MCC East Bay

Women’s Seerah Bookclub (in-person & virtual) | Ustadha Leila Fakira
2025-07-07 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-07-14 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-07-21 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-07-28 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-08-04 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-08-25 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-09-01 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-09-22 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) and 5 more dates | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join our weekly sisters’ in-person & virtual Seerah book club, where we have an active discussion, take away lessons for our daily lives, and inshaAllah fall in love with the Prophet ﷺ. This year, we are reading from Our Lady Fatima al-Zahra (R.A.) by Muhammad Abduh Yamani.

Every Monday, in-person & virtual | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | MCC | Women only | RSVP for the live registration link at https://mcceastbay.org/bookclub | RSVP is needed to join us virtually

Event Details:

The in-person & virtual discussion takes place every Monday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a break in Ramadan ’26.

Please register online to receive the link to the WhatsApp thread where all communication and updates will be made.

Book Purchase:

If you wish to follow along with the book, please purchase the book. The book can be purchased here:

https://www.meccabooks.com/products/our-lady-fatima-al-zahra
https://store.celebratemercy.com/products/our-lady-fatima-al-zahra?srsltid=AfmBOoolySfro5MbF50JY0y6f-0yyRMdaGwsDMa2DqstKJWBykrF1Tpa
https://bookshop.rabata.org/search?q=pur+lady&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

For those local in the Bay Area:

Rumi Bookstore
Zaytuna Bookstore

Questions? bookclub@mcceastbay.org

About the Book

This book is about the life and virtues of the eminent lady Sayyidatunā Fāṭima al-Zahra ﵂. Through her, with Sayyidunā ‘Alī ﵁, the blessed lineage of her father, the Messenger of God ﷺ, was preserved. She resembled him in every way, and of all people she was the dearest to his heart. She stood with him ﷺ and strove always to serve and aid him, taking care of him after the death of her mother, Sayyidatunā Khadīja ﵂. Fāṭima was brave, strong, forbearing, dutiful, gracious, and protective. She was a loving mother and an inspiring example to her sons, Imams Ḥasan and Ḥusayn ﵁. Fāṭima al-Zahrā ﵂ tells the life story of its subject in a vivid, straightforward manner, linking it to the history of Islam from the early times of tribulation to the establishment of the Dīn and the Community based in al-Madīna. Its style and approach are very suitable for children, as well as for older readers. The author, Dr Muhammad Abduh Yamani (d.1431/2010), who served for several years as Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Information, was a distinguished educationalist, author and businessman, notable also for his piety and philanthropy.

First-Ever Bay Area Muslim Homeschool Conference
2025-08-02 11:00 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For women only (in-person) (men are welcome to join virtually): If you are currently a homeschooling mom or considering homeschooling for your current or future children, this space is designed for you to learn, share, and grow as we nurture children who are grounded in faith and prepared for the world.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Saturday, August 2, 2025 | MCC Conference Room | Free | RSVP required for in-person attendance (women only); Register at mcceastbay.org/homeschool | All are welcome to watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Optional lunch from Iniburger Pleasanton for $15 (chicken or beef burger with fries).
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

– More talks & lectures about Islamic Homeschooling: http://mcceastbay.org/homeschooling

Please join us for the first-ever Muslim Homeschool Conference in the Bay Area—a day of inspiration, learning, and connection for families navigating or considering the homeschool journey. This conference offers you the opportunity to learn from some of the most respected voices in Muslim education and local homeschooling today.
Meet Our Esteemed Speakers:

Shaheen Rasheed is a master educator, homeschool consultant, and curriculum developer with over 25 years of experience in both public and private Islamic education.
Hana Khatib of Pepper and Pine is a Waldorf-inspired homeschooling pioneer whose global platform has supported thousands of families with thoughtful curricula and beautiful learning environments.
Ustadha Leila Fakira is a deeply grounded student of Islamic studies, mother of two Huffaz (memorizers of the Holy Qur’an), and a veteran homeschooler whose story blends sacred knowledge with practical family wisdom.
Rooya Ayubi is a passionate unschooling mother, life coach, and community leader who empowers families to follow a self-directed, holistic learning path.

