MCC East Bay

Being Muslim: Monthly Convert Bookclub | Ustadh Omar Naisan
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 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

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
