering of flocks from Kedar (Ishmael’s son) and Nebaioth, and the glorification of God’s house (Kaaba in Mecca).

Christian Interpretations:

Most Christians interpret the Deuteronomy prophecy as referring to Jesus Christ, seeing him as the ultimate prophet “like Moses” (fulfilling the law, being a great teacher).
Song of Solomon 5:16 is generally regarded as poetic language describing a lover rather than a proper name.

In Summary:Muslim scholars use these passages to argue that the Old Testament prophesied Muhammad (PBUH), aligning his life and mission with these scriptural descriptions, while Christian theology typically links these prophecies to Jesus or other figures, viewing them as distinct from Muhammad.

From Shackles to the Minaret: The Legacy of Bilal | Miftaah Seminar*
2026-04-17 19:00 - 22:00
MCC is excited to host a Miftaah Seminar: From Shackles to the Minaret: The Legacy of Bilal!
The story of Bilal ibn Rabah رضي الله عنه is one of resilience, faith, and honor. Once a slave under brutal oppression, he rose to become the first mu’adhin of Islam, his voice echoing across Madinah, calling believers to prayer. His legacy is not only a symbol of liberation but a powerful reminder of the dignity that Islam grants every soul.
Join us for a powerful evening with Mufti Abdul Wahab Waheed as we reflect on the life, struggles, and elevation of this beloved companion of the Prophet ﷺ. This is a meaningful opportunity to deepen your understanding and connect with an inspiring legacy that continues to resonate today.
Register here: mcceastbay.org/shacklestominaret
Friday, April 17 | 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. | MCC East Bay
About Miftaah Institute
Miftaah Institute is an Islamic educational institution founded in 2015 to make sacred knowledge accessible to all levels of the community, focusing on teaching Prophetic traditions through on-site and online platforms. Based in Warren, Michigan, it offers structured programs, including a 54-credit Associate’s Degree, a Bachelor’s program, and intensive Arabic and Islamic studies.
More Mufti Abdul Wahab Waheed: mcceastbay.org/abdul-wahab
