Friday Night Boys Basketball | Sidi Zeeshan Mukhtar
2023-10-13 19:00 - 20:45 (America/Los_Angeles)
For boys ages 7-13: Join us for a three-week basketball camp on Friday nights at Foothill High School in Pleasanton. Bring your basketball, water bottle, and yourself! Fridays, Oct. 13th, 20th, and 27th | 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. | Foothill High School | Boys Ages 7-13 | $30/person; register at mcceastbay.org/boys-basketballRegister here: mcceastbay.org/boys-basketball

Limited to 50 participants.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.orgMCC 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

Camp facilitatorsSidi Zeeshan Mukhtar is a Bay Area economist and a volunteer financial counselor at MCC for our Zakat applicants. He has raised three boys with his wife, Hina Khan-Mukhtar.

Know Your Rights Workshop | CAIR-SFBA
2023-10-30 19:00 - 20:15
CAIR-SFBA is providing a joint Know Your Rights/Community Safety training for students and parents in light of the most recent atrocities on our brothers and sisters in Palestine. American Muslims, especially Muslim children in public schools, are facing a mass influx of Islamophobia and harassment because of it.

Join this workshop to learn how to practice your rights regarding bullying in school (both in relation to Palestine and just in general) and when protesting.

7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. (Isha) | Monday, October 30 | MCC Conference Room | Join us in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live

This training will also incorporate community safety strategies, mainly in the form of de-escalation training, to provide our community with the tools necessary to combat incidents of harassment safely. The CAIR panelists are Lina Seikh (Immigrants’ Rights Attorney), Riyad Sood (Paralegal) and Usmaan Alloo (Programs Coordinator).

All who attend leave with the reassurance that they have legal protections to speak up and support our brothers and sisters in Palestine. We also aim to ensure that we provide appropriate tools for folks to feel more confident and prepared to de-escalate potential situations of hate/harassment.

– More CAIR-MCC co-sponsored talks: https://mcceastbay.org/cair

About the speakers

LINA SEIKH, IMMIGRANTS’ RIGHTS ATTORNEY

Lina Seikh is part of a dynamic team at CAIR-SFBA, where she is currently honored to serve the American Muslim community as an Immigrants’ Rights Attorney.

Lina graduated from University of Texas at Austin with a degree in neuroscience and South Asian Studies. While in college, she also served as a volunteer English teacher in Nepal, studied Urdu, and interned twice at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

She then graduated from St. Mary’s University of Law, where she concurrently pursued a master’s in international relations with a focus on conflict resolution. While in law school, she interned at an Immigration and Human Rights Clinic, was a research assistant for The Center for Terrorism Law, and volunteered for the Restorative Rights Initiative. While pursuing her master’s in international relations, she also studied conflict resolution in Occupied Palestine.

Throughout her career, Lina has worked with non-profit organizations and indigent clients in different capacities. She is a passionate advocate for civil rights, human rights, and gender equality. In her spare time, Lina loves spending time with her family, hiking, reading, art, meditation, and alternative healing.

RIYAD SOOD, PARALEGAL

Riyad Sood is a paralegal for the San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) where he assists attorneys dealing with immigration and civil matters. Riyad’s background is in healthcare and non-profit law.

He has negotiated hospital reimbursement Fees with healthcare plans and has reviewed hospital contracts with providers that are subject to ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act). While at the California Department of Justice Attorney General’s Office Riyad worked alongside attorneys in civil litigation, audits, and investigations ensuring California nonprofits conduct themselves according to state law.

Riyad received his BSL from Irvine University College of Law and received his degree in paralegal studies from Fremont College as the class valedictorian.

USMAAN ALLOO, PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

Usmaan Alloo is the Programs Coordinator for the San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA). In this position, he leads CAIR-SFBA’s signature programs including youth programs, workshops, the internship and volunteer programs, and much more!