Sponsored by Burooj Library & MCC East Bay.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About the Presenters
Shaheen Rasheed is an educator’s educator. Her passion for holistic education has driven her 20+ year career as a private and public school teacher, turned parent homeschooler, and education consultant to families (through Kinza Academy) and private schools, such as Northstar, Peace Terrace, Garden of Knowledge, and the Islamic School of Miami. Along with her certifications in Teaching English as a Second Language and Early Childhood Education, her Master’s in Education, with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction, furthered her understanding of educational pedagogy and strengthened her resolve to work toward a more holistic approach to education. Shaheen Rasheed is an Instructional Designer for a technical training academy. She blogs and lectures about homeschooling, parenting, and alternative education. She is a founding member of the East Bay Muslim Homeschoolers group and an advisor to the Bay Area’s Silicon Valley Muslim Homeschoolers group. She has been published in various online and print magazines. She taught part-time at a local community college and taught many online classes. She strongly advocates changing the current education system to foster a holistic child through the revival of the traditional educational model. As an educational consultant, she runs the website Soulful Studies: http://www.soulfulstudies.com
Rooya Ayubi is a storyteller, life coach, wife, and mother. An immigrant woman who walked across the desert from Afghanistan to Pakistan when she was only 6 years old, Rooya is a survivor of trauma. Because of this, Rooya grew up with a deep sense of unworthiness, which led to a decade of depression. After embarking on a major self-healing journey, she emerged strong and healthy. Her dream and mission now is to guide women who have felt beaten down by life’s challenges in reawakening hope, reclaiming their power, and beginning to live a life of honor. Her work combines a vast array of diverse skills, including Powerful Non-Defensive Communication, Storytelling, Way of Joy Qigong, contemplative breathing methods, and Zhikr (remembrance), which focuses on the heart, to help her clients make the necessary shift to embrace a life worth living. She has also been an administrator for the East Bay Muslim Homeschooling group for nearly a decade. She frequently hosts workshops titled “Chasing The Dunya Effect” and other seminars on self-worth.
Hana Khatib is a veteran homeschool educator and the creator of Pepper and Pine, a widely loved platform dedicated to Waldorf-inspired homeschooling. Since 2015, she has shared hundreds of videos and resources across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, offering families insight, inspiration, and practical tools for homeschooling.
Her journey began in 2003 with two young children and minimal resources. At the time, homeschooling, especially within the Waldorf tradition, was a solitary path, with few accessible materials and little community support. Determined to build a nurturing and creative educational environment for her growing family, Hana spent years curating and adapting curriculum to fit her family’s evolving needs.
What started as a personal project blossomed into a global community. Through Pepper and Pine, Hana has connected with thousands of families, offering transparency and encouragement through every season of homeschooling, from early childhood to college preparation.
Today, she continues her mission by developing an original curriculum rooted in her decades of experience, aiming to make homeschooling more beautiful, accessible, and fulfilling for others. Her work reflects a deep commitment to faith, intentional living, and empowering others on their educational journey.
Ustadha Leila Fakira was born and raised in the US. Leila Fakira has lived most of her life in California. After an inspiring first trip to the Holy Lands, Leila left her job as a Business Systems Analyst, having spent more than 14 years in accounting, to focus more intently on her Islamic Studies and be more involved in her children’s education. Allah blessed her with a yearning to learn her deen, and Allah granted her tawfeeq by guiding her to Zaytuna Institute, where she studied Arabic, Shafi’ Fiqh, Shamail, Seerah, and more.
Leila has a strong background in Shafi’i Fiqh and was encouraged to teach by Imam Zaid Shakir, Dr. Rania Awad, and Shaykh Yahya Rhodus after studying “Reliance of the Traveler,“ “Fiqh Al-Ibaddat,” and “Safinat Al-Nijah,“ respectively. She also studied Rislat Al-Jamia’a with Shaykh Abdur Karim Yahya, Abu Shuja with Imam Jamal Hysaw, and other Shafi’i teachers, male and female, online.
Leila studied and completed the Tajweed reading of the Qur’an several times with Ustadha Noha and Ustadha Aya from Egypt. Additionally, she undertook her initial reading of the Qur’an with Ustadha Nawar Taleb-Agha and was subsequently permitted to teach basic Qur’an reading and basic tajweed.
Leila has studied Arabic with Imam Zaid Shakir, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, Ustadha Aya (from Egypt), and Ustadh Usama Canon, Seerah & Shama’il with Shaykh Yahya Rhodus & Almaqasid, and Tafsir and Inner Sciences with Imam Zaid Shakir, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, and Habib Hussain (online). She continues to study online with various teachers overseas to further her Arabic studies and explore the Inner Sciences.

