Sisters' Seerah Weekly Book Club
2021-08-04 10:45 - 12:15, 2021-08-11 10:45 - 12:15, 2021-08-18 10:45 - 12:15, 2021-08-25 10:45 - 12:15, 2021-09-01 10:45 - 12:15 (America/Los_Angeles) | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join our weekly sisters’ virtual & in-person 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. We are reading “The Sultan of Hearts Prophet Muhammad ﷺ” by Resit Haylamaz and Fatih Harpci.
RSVP for the live registration link below at mcceastbay.org/bookclub. No RSVP needed to join us in person in the MCC Conference Room (masks and social distancing required)
Event Details:
The discussion will take place every Wednesday from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. starting May 26 and continue into Fall 2021. From Wednesday, Aug. 4 to Sept. 1, we will begin a hybrid in-person & virtual session. For the link to join virtually, please register below.
Ustadha Leila Fakira sends the webinar link to registered attendees after registration.
Book Purchase:
If you wish to follow along with the book, you’ll need to purchase the book. The book is out of print, but can be purchased here:

https://www.antstores.com/search?type=product&q=9781597849425
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1597849421/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_mHaAFb4CRDKX5

Questions? bookclub@mcceastbay.org

About the Book
Offering a comprehensive narrative of one of the most fascinating life stories of human history, The Sultan of Hearts is an authoritative work on the life of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. The book relies firmly on canonical Hadith collections and Sirah literature, and is rich with references to many contemporary biographical works such as Al-Maktabatu’s-Sirah, Al-Maktabatu’l-Alfiyah, and Al-Maktabatu’sh-Shamilah.
The Sultan of Hearts presents the life of the Prophet and the events that unfolded during his mission by contextualizing them with Qur’anic revelations.
Analyzing “reasons of revelation” (Asbab al-Nuzul), a method in Tafsir studies, authors portray how every revealed verse of God’s word transformed his society and they reconstruct the biography based on this interaction between the scripture and the events. The book lays bare the role of the Qur’an in the education of the large congregation of the Companions, and with it reveals the kind of teaching and drill that the Messenger of Allah exercised in his close circle.
The developments that preceded and followed the statements of the beloved Prophet are reported extensively in order to point to both the educational aspects of the Qur’an and the role of our noble Prophet in transforming people’s lives. There are also detailed accounts of the spiritual and psychological states of many individuals from those who believed the Prophet and those who did not.

MCC Indoor & Outdoor Jumu'ahs
2021-08-06 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For our Friday, August 6 Jumu’ah services, masks are required to attend while inside MCC and no RSVP necessary:

1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Ustadh Feraidoon Mojadedi delivers this sermon

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

2:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. – OUTDOOR ONLY

Mohammed Abdul Baseer delivers this sermon

Outdoor in canopies in the MCC parking lot. No parallel indoor services offered.
No social distancing in first canopy near sermon speaker for men and no social distancing for first row for women. All other space is social distancing required.
Masks are optional.
Please check Friday afternoon weather forecast and take precautions against heat.

3:40 p.m. to 4 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

A TBA speaker delivers this sermon

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

Please attend 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. prayer to avoid heavy first-prayer congestion. Jumu’ah service parking at all three services is in the MCC parking lot and the neighboring HP lot. Map

– Watch these three sermons live from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Sidi Feraidoon: https://mcceastbay.org/feraidoon
– More Brother Baseer: https://mcceastbay.org/baseer

For parents attending with young children, MCC offers a private mothers and fathers room with an audio and visual connection to Prayer Hall. Parents can watch the sermon and pray while in the company of other parents with young children. The mothers/fathers prayer room are just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Alameda County reports COVID-19 cases are still happening.
We are cautiously indoors for the five daily prayers and for two of the three Jumu’ah services. The second Jumu’ah is outdoors in the MCC parking lot, weather permitting. Learn more at https://mcceastbay.org/reopening

Prayer for Rain: Turning to God in Tribulation | Imam Tahir Anwar
2021-08-07 13:30 - 14:20 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
“Our Lord relieve us of the torment. Lo! we are believers!” (The Smoke 44:12)
About half of our state is in exceptional drought. That is 37 million Californians. The drought emergency and dry conditions are also a fire danger, and harsh water restrictions are expected.
As people of faith, the impact of human sin becomes apparent as we enter into yet another drought.
We are taught by the blessed Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to turn to God in these times and atone for our sins by collectively praying for rain by performing Salat Al-Istisqa. In addition to supplications seeking rain, this is a time for mass repentance.
The prayer, led by Imam Tahir Anwar, is organized with the participation of several Bay Area masjids and Islamic organizations like the MCC East Bay, Islamic Center of Livermore (ICL), and Evergreen Islamic Center.
1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. | Saturday, Aug. 6 | MCC Parking Lot (or watch live) | No RSVP needed