Usmaan received his Bachelor of Arts as a double major in Political Science: International Affairs, as well as Middle Eastern/Islamic Studies from the University of California, Riverside. Where he graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. As a student he participated in a research program with the Islamic Studies department, focused on analyzing the rise of Islamophobia across social media, government legislation, and the fashion industry. He was also an organizer for the American Muslim Futures art exhibit in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the successful day of action for Muhammad Muhaymin Jr.

Usmaan is an artivist, passionate for building solidarity through artistic expression, political education, and the concept of linked fate. He believes that placing art at the center of political activism is the solution to healing and bridging divides within our community. Usmaan is also a staunch prison abolitionist.

In his free time Usmaan enjoys coaching youth baseball, water-painting, and baking cookies to share with his colleagues.

Blood Drive @ Jumu'ah
2023-12-01 10:30 - 16:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
As people of faith, it is in our blood to help. With a 15-minute blood donation, you can be part of a lifesaving journey that could save up to three lives.
The MCC community has saved nearly 350 lives! This is our 25th blood drive during Jumu’ah, and each one has always been fully or near-fully booked!
Let’s continue that trajectory at this blood drive and keep all our American Red Cross guests busy when they set up in our Banquet Hall from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on a Friday. Sign up at: https://mcceastbay.org/blood-drive
In 2023, MCC will proudly host these quarterly blood drives during Jumuah services from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with our friends at the American Red Cross:

Friday, March 3, 2023
Friday, June 2, 2023
Friday, September 1, 2023
Friday, December 1, 2023

Book An Appointment
A Power Red donation targets O-, O+, A-, and B- only. Donation takes 20-30 minutes because donors give two units of concentrated Red Blood Cells, and your platelets and plasma are returned.
Blood donors report feeling a sense of great satisfaction after making their blood donation. Why? Because helping others in need feels good.
If you have visited India, Pakistan, or another high-risk malaria country and returned within the last 12 months, you are not eligible to donate blood. See the latest travel-related restrictions to blood donation eligibility.
Every person who donates blood at MCC in 2023 will receive a voucher for a free meal at iniBurger—Gourmet Burgers in Pleasanton. MCC congregation members Leeza and Abdullah Popal, who own these establishments, generously donate these vouchers to encourage community and congregation participation.
MCC Youth: If you are 16 to 18, here are the donor requirements and parental authorization form link.
On the morning of the blood drive, please complete the Rapid Pass online and bring the print-off to speed up the check-in process. Complete at https://mcceastbay.org/rapid
Save a Life

Friday Youth Night with Amber Leibrock
2024-02-09 19:00 - 21:00
Join us for a Friday evening chat with pro-MMA fighter Amber Leibrock, who has drawn strength from her newly-found Islamic faith since her conversion last year.

This discussion is especially pertinent for teenagers and young professionals to attend this practical chat to fortify their convictions.

Friday, February 9 | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Prayer Hall | Join in person or watch live at https://mcceastbay.org/live

Brother Asaad Traina will interview Sr. Amber and her coach, Mujeeb Hamid. Dinner boxes are for sale in the MCC foyer starting at 6:30 p.m.

Program Schedule– 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Discussion– 8 p.m. to 8:25 p.m. – Isha congregational prayer break– 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Q&A

About the Presenters

Amber Leibrock is a mixed martial artist who competes in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Featherweight division. Born and raised in the East Bay, she trains with M.J. Hamid, an MCC congregation member and trainer. After her fight with Larissa Pacheco, she went through a tough time, and Br. Hamid introduced her to Islam. She took her Shahadah at MCC on July 21, 2023. Since then, she’s been attending Jumu’ah (Friday prayer services) regularly. Ahead of a fight, ESPN did this profile on Sister Amber. Her Instagram is @amberleibrock_mmaMujeeb Hamid is a fitness and self-defense coach. He trains professional MMA fighters at Combat Sports Academy in Dublin. Br. Mujeeb believes in espousing the best of the Islamic faith through compassionate words and actions. “I just see it (Islam) spilling over to my everyday life. How I feel inside, how I feel about myself, how I feel and interact with other people.” – Amber Leibrock in an ESPN fighter profileQuestions? events@mcceastbay.org

A Chat with Sr. Amber’s Coach, Brother Mujeeb Hamid.