Muslim parents are increasingly turning to full-time Islamic schools or homeschooling as a haven for their children from public schools that are antagonistic to their values. As waitlists grow at Islamic schools, frustrated parents are unsure of what to do next.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is an educational approach where parents or guardians choose to educate their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional public or private school. It involves providing a comprehensive education to children within the comfort of their own homes.
In homeschooling, parents typically take on the role of primary educators. They develop or choose a curriculum, create lesson plans, and teach the material to their children. Parents can also choose to outsource the teaching to qualified tutors and resources to help with teaching their children. Homeschooling can be tailored to meet every child’s unique needs, interests, and learning styles.
Why Homeschool?
The reasons for homeschooling vary from family to family. Some common motivations include a desire for religious or moral education, a more personalized approach to teaching, concerns about the school environment or curriculum, the child’s unique needs, the family’s financial situation, or the need for flexibility in scheduling.
Is Homeschooling legal?
The legality of homeschooling depends on the country and sometimes the specific region within a country. Laws and regulations regarding homeschooling can vary significantly.
In many countries, homeschooling is legal and recognized as a legitimate educational option. Some countries have specific homeschooling laws that outline the requirements and procedures parents must follow. These laws may include provisions such as mandatory notifications to educational authorities, periodic assessments, curriculum standards, or teacher qualifications.
It is crucial for parents considering homeschooling to research the laws and regulations in their specific country, state, or region to ensure compliance with local requirements. Local homeschooling organizations, support groups, or Education consultants, such as Soulful Studies, can provide valuable information and guidance regarding the legal aspects of homeschooling in a particular area.

Shamail Muhammadiya ﷺ | The Rahmah Foundation & Nur al-Iman
2025-09-06 11:00 - 19:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Sisters Ages 14+! Join Ustadha Eiman Sidky, Ustadha Mona Elzankaly, and Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed to explore the Shamā’il Muḥammadiyya—the timeless collection of narrations describing the noble character, appearance, and daily life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Come with an open heart and leave with renewed love for the Prophet ﷺ and practical lessons to live by.
Saturday, Sep. 6 | 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (PST) | MCC Conference Room | Women & Girls Ages 14+ | In-person & Online (no video of speakers will be shown) | Register at mcceastbay.org/shamail
No babysitting option | Pre-paid lunch provided in the Banquet Hall. Coffee and tea will be served.
The event will not be publicly live-streamed. A link to view the live-stream will be emailed an hour before the event.
The Rahmah Foundation, Nur al-Iman, and MCC East Bay are sponsors for this event.