– Past Istisqa rain prayers: https://mcceastbay.org/rain-salat
– Watch prayer & sermon live on YouTube at https://mcceastbay.org/live
– Watch prayer & sermon live on Facebook at https://mcceastbay.org/facebook
– More Imam Tahir: https://mcceastbay.org/tahir
– Dua for Rain Imam Umar al-Yafi (translated by Hamza Yusuf): https://mcceastbay.org/rain-dua

Please bring a mask and a prayer mat.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Watch Past Rain Prayers in Pleasanton

2023 with Qari Amar Bellaha
2021 with Imam Tahir Anwar
2020 with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
2018 with Shaykh Rami Nsour
2017 with Imam Dawood Yasin
2014 with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

About Salat Al-Istisqa
This prayer is taken recourse to when seeking rain from Allah. It may be performed in one of the following manners:
1- The imam (leader of prayer) prays, with the followers, two rak`ahs (units of prayer) during any time except those times in which it is not desirable to pray. In the first rak`ah, the imam recites Surat Al-A`la (the 78th chapter of the Qur’an) after Surat Al-Fatihah (the first chapter of the Qur’an). And in the second rak`ah, he reads Surat Al-Ghashiyah (the 88th chapter of the Qur’an) after Al-Fatihah, and he delivers a khutbah before or after the Salah.
As soon as he finishes the khutbah, the people present should turn their outer garments around, each placing its left side on his right side and its right side on his left, face the qiblah (direction of the Ka`bah), supplicate to Allah and raise their hands while doing so.
Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) went out [to make the Salat Al-Istisqa’] wearing old clothes, in a humble and lowly manner, and prayed two rak`ahs as he prayed the `Eid, but he did not give a similar khutbah.” (Agreed upon)
`A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) says: “The people complained to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about lack of rain, so he gave orders for a pulpit, and when it was set up for him, he appointed a day for the people to gather. He came out on that day when the sun had just appeared and sat down on the pulpit. He extolled Allah’s greatness and praised Him. Then he said: ‘You have complained of drought in your areas and of delay in receiving rain at the beginning of its season, but you have been ordered by Allah to supplicate Him and He has promised that He would answer your prayers.’ Then he said: ‘All praise is for Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful, the King of the Day of Judgment. There is no God but Allah Who does what He wishes. O Allah, there is no God except You. You are the Self-sufficient and we are the poor. Send down rain upon us and make it a source of strength for us and satisfaction for us.’ He then raised his hands and kept raising them till the whiteness of his armpits could be seen.
After this, he turned his back to the people and inverted his cloak, keeping his hands raised. Finally, he faced the people, descended from the pulpit, and prayed two rak`ahs. At that time Allah produced a cloud, thunder, and lightning. And, by Allah’s permission, it rained and before he reached the mosque there was flooding. Then he saw how quickly the people were running for shelter, he laughed until his molar teeth could be seen. He said: ‘I bear witness that Allah has power over all things and I am Allah’s slave and Messenger.’” (Al-Hakim and Abu Dawud)
2- The supplication for rain can also be made on the occasion of Salat Al-Jumu`ah (Friday Prayer). In this case, the imam makes supplications during khutbat Al-jumu`ah with the people of the congregation saying (Ameen).
Shuraik narrated on the authority of Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that a man entered the mosque on Friday while the Prophet (peace be upon him) was addressing the people. The man said: “O Messenger of Allah, our wealth has been destroyed and we have no transport to the market place. Supplicate for us for rain.” The Prophet raised his hands and said: “O Allah, give us rain. O Allah, give us rain. O Allah, give us rain.”Anas said: “By Allah, at that time there were no clouds in the sky and there was no house or building between us and the mountain. From behind the mountain came a cloud looking like a shield. By the time it reached the middle of the sky, it burst and started to rain. By Allah, we did not see the sun for one week. Then, on the next Friday, a man entered the mosque from that (same) door while the Prophet was making the address. The man faced the Prophet and said: ‘Our livestock is dead and the paths are unpassable. Ask Allah to make it stop.’ The Prophet raised his hands and said: ‘O Allah, around us and not upon us. O Allah, make it upon the hills, small mountains, bottom of the valleys, and plantations.’ The rain stopped and we walked out in the sunshine.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
3- One may also make a supplication (for rain) without it being Friday and regardless of whether or not the prayer takes place inside or outside the mosque.
Shurahbil ibn As-Simt said to Ka`b ibn Murrah (may Allah be pleased with them): “O Ka`b, relate to us something from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).” Ka`b said: “When a man came and said to the Prophet of Allah, ‘Seek rain for the tribe of Mudar,’ I heard the Prophet say: ‘You are a bold man. You want me to seek rain for the tribe of Mudar?’ The man said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, you have sought victory from Allah and He gave you victory. You supplicated Allah and He answered you.’ The Messenger of Allah raised his hands and said: ‘O Allah, give us a saving rain, good and productive, general and heavy, now and not later, beneficial and not harmful.’ Allah responded to his supplication. It was not long before the people came complaining about the profusion of rain, and damage to their dwellings. The Messenger of Allah raised his hands and said: ‘O Allah, around us and not upon us.’ The clouds began dispersing left and right.” (Ahmad and Ibn Majah)
Some supplications for rain:
The following are some of the supplications that have been transmitted.
Ash-Shafi`i states that it has been related from Salim ibn `Abdullah, on the authority of his father that the Prophet (peace be upon him) would say for istisqa’: “O Allah, give us a saving rain, productive, plentiful, general, continuous. O Allah, give us rain and do not make us among the despondent. O Allah, (Your) slaves, land, animals, and (Your) creation all are suffering and seek protection. And we do not complain except to You. O Allah, let our crops grow, and let the udders be refilled. Give us from the blessings of the sky and grow for us from the blessings of the earth. O Allah, remove from us the hardship, starvation, and barrenness and remove the affliction from us as no one removes afflictions save Thee. O Allah, we seek Your forgiveness as You are the Forgiving, and send upon us plenteous rains.” Ash-Shafi`i said: “I prefer that the imam would supplicate with that (prayer).”
Sa`d reported that for istisqa’, the Prophet would supplicate: “O Allah, let us be covered with thick clouds that have abundant and beneficial rain, frequently making a light rain upon us and sprinkling upon us with lightning. O Allah, You are full of majesty, bounty and Honor.” (Abu `Awanah in his Sahih collection)
`Amr ibn Shuaib relates from his father, on the authority of his grandfather (may Allah be pleased with them), that for istisqa’, the Prophet would say: “O Allah, provide water for Your slaves and Your cattle, display Your mercy and give life to Your dead lands.” (Abu Dawud)
It is preferred for the one who is making this supplication to raise his hands with the back of his hands toward the sky. Muslim records from Anas that the Prophet (peace be upon him) would point with the back of his hands during istisqa’.
It is also preferred, upon seeing the rain, to say: “O Allah, make it a beneficial rain” and he should uncover part of his body to the rain. On the other hand, if one fears that there is too much rain, one should say: “O Allah give us mercy and do not give us punishment, calamities, destruction or flooding. O Allah, make it upon the woods, farms and trees. Make it around us and not upon us.” All of this is authentic and confirmed from the Prophet (peace be upon him).
______________________________________________________________
Source: Quoted with slight modifications from Sayyid Sabiq’s Fiqh As-Sunnah.