Gear Up For Ramadan: Sidi Yousuf Azhar
2024-03-01 19:00 - 21:00
For boys ages 15-22! Ramadan is around the corner and is a spiritual treasure trove for any Muslim!Join us for this special workshop with Sidi Yousuf Azhar to kickstart the blessed month with pre-Ramadan activities that help you enter the month at full speed.

This is not a fiqh session. The focus of this workshop is to share practical tips and encouragement.Friday, March 1 | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | MCC Banquet Hall | Boys Ages 15-22 | Free to attend, capped at 50 | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/gear-up

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

About the Presenter

Yousuf Azhar was born in India and migrated to the USA at the age of two. He studied Arabic at the University of Damascus for one year. He has studied general Islamic sciences with various scholars throughout his life. He resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children. Yousuf is a software testing lead at a Silicon Valley tech company.

Youth Halaqa & Iftar
2024-03-15 17:30 - 20:30
For our middle and high school girls & boys (ages 12 to 18), please join us on the first three Fridays in Ramadan for a program just for you: pray Asr in the congregation, listen to a special guest youth halaqa speaker, and enjoy a yummy dinner for Iftar.

Stick around and pray Isha/Taraweeh at 9 p.m.

Pre-halaqa attendance is required. Teens may not come for Iftar only.

– Friday, March 15: 5:45 p.m. Asr prayer, check-in at 5:30 p.m., halaqa begins at 6 p.m. Maghrib at 7:19 p.m.RSVP at https://mcceastbay.org/youth-1 (opens on Mon., March 11 @ 5 p.m.)

– Friday, March 22: 5:45 p.m. Asr prayer, check-in at 5:30 p.m., halaqa begins at 6 p.m. Maghrib at 7:25 p.m.RSVP at https://mcceastbay.org/youth-2 (opens on Mon., March 18)

– Friday, March 29: 6 p.m. Asr prayer, check-in at 5:30 p.m.. halaqa begins at 5:45 p.m.; Maghrib at 7:32 p.m.RSVP at https://mcceastbay.org/youth-3 (opens on Mon., March 25)

The schedule is:

5:30 p.m. – Registration + nametags5:45 p.m. – Asr prayers6 p.m. – Introduction6:10 p.m. – Speaker gives talk6:30 – Facilitated conversation + QnA6:45 – Fun Game/Activity7:00 – Maghreb Athan

Nominal $5/youth cost to have an accurate number of attendees. MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attending any event held at MCC. For a code, please message scholarship@mcceastbay.org.

Iftar times in Ramadan 2024 at mcceastbay.org/timetable

The youth halaqa is held in the MCC Conference Room. The Iftars are held in the Banquet Hall.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Youth Halaqa & Iftar | Sidi Mahdy Amine
2024-03-22 17:30 - 20:30

MYNA Youth Teen Qiyam
2024-03-23 13:30 - 2024-03-24 06:15
This Spring, Muslim youth nationwide can join MYNA for spring camp and explore the new theme, “IQRA”! Youth will deeply dive into the importance of the Holy Quran, the word of Allah SWT, first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the blessed month of Ramadan.

Because this cycle of spring camps falls during Ramadan, MYNA presents a new structure to empower youth to make the most of this beloved month, featuring heartfelt lectures, engaging workshops, Quran circles, youth-led tahajjud, and more!Saturday, March 23 – Sunday, March 24 | 1:30 p.m. to 6:15 a.m. | MCC Conference Room | Boys & Girls Ages 12-18 | Limited registration available; register at mcceastbay.org/myna

“The reason I call MYNA a breath of fresh air is because you become a better person within that week that you are with positive beings. You learn new things about Islam, people, and also about yourself. MYNA has truly created a new perspective for me. Without MYNA I wouldn’t know how to communicate with others and be a leader. Thanks to MYNA for being a breath of fresh air for myself and everyone who comes to it.”