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

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Ustadha Eiman Sidky
Actively engaged in propagating Islam and educating Muslims in the United States for the past 15 years, Ustadha Eiman Sidky is loved by all those who meet her and has an amazing way of instilling the love of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the hearts. She has studied under Al-Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Habib Ali Aljifri and the Haba’ib of Tarim. For twenty years, she taught Qur’an and Islamic Studies at the Islamic Saudi Academy in Alexandria, Virginia. She continues to teach Seerah and Qur’anic tafseer classes both in the United States and in Egypt.
Ustadha Mona Elzankaly
Born in Cairo, Egypt, and raised in Southern California, Ustadha Mona Elzankaly graduated from the University of California, Riverside, with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics in 1994.
In 1998, Ustadha Mona began seeking sacred knowledge at the Zaytuna Institute in Hayward, CA. She later traveled internationally, seeking sacred knowledge. She has studied under many eminent scholars, such as Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Shaykh Khatri, and Shaykh Abd Allah. Bayyah, Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi, Shaykh Salik b. Siddina, Imam Zaid Shakir, Habib Umar b. Hafiz, Habib Ali al-Jifri, and other scholars from Syria, Yemen, and Egypt.
Ustadha Mona obtained different Ijaazahs in Tajwid and books of hadith, Aqidah, and Maliki Fiqh. In 2008, she completed the four-year Zaytuna Seminary pilot program and received a baccalaureate in Islamic Studies. In 2014, she completed a four-year Islamic Shari’a program at al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt.
Ustadha Mona began teaching in 2002, both privately and publicly. She has taught for Zaytuna Institute, Sisters Deen Intensive, Dar al-Zahra Tarim Yemen, The Rahmah Foundation, and Meadows of al-Mustafa. She currently teaches an Islamic studies program for ladies at Nur al-Iman.
Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed
Born 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 program 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.
As a wife and mother of five children, Shamira has a passion for 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.

Gathering of the Hearts | Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi
2025-09-18 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-10-16 19:30 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi for our monthly in-person and online gathering for women (ages 18+) to commune, reflect, discuss, and gain strength and support from each other.
7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Monthly on Thursdays | Free; no registration required | Conference Room or watch live online at https://mcceastbay.org/live
In this class, we use “Purification of the Heart” and “Foundations of the Spiritual Path” By Sidi Ahmad Zarruq, Translated by Hamza Yusuf. Download the book at HTTP://mcceastbay.org/foundations
Watch past session recordings at https://mcceastbay.org/muslimah-purification
We discuss spirituality, self-development, relevant and contemporary topics, and issues related to Muslim women’s roles and responsibilities in today’s knotted-up world. We also examine “Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms, and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart” by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf.

– More Ustadha Hosai: https://mcceastbay.org/hosai
– ‘Purification of the Heart’ Series: (Adults): https://mcceastbay.org/heart-purification
– ‘Purification of the Heart’ Series: (Women): https://mcceastbay.org/muslimah-purification
– ‘Purification of the Heart’ Series (Teens): https://mcceastbay.org/purification
– ‘Agenda to Change our Condition’ Series: https://mcceastbay.org/agenda
– ‘Modern Muslim Parenting’ Series: https://mcceastbay.org/islamic-parenting

This is a discussion-based group, and participation is not only encouraged, but it is required.
Sorry, no babysitting provided. The in-person option is for women only, or the virtual option so anyone can watch live on:

– YouTube: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– Facebook: https://mcceastbay.org/facebook
– Instagram: https://mcceastbay.org/instagram

About Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi:
Hosai Mojaddidi is the co-founder of mentalhealth4muslims.com, where she advocates for and writes about various mental health-related topics tailored for Muslims. She has served the American-Muslim community for nearly 20 years as an activist, writer/editor, mediator, interfaith organizer, and public speaker, covering a variety of topics, including women’s issues, marriage/family, education, self-development, interfaith bridge-building, spirituality, etc.
In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing, blogging via social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter), doing arts and crafts, visiting gourmet coffee shops, and exploring the countless beautiful parks, beaches and nature preserves throughout Northern California where she lives with her husband, two sons, and fish named Max.
These monthly sessions are live-streamed and recorded. Watch past Ustadha Hosai recordings at https://mcceastbay.org/hosai
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Women's Weekly Friday Evening Halaqa | The Rahmah Foundation
2025-09-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-26 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-03 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-24 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-31 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-07 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Ustadha Dr. Rania Awaad holds a weekly women’s gathering on Friday evenings to discuss navigating contemporary issues. This program runs in parallel to the Friday night girl’s halaqa.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Every Friday from September 19, 2025, to May 22, 2026 | MCC Conference Room | Free; no registration or RSVP required to attend in person | To join virtually, register at https://mcceastbay.org/zoom