Forgiveness in Judaism & Islam
2021-08-11 19:00 - 20:15 | CA
Interfaith Interconnect hosts August’s virtual religion chat with a Jewish and a Muslim with the question: “How does your community provide for those in need of forgiveness?”
The panelists are Dr. Rabbi Milder (Congregation Beth Emek) and Dr. Abdul-Mun’im Jitmoud (Muslim Community Center – East Bay).
The program is from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. The Zoom session opens at 6:45 p.m. to give attendees a chance to virtually chat with people from other cultures and faiths.
7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. | Wednesday, August 11 | Join live session on Zoom at mcceastbay.org/chat
Questions? interfaith.interconnect@gmail.com
Rabbi Laurence Elis Milder, Ph.D.
Rabbi Larry Milder is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. He received his B.A. at Brandeis University and was ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York in 1983. Following ordination, he earned a Ph.D. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies at Brandeis University, where he was the recipient of a fellowship from the Center for Modern Jewish Studies, a research institute devoted to the social scientific study of American Jewry.
Rabbi Milder has pursued dual careers in the rabbinate and in academia. He has served congregations in Indianapolis, IN; Bangor, ME; and Westborough, MA. He also was an assistant professor (of Judaic studies) at the University of Maine and a lecturer at the Bangor Theological Seminary. From July 2011 through June 2013, Rabbi Milder served on the faculty of the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro, NC, as the Academy’s Reform Rabbi.
Rabbi Milder has been active in civic affairs, interfaith coalitions, and youth work. He has served the Union for Reform Judaism as a regional director in its Social Action and Youth divisions.
Rabbi Milder’s hobby is composing and performing Jewish folk music. His songs are popular in youth groups and summer camps throughout North America. Rabbi Milder is married to Janet Elis Milder. They have three children: Miriam, Avi, and Alex.
Abdul-Mun’im Jitmoud, Ph.D.
Dr. Abdul Mun’im Sombat Jitmoud was born and raised on a small rice farm in Thailand. He felt his calling to teaching when his principal asked him to lead his first-grade peers at his village school.
After finishing Teacher’s College in Thailand, he came to the U.S. for higher education. While working on his Ph. D, Dr. Abdul-Mun’im fell in love with his colleague, Dr. Linda-Jamilah Kolocotronis.
She embraced Islam and over the next 30 years, they raised six boys as Dr. Jitmoud moved from city to city to serve as principal at seven Islamic schools in the U.S.
In 2015, while in retirement in Thailand, Dr. Jitmoud received the tragic news. His 22-year-old son Salahuddin was fatally stabbed during a robbery while he delivered pizzas in Lexington, Ky.
The slaying rattled Lexington’s large Muslim community, which wondered whether the killing was a hate crime. It was not. Two years later, Dr. Jitmoud sat on the witness stand and looked at his son’s murderer. “I don’t blame you,” he said.
Dr. Jitmoud asked the court to spare the life of his son’s murderer. He cited verses from the Qur’an.
The Washington Post quoted Jitmoud as saying: “Forgiveness is the greatest gift of charity in Islam.”
Jitmoud later embraced his son’s murdered in court, who sobbed as he apologized for Salahuddin’s death. A video of that moment went viral on social media and made headlines around the world.
Dr. Jitmoud now travels around the world speaking about the power of forgiveness. He received Malaysia’s First Compassion Award.
Videos:

Morgan Freeman Meets Father of Killed Pizza Delivery Driver Salahuddin Jitmoud
Father Forgives Son’s Murderer | Dr. Abdul Munim Sombat Jitmoud
Sombat Jitmoud on forgiving his son’s attacker

– More MCC interfaith events: https://mcceastbay.org/interfaith
– Sign up for periodic community supporter updates: https://mcceastbay.org/community-supporters
Interfaith Interconnect monthly “Chats”
Tri-Valley Interfaith Interconnect meets on the second Wednesday of every month at a different Worship Community location in Livermore and Pleasanton.
The meetings begin and end promptly at 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., respectively, so that you can make other commitments that evening if needed. The doors open at 4:30pm and remain open until 6:30pm for a social period and to continue discussions if desired (as often happens).
Typically, two speakers from different faiths will speak for 10-15 minutes each about a particular subject, followed by Q&A for each speaker. We then break up into groups of three to discuss a suggested question dealing with spiritual or culture values. The Chat ends promptly at 6:15pm, so that people are free to leave, but small groups often extend their discussions as desired, or they may join others for discussion or socializing as desired.
The subject of the Chat discussions will typically continue for 1-4 meetings, as the various faith groups within Interfaith Interconnect address the particular subject. Past topics have been:

What does your faith teach about the acceptance of other religions? Has this changed over time?
Choose a particular holy day or celebration that your faith observes. What is its significance? How do you celebrate it?
What myths or misconceptions would you like to dispel about your religion or religious practice?
How is meditation practiced in your faith?
What is your faith’s creation story? How did the work come to be?
What is your faith’s perspective on the afterlife?
How does your congregation help to bridge the different political or social justice views within it?
Who in your religion would you consider to be a holy person or one held in high esteem?
When have you felt like an outsider? When you were an outsider, how did someone welcome you?
What are the courtship and wedding traditions of your faith?
What are practices and rituals honoring someone who has passed away in your faith?
What should people of other faiths/cultures know so not to offend people of your faith?
What does your faith teach about forgiveness?
How does your tradition describe God?
Holidays of various faiths: share a favorite tradition or memory.
How does your faith pray?
How did/have the events of September 11, 2001 affected you? (on the anniversary)
How does your faith welcome new members?
How is meditation practiced in your faith?
How does the architecture of your place of worship reflect your faith’s teachings?
What are the first rights of passage in your faith?
What myths would you like to dispel about your religion or religious practice?
What Interfaith and Intercultural friendships that have enriched your life?
What behavior would get you thrown out of your religion? How has this changed over the years?
What is your religion’s path to leadership: requirements, process for choosing, etc.?
Engaging our Youth – challenges and success. What does a successful program look like?
What is the role of women in your faith tradition? How has it evolved over time?