— MYNA Camper

Camp Guidelines

As a Muslim Organization, we ask that all campers and participants in our events follow the rules we have prescribed through the Quran and ways of the Prophet (PBUH). Please read both of these documents before arriving at camp.

DRESS CODE: Check out the MYNA dress code here.

RULES AND REGULATIONS: Here are the rules campers must follow during camp.

For FAQ, please visit: https://www.myna.org/campfaq

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Youth Halaqa & Iftar | Imam Bilal Yusuf
2024-03-29 17:30 - 20:30
For our middle and high school girls & boys (ages 12 to 18), please join us on the first three Fridays in Ramadan for a program just for you: pray Asr in the congregation, listen to a special guest youth halaqa speaker and enjoy a yummy dinner for Iftar.

Stick around and pray Isha/Taraweeh at 9 p.m.

Pre-halaqa attendance is required. Teens may not only come for Iftar.

– Friday, March 15, with Sidi Quran Hodge5:45 p.m. Asr prayer, check-in at 5:30 p.m., halaqa begins at 6 p.m. Maghrib at 7:19 p.m.RSVP at https://mcceastbay.org/youth-1 (opens on Mon., March 11 @ 5 p.m.)

– Friday, March 22, with Sidi Mahdy Amine5:45 p.m. Asr prayer, check-in at 5:30 p.m., halaqa begins at 6 p.m. Maghrib at 7:25 p.m.RSVP at https://mcceastbay.org/youth-2 (opens on Mon., March 18)

– Friday, March 29, with Imam Bilal Ibn Yusuf6 p.m. Asr prayer, check-in at 5:30 p.m.. halaqa begins at 5:45 p.m.; Maghrib at 7:32 p.m.RSVP at https://mcceastbay.org/youth-3 (opens on Mon., March 25)

The schedule is:

5:30 p.m. – Registration + nametags5:45 p.m. – Asr prayers6 p.m. – Introduction6:10 p.m. – Speaker gives a talk (parents may not attend this private talk to allow teens to have an open, frank discussion with the guest speaker)6:30 – Facilitated conversation + QnA6:45 – Fun Game/Activity7:00 – Maghreb Athan

Nominal $5/youth cost only to have an accurate number of attendees. This cost does not cover the cost for this event (donors cover the cost). MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attending any event held at MCC. For a code, please message scholarship@mcceastbay.org.

Iftar times in Ramadan 2024 at mcceastbay.org/timetable

The youth halaqa and post-Iftar games are held in the MCC Conference Room. The Iftars are held in the Banquet Hall.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Friday Night Teen Boys Spring Basketball
2024-04-12 19:00 - 21:45, 2024-04-19 19:00 - 21:45, 2024-04-26 19:00 - 21:45, 2024-05-03 19:00 - 21:45, 2024-05-10 19:00 - 21:45, 2024-05-24 19:00 - 21:45
For Boys Ages 14+!This spring, join us weekly on Friday nights for pick-up basketball at a rotating gym location in the Tri-Valley.

Starts Friday, April 12 | 7 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. | Rotating location; please see below | $8/session | Boys Ages 14+ | Register at mcceastbay.org/boys-basketball

Limited to 40 participants per night.

Locations:

4/12 – Windemere Middle School (San Ramon)

4/19 – Windemere Middle School (San Ramon)

4/26 – Amador Valley Large Gym (Pleasanton)

5/3 – Foothill Large Gym (Pleasanton)

5/10 – Windemere Middle School (San Ramon)

5/17 – No Session

5/24 – Amador Valley Large Gym (Pleasanton)

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

Camp facilitatorsQuestions? events@mcceastbay.org

Career Panel for Teens
2024-04-26 16:00 - 17:00
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.