– More Dr. Rania: https://mcceastbay.org/rania
– Watch past Dr. Rania’s Friday Night Halaqa (FNH) recordings: https://mcceastbay.org/womens-halaqa
– Join Dr. Rania’s WhatsUp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HlHmFFnGbwvCvLl6uGD1C4
– The Rahmah Foundation’s Holiday Calendar: https://mcceastbay.org/rahmah-calendar

The FNH Fall session runs from Friday, September 19, 2025, to May 22, 2026, with no halaqas on the following dates: Friday, November 28, December 19, December 26, January 2, February 20 through March 27, April 3, and April 10. See calendar.

Free weekly babysitting is provided in Room 23. Facility map: https://mcceastbay.org/facility-map

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

This women’s halaqa is hosted at MCC and runs parallel to the girls & teens program in partnership with The Rahmah Foundation.

Ustadha Rania Awaad was raised in the U.S. and 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 with a specialty 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 is 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.

Learn more about Dr. Rania and her work at http://med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/research/MuslimMHLab.html

Every Friday evening, the MCC bustles with activity. MCC hosts four halaqas to increase God-consciousness for youth, women, and men.

Join Dr. Rania Awaad‘s women’s gathering on navigating contemporary issues from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This wide-ranging Muslimah halaqa is in the MCC Conference Room, and the first hour is live-streamed here (watch past sessions at https://mcceastbay.org/halaqa). This halaqa is organized in partnership with The Rahmah Foundation. Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Basketball Clinic with Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir
2025-10-04 11:00 - 14:00 | CA
Girls Ages 12-17! Join us on the court with trailblazing athlete and activist Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir (the first Muslim woman to play NCAA basketball in a hijab), for a hands-on basketball clinic focused on building skills, confidence, and leadership.
Participants will practice fundamental skills such as dribbling, shooting, and teamwork. This is a beautiful opportunity for girls to pursue their passions and build meaningful connections with peers, families, and the community.
Come ready to be inspired—and to play!
Saturday, Oct. 4 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Fallon Middle School Gym | Girls Ages 12-17 | $50/person;capped at 50 girls | Register at mcceastbay.org/basketball
MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attending any activity held in the community center. To request a financial waiver, please complete our financial waiver request: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/scholarship
Sister Belqees will also speak at MCC on Friday night: https://mcceastbay.org/event/basketball-and-faith/
About Bilqis
Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir is a trailblazer in the world of Islamic education and women’s rights. She is the first Muslim woman to play NCAA Division I basketball while wearing a hijab, making her an inspiration to people of all ages. Bilqis has spoken and shared her personal story on national stages, including The White House and The United Nations, and has also been featured in multiple publications and appeared on TV shows.
Throughout her career as a basketball player and later as a public speaker and activist, Bilqis has consistently emphasized the importance of representation, being a positive role model, and paving the way for the next generation of Muslim women athletes. She has dedicated her time to empowering and inspiring young girls and women to reach their full potential and overcome any barriers that may stand in their way.
Nowadays, Bilqis continues to be an advocate for diversity and inclusion in sports, actively working on increasing access to sports for Muslim girls and women. She is also a motivational speaker who encourages young girls and women to pursue their dreams, tackle obstacles, and make history in any field they choose.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Mommy & Me Fall–Winter 2025 Session | MCC's Mommy & Me Program
2025-10-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-06 10:00 - 11:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
In this five-week session, our toddlers and pre-schoolers (ages 1-5) will develop love for Islam, Allah (swt), and RasulAllah (saw) through book reading, sing-alongs, Parachute Time, activities, and more!
Thursdays: 10/23, 10/30, 11/06, 11/13, & 11/20 | Saturday: 11/08 | 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Conference Room or Prayer Hall | $75 for 5 sessions, or $20 per session | Register at mcceastbay.org/happyhearts
These Mommy & Me sessions are designed for girls and boys ages one to four who are accompanied by a female guardian. Moms, grandmothers, and so on are welcome. This is also a great opportunity to connect with other moms and caretakers in the MCC community.
Our Mommy and Me sessions begin with dua and a salaam/greeting song and end with the Fi-Amanillah song and kid-favorite parachute time.
Questions? Happy Hearts Playgroup Facilitator Sr. Khadija at mommyandme@mcceastbay.org
MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attending any activity held in the community center. To request a financial waiver, please complete our financial waiver request: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/scholarship