To get current information about the meeting location and subject, please contact us or ask to signup for our (no spam) mailings at our e-mail:
Interfaith.interconnect@gmail.com.
We are also on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithInterconnect/timeline

MCC Indoor & Outdoor Jumu'ahs
2021-08-13 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For our Friday, August 13 Jumu’ah services, masks are required to attend while inside MCC and no RSVP necessary:

1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Dr. Hatem Bazian delivers this sermon

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

2:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. – OUTDOOR ONLY

Dr. Hatem Bazian delivers this sermon

Outdoor in canopies in the MCC parking lot. No parallel indoor services offered.
No social distancing in first canopy near sermon speaker for men and no social distancing for first row for women. All other space is social distancing required.
Masks are optional.
Please check Friday afternoon weather forecast and take precautions against heat.

3:40 p.m. to 4 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Sidi Ibrahim Qureshi speaker delivers this sermon

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

Please attend 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. prayer to avoid heavy first-prayer congestion. Jumu’ah service parking at all three services is in the MCC parking lot and the neighboring HP lot. Map

– Watch these three sermons live from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Dr. Hatem: https://mcceastbay.org/hatem
– More Sidi Ibrahim: https://mcceastbay.org/ibrahim

For parents attending with young children, MCC offers a private mothers and fathers room with an audio and visual connection to Prayer Hall. Parents can watch the sermon and pray while in the company of other parents with young children. The mothers/fathers prayer room are just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Alameda County reports COVID-19 cases are still happening.
We are cautiously indoors for the five daily prayers and for two of the three Jumu’ah services. The second Jumu’ah is outdoors in the MCC parking lot, weather permitting. Learn more at https://mcceastbay.org/prayer

Virtues of Sacred Muharram & Ashura | Ustadh Dr. Ali Ataie
2021-08-14 18:30 - 19:15 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join Ustadh Dr. Ali Ataie in person or online as he gives spiritual insights on the sacred month of Muharram and honors the beginning of Islam and reflects on the passage of time since the Prophet’s decisive Hijra – the migration from Mecca to Medina – nearly 1,400 years ago.
In addition to talking about the significance of Muharram and the Day of Ashura, Dr. Ataie will also talk about having love for Ahlul Bayt (the holy family of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)).
Muharram, the first month on the Islamic calendar, is slated to begin on Monday, August 9. The in-person program begins after Asr prayer at 6:15 p.m.
6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. | Saturday, August 14 | Join us in the MCC Conference Room or join virtually from home at mcceastbay.org/live

More talks & sermons on Muharram: https://mcceastbay.org/muharram
More Ustadh Ali Ataie: https://mcceastbay.org/ali

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
The month of Muharram is considered special by all Muslims and is one of the four sacred months of the year, which brings with it the day of Ashura, or the “Tenth day” of the month, when fasting is recommended (with or without the addition of a day prior or after).
Following the Prophetic tradition, MCC invites all East Bay residents to fast on the day of Ashura, which starts on the evening of Wednesday, August 18 and during the day of Thursday, August 19.
The first is the Hijrah, the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. This birth of a pluralistic Muslim community marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, and served as the key turning point for the first Muslims and the future of Islam. The Hijrah also marks the beginning of new chapter for humanity, where freedom of faith and justice for all became the cardinal principles of the newly founded society, and a model for us to aspire to.
The other two historic events took place on the 10th day of Muharram, called Ashura.
After completing the migration to Medina, the Prophet witnessed the Jews of Medina were fasting to celebrate the victory of Prophet Musa (pbuh) and his people over the Egyptian Pharaoh. Prophet Muhammad then asked his companions to join this fasting tradition to express their gratitude to Allah for saving Musa and his people.
On the same day just six decades later, the Prophet’s grandson Husayn ibn Ali was martyred in the Battle of Karbala. This was one of the saddest and heartbreaking events in the history of Islam, which we continue to mourn today.
As we commemorate Ashura, for Prophet Musa and Imam Husayn, we are called to re-commit to our struggle against all forms of tyranny and oppression, and to seek liberty and justice for all.
Following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad, MCC would like to invite you all to fast on the day of Ashura. Let us take this day to continue the practice of our beloved Prophet, and pray for the unity of our ummah (community). Ashura falls on the evening of Wednesday, August 18 and during the day of Thursday, August 19.

Dublin City Council | American Muslim Proclamation
2021-08-17 19:00 - 19:30 | Dublin City Council Chamber, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA, 94568, United States
At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 17, the Dublin City Council joins communities throughout the State of California in recognizing the month of August 2021 as Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month.