Flavors of Summer: Back-to-School Ice Cream Social
2024-08-16 18:30 - 20:30
For Youth Ages 5-17: To kick the start of school, join us on a Friday evening after Asr (6:30 p.m.) in the MCC parking lot for the coolest summer event! Bring along a friend or two and enjoy delicious ice cream flavors.
Friday, Aug. 16 | Asr to Maghrib (6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) | MCC Parking Lot (outside sisters entrance) | Ages 5 – 17 | Register mcceastbay.org/social
Afterward, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., we hope teens and parents will stick around for a talk on the Mentorship Workshop by Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi and Dr. Imam Sherif Ahmed to learn how we can find quality mentors for our children and how to prepare and train qualified mentors in our community.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Friday Night Boys High School Halaqa | Sidi Quran Hodge
2024-09-20 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-09-27 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-04 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-11 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-18 19:00 - 21:00
Join MCC Youth Activities Facilitator Sidi Quran Hodge for weekly Friday evening basketball & halaqa sessions for teen high school boys from 9th through 12th grade.
These sessions aim to craft our next generation of confident, faithful Muslim men. These halaqas are for only high school boys only—no younger boys. The sessions are capped at 30 teens. Once limited spots are full, please join the waitlist.
Pizza is included each week. The first hour is physical activities in the gym (basketball, flag football, or soccer), and the latter hour is a teen halaqa with Sidi Quran.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Fridays | Sep. 20, 2024 to May 23, 2025 (with a break in Ramadan ‘25) | $400/person | Register at mcceastbay.org/boys
The MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a family in the East Bay from benefiting from any offering at the MCC facility. To request a financial waiver, please complete the application at mcceastbay.org/scholarship
Location of Friday evening sessions for high school boys in ‘24 and ‘25:

– September 20, 2024, at MCC East Bay
– September 27, 2024, at MCC East Bay
– October 4, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– October 11, 202, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– October 18, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– October 25, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– November 1, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– November 8, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– November 15, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– November 22, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– November 29, 2024 (no session)
– December 6, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– December 13, 2024, at Fairlands Elementary School in Pleasanton
– December 20, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– December 27, 2024 (no session)
– January 3, 2025, at MCC East Bay
– January 10, 2025, location TBA
– January 17, 2025, location TBA
– January 24, 2025, location TBA
– January 31, 2025, Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– February 7, 2025, Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– February 14, 2025, Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– February 21, 2025, location TBA (last session before Ramadan 2025)
– February 28, 2025 (no session – join Moonsighting in MCC parking lot)
– March 7, 2025 (no session)
– March 14, 2025 (no session)
– March 21, 2025 (no session)
– March 28, 2025 (no session)
– April 4, 2025, at Thomas Hart Middle School
– April 11, 2025, location Amador Valley High School
– April 18, 2025, location Thomas Hart Middle School
– April 25, 2025, location Thomas Hart Middle School
– May 2, 2025, location Thomas Hart Middle School
– May 9, 2025, location Thomas Hart Middle School
– May 16, 2025, location Thomas Hart Middle School
– May 23, 2025, location Thomas Hart Middle School

About Sidi Quran
Qur’an Hodge is a Bay Area native. He began his Islamic education in 2019, studying Arabic at the Al Maqasid Seminary in Pennsylvania. Sidi Quran continued to Dar Al Mustafa, a Yemeni Islamic university in Tarim, Hadhramaut. At this Islamic seminary founded by Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Sidi Qur’an studied Ibtidaiyya, Hadith, Aqida, Seerah, Nahw, Quran Hifzdh, Kitaba, and Tafseer in classical Arabic.
Sidi Quran has completed certificates in Taleef Collective’s Refining the Core and Zaytuna College’s Permaculture Program. He is passionate about creatively working on community issues, particularly the challenges Muslim youth face. He lives with his wife and child in Castro Valley.