Stories of Strength & Surrender: An Afternoon of Faith, Reflection, & Sisterhood | Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed
2025-11-01 13:30 - 16:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Sisters: Join us for a meaningful gathering exploring the lives of the Four Greatest Women ever created, as mentioned in authentic hadith: Sayyida Khadija (RA), Sayyida Fāṭima (RA), Sayyida Maryam (AS), and Sayyida Āsiya (AS).
This course will guide participants through their lives — not as distant figures of history, but as timeless examples that can inspire the path of every woman today. Through reflective teaching, dhikr, and guided journaling, attendees will be invited to draw strength from their legacy and apply it to their own lives, inshaAllah.
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST (After Dhur) | MCC Conference Room | Sisters Ages 14+ | In-person or virtually | $25 early-bird (ends Oct. 29) or $35 regular admission (a recording of the program will be available for those who register) | Register at https://mcceastbay.org/greatest-women
🌸 Open to all women and teens 🖊 Bring a journal and an open heart
Co-sponsored by Her Sacred Path, The Rahmah Foundation, & MCC East Bay
MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attaining spiritual or educational knowledge within the four walls of the Muslim Community Center. For a financial waiver for this event, please email scholarship@mcceastbay.org.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About Ustadha Shamira
Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed is passionate about educating and empowering Muslim women to grow in knowledge and closeness to Allah ﷻ. Born and raised in California’s Central Valley, she graduated as valedictorian before briefly pursuing pre-med studies at Georgetown University. Her heart was soon drawn to sacred knowledge, and she began her ‘alimah studies at Dar-ul-Uloom Mu’eenal Islam in South Africa, completing the five-year intensive program at Ja’mia Al-Imam Muhammad Zakariyya in Bradford, UK—one of the first and most renowned Islamic universities for women. She furthered her studies in Damascus, Syria, where she received an ijāzah in Tajwīd of the Ḥafṣ recitation from the late eminent Syrian scholar, Shaykh Ḥasan al-Kurdī. She later earned a Master’s degree in Demographics and Social Analysis from UC Irvine, focusing on Muslim-American identity formation. In 2005, she taught Hanafi fiqh for women at the Zaytuna Institute in California and has since taught across North America. She trained under Mufti Abdur Rahman Ibn Yusuf Mangera in women’s fiqh, also assisting in the preparation of Al-Fiqh al-Akbar Explained. Alongside her teaching, she is also a certified birth doula and lactation educator, offering spiritual and practical support to women in their childbearing years. She is the founder of Her Sacred Path, a global initiative dedicated to spiritually empowering women through classes, mentorship, and community, and the co-founder of the Rahmah Foundation, which has served women’s education in the Bay Area for nearly two decades. A wife and mother of five, she enjoys spending time with her family, fitting in a strength workout when she can, and dreaming of having more time to read.