The MCC encourages all congregation members to watch the livestream and express our appreciation. We especially encourage residents who live in the city of Dublin. Please also leave a public comment: http://www.dublin.ca.gov/1604

7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Tuesday, Aug. 17 | Dublin City Council, 100 Civic Plaza

This is the third year the Dublin City Council has done so. Keep an eye out for Pleasanton, San Ramon and Livermore City Council virtual proclamations in the coming weeks.

Last year, Dublin Mayor Dave Haubert and City Councilmen Shawn Kumagai presented the Proclamation, which acknowledges the rich history and guiding virtues of American Muslims, and commends Muslim communities in California for the lasting positive impact they have made, and continue to make, toward the advancement of the state and the nation.

The Dublin City Council follows in the steps of other City Councils in the San Francisco Bay Area, like Santa Clara, Union City, Oakland, San Jose, and Redwood City. The Proclamation is the first agenda item so please be on time at 7 p.m. to the virtual meeting.

Our gratitude to Sr. Sameena Usman from CAIR – San Francisco Bay Area. She has been facilitated these Bay Area-wide Proclamations.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Lessons From the Day of ‘Ashura | Imam Tahir Anwar
2021-08-18 21:00 - 22:00 | CA
Join Imam Tahir Anwar for spiritual insights about the significance of the Day of ‘Ashura from Hadith and the significance of events that occurred after the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and what it means to the community today.
9 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Wednesday, August 18 | Watch live at mcceastbay.org/facebook
Sponsored by SBIA & MCC East Bay
In following the Prophetic tradition, we encourage our community to fast this Wednesday and Thursday (or Thursday and Friday). Learn more at https://mcceastbay.org/event/day-of-ashura
For more information about the Day of Ashura, see https://seekersguidance.org/articles/the-day-of-ashura

More talks & sermons on Muharram: https://mcceastbay.org/muharram

Dr. Ali Ataie also recently spoke about the virtues of the sacred Muharram and Ashura: https://youtu.be/llWLO7HfRp8

What is the Day of Ashura?

Ashura marks the day that Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh by God creating a path in the Sea, and is the Islamic equivalent to Yom Kippur.

In Sunni Islam, Ashura follows the traditions of Judaism with a day of fasting – commemorating the parting of the Red Sea for Moses and his followers to escape Pharaoh.
The Prophet Muhammad thought that this tradition was worth following so he fasted and encouraged his followers to do the same.
On this day, Muslims fast and celebrate by reflecting, showing respect and thanks.

Is fasting required?
Fasting is not compulsory during Ashura, but some Muslims choose to fast for one or two days.
This is because the Prophet Muhammad was said to have fasted on the day of Ashura.

When is Ashura 2021?
Ashura falls on the tenth day of Muharram (the first month of the Islamic year) in the Muslim calendar – which this year is Thursday, August 19.
In 2021, the day is commemorated beginning on the Wednesday evening and end on the evening of Thursday, August 19.
Islamic religious dates are tabular: they begin at sunset on the first evening and end at sunset the second evening.
The date changes each year as the calendar used by Muslims – the Hijri calendar – is ten to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

More talks & sermons on Muharram: https://mcceastbay.org/muharram

The month of Muharram is considered special by all Muslims and is one of the four sacred months of the year, which brings with it the day of Ashura, or the “Tenth day” of the month, when fasting is recommended (with or without the addition of a day prior or after).
Following the Prophetic tradition, MCC invites all East Bay residents to fast on the day of Ashura, which starts on the evening of Wednesday, August 18 and during the day of Thursday, August 19.
The first is the Hijrah, the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. This birth of a pluralistic Muslim community marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, and served as the key turning point for the first Muslims and the future of Islam. The Hijrah also marks the beginning of new chapter for humanity, where freedom of faith and justice for all became the cardinal principles of the newly founded society, and a model for us to aspire to.
The other two historic events took place on the 10th day of Muharram, called Ashura.
After completing the migration to Medina, the Prophet witnessed the Jews of Medina were fasting to celebrate the victory of Prophet Musa (pbuh) and his people over the Egyptian Pharaoh. Prophet Muhammad then asked his companions to join this fasting tradition to express their gratitude to Allah for saving Musa and his people.
On the same day just six decades later, the Prophet’s grandson Husayn ibn Ali was martyred in the Battle of Karbala. This was one of the saddest and heartbreaking events in the history of Islam, which we continue to mourn today.
As we commemorate Ashura, for Prophet Musa and Imam Husayn, we are called to re-commit to our struggle against all forms of tyranny and oppression, and to seek liberty and justice for all.
Following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad, MCC would like to invite you all to fast on the day of Ashura. Let us take this day to continue the practice of our beloved Prophet, and pray for the unity of our ummah (community). Ashura falls on the evening of Wednesday, August 18 and during the day of Thursday, August 19.