– More Quran Hodge: https://mcceastbay.org/quran-hodge

The Youth in the Cave | Shaykh Hamzah Abdul-Malik
2024-10-26 12:20 - 14:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
The parable of the cave companions is a classic, timeless example and proof that—indeed—if an ordinary person—young or old, male or female— can get Allah on his or her side, and if they patiently endure, in His path, the anger and antagonism of people by remaining steadfast and righteous, Allah helps them in ways unimaginable and incredible, ways that the limited human intellect cannot fathom.
This talk is for youth and parents of youth.
12:20 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (with a 30-minute Zuhr break at 1:30) | Saturday, October 26 | MCC Prayer Hall | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Imam Hamzah Abdul-Malik will also give the sermon at Lighthouse Mosque in Oakland on Friday, October 25, and speak for a Friday night program at Lighthouse. See here.
——————————————————————————————-
Think, “a group of youth hanging out together,” and what comes to mind?
If you are in the age range of 10-25, you’ll probably think they are having fun. And if you are older, you’ll probably assume they are out and about cooking up some trouble just for the fun and thrill of it. Why would you believe such things when you hear about a youth group “chilling out” together? Probably because you have ‘been there, done that’ when you were their age.
For all these brave ‘young’ people whom society tried to subjugate and punish for no crime except their staunch adherence to monotheism, the Quran has recorded, and thus corroborated, their sacrifices and calamities faced in Allah’s path and therefore stamped with approval their resultant lofty moral character, purity of soul, and innocence from sin — till the end of mankind.
We have so much to learn from the teens – the companions of the cave.
The young men went against the social tide of their era by openly opposing the polytheism practiced by their nation and became displaced, isolationist ‘vagabonds’ in the process). Indeed, it is a great sign of Allah!
The case of the cave companions is a classic, timeless example and proof that—indeed—if an ordinary person—young or old, male or female—can get Allah on his or her side, and if they patiently endure in His path, the anger and antagonism of people by remaining steadfast and righteous, Allah helps them in ways unimaginable and incredible, ways that the limited human intellect cannot fathom.
About the Speaker:
Imam Hamzah Abdul-Malik is a graduate of Al-Azhar University in Egypt; he has studied and taught Islam for over 15 years. He memorized the Holy Qur’an and served as a teacher for Islamic schools and mosques in Georgia, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, and the Middle East. He also obtained a Master’s in Islamic Studies and Leadership from Bayan Claremont. He co-founded Midtown Mosque in 2015 to revitalize blighted areas in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2017, he founded Miraaj Academy to teach Qur’an and leadership skills to Muslim American youth. He conveys knowledge and religious teaching through experiential learning, focusing on internalizing concepts learned. He also recited the Quran at Muhammad Ali’s funeral in 2016.

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

Elementary & Middle School Boys Halaqa & Hangout | Sidi Amin Gharad & Sidi Zeeshan Mukhtar
2024-11-01 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-11-08 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-11-15 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-11-22 19:00 - 20:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Elementary & Middle School Boys (Ages 8-13): Join us weekly in November for a Halaqa and hang-out session to help them make connections and bonds, form a brotherhood, and navigate school and social challenges as they grow into young men.
These sessions aim to craft our next generation of confident, faithful Muslim men. These Halaqas are for only ages 8-13—no younger boys. The sessions are capped at 30 teens. Once limited spots are full, please join the waitlist.
Pizza is included each week.
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Fridays | 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22 (no session on 11/29) | MCC Banquet Hall | $10/week | Register at mcceastbay.org/boys-hangout
Parents must pick up their child(ren) by 8:30 p.m., no later than 9 p.m.
For questions about the Halaqa, please contact Sr. Fouzia Alam at 925-330-4287.
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.
About the halaqa facilitators
Amin Gharad served two terms as President of the Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) and, most recently, Islamic Studies Director at Northstar School, where he also taught boys’ P.E. He has also worked with the Yaqeen Institute on several projects, including curriculum development. In addition to his extensive experience working with and mentoring Muslim youth, he has completed Arabic studies at the Qasid Institute in Amman and studied Islamic sciences with traditional scholars based in Jordan and Turkey.
Sister Fouzia Alam, a mother of three boys, is collaborating to launch the Boys’ Halaqa. She has extensive experience and organized numerous Bay Area enrichment programs.
Azmat Zeeshan Mukhtar is a local father and mentor from our community who enjoys sports and kids. He will organize the activities and bring on some other dads to help volunteer and make this a rewarding activity for our young Muslim boys. Brother Zeeshan Mukhtar has previously led similar sessions at his son’s school, and in the past, he coached flag football for boys at MCC.