Fast on Day Of Ashura
2021-08-19 | CA
We are now in Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic new year.

Please calendar now to fast on the 10th of this month and either the day before or after (so the 9th or 11th of Muharram). The 10th falls on Thursday, August 19, so you would fast either Wednesday and Thursday or Thursday and Friday, inshaAllah. MCC will not be hosting an Iftar in 2021.
Imam Tahir Anwar will also give a talk about this special time on the eve of Ashura: https://mcceastbay.org/event/ashura-lessons

– More talks & sermons on Muharram: https://mcceastbay.org/muharram

For more information about the Day of Ashura, see https://seekersguidance.org/articles/the-day-of-ashura

More talks & sermons on Muharram: https://mcceastbay.org/muharram

Dr. Ali Ataie also recently spoke about the virtues of the sacred Muharram and Ashura: https://youtu.be/llWLO7HfRp8

What is the Day of Ashura?

Ashura marks the day that Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh by God creating a path in the Sea, and is the Islamic equivalent to Yom Kippur.

In Sunni Islam, Ashura follows the traditions of Judaism with a day of fasting – commemorating the parting of the Red Sea for Moses and his followers to escape Pharaoh.
The Prophet Muhammad thought that this tradition was worth following so he fasted and encouraged his followers to do the same.
On this day, Muslims fast and celebrate by reflecting, showing respect and thanks.

Is fasting required?
Fasting is not compulsory during Ashura, but some Muslims choose to fast for one or two days.
This is because the Prophet Muhammad was said to have fasted on the day of Ashura.

When is Ashura 2021?
Ashura falls on the tenth day of Muharram (the first month of the Islamic year) in the Muslim calendar – which this year is Thursday, August 19.
In 2021, the day is commemorated beginning on the Wednesday evening and end on the evening of Thursday, August 19.
Islamic religious dates are tabular: they begin at sunset on the first evening and end at sunset the second evening.
The date changes each year as the calendar used by Muslims – the Hijri calendar – is ten to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

More talks & sermons on Muharram: https://mcceastbay.org/muharram

The month of Muharram is considered special by all Muslims and is one of the four sacred months of the year, which brings with it the day of Ashura, or the “Tenth day” of the month, when fasting is recommended (with or without the addition of a day prior or after).
Following the Prophetic tradition, MCC invites all East Bay residents to fast on the day of Ashura, which starts on the evening of Wednesday, August 18 and during the day of Thursday, August 19.
The first is the Hijrah, the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. This birth of a pluralistic Muslim community marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, and served as the key turning point for the first Muslims and the future of Islam. The Hijrah also marks the beginning of new chapter for humanity, where freedom of faith and justice for all became the cardinal principles of the newly founded society, and a model for us to aspire to.
The other two historic events took place on the 10th day of Muharram, called Ashura.
After completing the migration to Medina, the Prophet witnessed the Jews of Medina were fasting to celebrate the victory of Prophet Musa (pbuh) and his people over the Egyptian Pharaoh. Prophet Muhammad then asked his companions to join this fasting tradition to express their gratitude to Allah for saving Musa and his people.
On the same day just six decades later, the Prophet’s grandson Husayn ibn Ali was martyred in the Battle of Karbala. This was one of the saddest and heartbreaking events in the history of Islam, which we continue to mourn today.
As we commemorate Ashura, for Prophet Musa and Imam Husayn, we are called to re-commit to our struggle against all forms of tyranny and oppression, and to seek liberty and justice for all.
Following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad, MCC would like to invite you all to fast on the day of Ashura. Let us take this day to continue the practice of our beloved Prophet, and pray for the unity of our ummah (community). Ashura falls on the evening of Wednesday, August 18 and during the day of Thursday, August 19.

MCC Indoor & Outdoor Jumu'ahs
2021-08-20 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For our Friday, August 20 Jumu’ah services, masks are required to attend while inside MCC and no RSVP necessary:

1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Ustadh Parvez Ahmed delivers this sermon.

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

2:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. – OUTDOOR ONLY

Sidi Ibrahim Qureshi delivers this sermon.