Elementary & Middle School Boys Halaqa & Hangout | Sidi Amin Gharad & Sidi Zeeshan Mukhtar
2024-12-06 19:00 - 20:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Elementary & Middle School Boys (Ages 8-13): Join us weekly in November for a Halaqa and hang-out session to help them make connections and bonds, form a brotherhood, and navigate school and social challenges as they grow into young men.
These sessions aim to craft our next generation of confident, faithful Muslim men. These Halaqas are for only ages 8-13—no younger boys. The sessions are capped at 30 teens. Once limited spots are full, please join the waitlist.
Pizza is included each week.
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Fridays | 12/6, 12/13, & 12/20 (no session on 12/27) | MCC Banquet Hall | $10/week | Register at mcceastbay.org/boys-hangout
Parents must pick up their child(ren) by 8:30 p.m., no later than 9 p.m.
Location of Friday evening sessions for high school boys in ‘25 and ‘26:

– November 21, 2025, at Donlon Elementary School
– November 28, 2024 (no session)
– December 5, 2025, at location TBA
– December 12, 2025, at location TBA
– December 19, 2025, at location TBA
– December 26, 2024 (no session)
– January 2, 2025 (no session)
– January 9, 2026, at location TBA
– January 16, 2026, at location TBA
– January 23, 2026, at location TBA
– January 30, 2026, at location TBA
– February 6, 2026, at location TBA
– February 13, 2026, at location TBA

– February 20, 2026 (no season in Ramadan)
– February 27, 2026 (no session in Ramadan)– March 6, 2026 (no session)
– March 13, 2026 (no session in Ramadan)
– March 20, 2026 (no session in Ramadan)
– March 27, 2025 (no session) at location TBA
– April 3, 2026, at location TBA
– April 10, 2026, at location TBA
– April 17, 2026, at location TBA
– April 24, 2026, at location TBA
– May 1, 2026, at location TBA
– May 8, 2026, at location TBA
– May 15, 2026, at location TBA
– May 22, 2026, at location TBA

For questions about the Halaqa, please contact Sr. Fouzia Alam at 925-330-4287.
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.
About the halaqa facilitators
Amin Gharad served two terms as President of the Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) and, most recently, Islamic Studies Director at Northstar School, where he also taught boys’ P.E. He has also worked with the Yaqeen Institute on several projects, including curriculum development. In addition to his extensive experience working with and mentoring Muslim youth, he has completed Arabic studies at the Qasid Institute in Amman and studied Islamic sciences with traditional scholars based in Jordan and Turkey.
Sister Fouzia Alam, a mother of three boys, is collaborating to launch the Boys’ Halaqa. She has extensive experience and organized numerous Bay Area enrichment programs.
Azmat Zeeshan Mukhtar is a local father and mentor from our community who enjoys sports and kids. He will organize the activities and bring on some other dads to help volunteer and make this a rewarding activity for our young Muslim boys. Brother Zeeshan Mukhtar has previously led similar sessions at his son’s school, and in the past, he coached flag football for boys at MCC.