Outdoor in canopies in the MCC parking lot. No parallel indoor services offered.
No social distancing in first canopy near sermon speaker for men and no social distancing for first row for women. All other space is social distancing required.
Masks are optional.
Please check Friday afternoon weather forecast and take precautions against heat.

3:40 p.m. to 4 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Sidi Shaan Mukhtar speaker delivers this sermon.

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

Please attend 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. prayer to avoid heavy first-prayer congestion. Jumu’ah service parking at all three services is in the MCC parking lot and the neighboring HP lot. Map

– Watch these three sermons live from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Sidi Parvez: https://mcceastbay.org/parvez
– More Sidi Ibrahim: https://mcceastbay.org/ibrahim
– More Sidi Shan: https://mcceastbay.org/shaan

For parents attending with young children, MCC offers a private mothers and fathers room with an audio and visual connection to Prayer Hall. Parents can watch the sermon and pray while in the company of other parents with young children. The mothers/fathers prayer room are just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Alameda County reports COVID-19 cases are still happening.
We are cautiously indoors for the five daily prayers and for two of the three Jumu’ah services. The second Jumu’ah is outdoors in the MCC parking lot, weather permitting. Learn more at https://mcceastbay.org/prayer

Private Event
2021-08-21 11:00 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States

End of Life Workshop & Panel
2021-08-21 12:00 - 14:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
**Watch the session at https://youtu.be/LiK23Ulhq4M**
Join this special virtual workshop about death for a space for open, caring conversation around end of life and grief that too often is not discussed in our society and leaves us feeling alone when we navigate the difficult process when our loved one passes.

Behind the Lens: Exploring Islamic Burials & Muslim Americans | “Two Gods” Filmmakers Aman Ali & Zeshawn Ali
Better Endings: The Islamic Perspective on End-of-Life Care | Dr. Ramy Saleh
Relationship with Death Process & Wrapping/Body Washing | Abdur Rehman
Dealing with Grief | Speaker TBA
Audience Q&A

12 p.m. to 2 p.m. PST | Saturday, Aug. 21 | Join live session at https://mcceastbay.org/workshop (after you RSVP you will receive a private link to view the Two Gods film prior to this event)
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
We hope that this event is not only a space for caring but also providing valuable information on how to be prepared for something we know is inevitable in all of our lives: death and loss. We will be joined by a series of experts in the funeral, Islamic, and end-of-life care spaces who will guide us through the conversation, provide resources and information, and open up questions to the live audiences. The session will also be livestreamed at https://mcceastbay.org/live
The event is hosted in partnership with the team at “Two Gods,” which is a PBS documentary film about a Muslim casket maker and ritual body washer in New Jersey who mentors two kids and embraces life through the rituals of death. The film was an official Critics Pick by the NY Times.
About the Panelists:
Aman Ali is a writer and storyteller whose first feature film, Two Gods, was selected by NY Times as a “Critics Pick.” TWO GODS is a feature documentary film about Hanif, a Muslim casket maker and ritual body washer in Newark, New Jersey, who takes two young men under his wing to teach them how to live better lives. Trailer The film is a poignant mediation on faith, brotherhood and redemption. Two Gods is the feature debut of brothers Zeshawn and Aman Ali. Growing up as Muslims in America, the two always yearned to see interesting portrayals of Muslim Americans that were not political — stories that were personal, quiet and reflective. Learn more about Aman and the film he produced at https://twogodsfilm.com
Zeshawn Ali was born and raised in Ohio. He moved to New York to study film at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where he concentrated on directing and cinematography. He directed the short film Shallows and short documentaries for the 30 Mosques series, which were featured in festivals and publications across the country. He’s currently based in New York.
Dr. Ramy Salah was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. He completed his undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley, where he became more in touch with Islam and the community through the MSA. He finished medical school at UCLA and did his residency in Internal Medicine at UCLA as well. Dr. Ramy completed a one-year fellowship program at UCSF in Hospice and Palliative Care. He works for Sutter Health. His interests include Islamic bioethics, end-of-life care for Muslim patients, and he has an ongoing research project interviewing imams and Muslim chaplains around end-of-life care. You can reach Dr. Ramy at ramyysalah@gmail.com.
Abdur Rehman is a prolific volunteer who has volunteered to wash and shroud Muslims in the East Bay for more than a decade. A convert to Islam from Hinduism, he brings a unique understanding of the relationship to death and burial in both faith traditions. At mosques, Br. Abdul Rehman encourages Muslims to learn how to wash their loved ones after death lectures in his practical ghusl and shrouding workshop.
ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY
An intimate documentary about faith, renewal, and healing, Two Gods follows a Muslim casket maker and ritual body washer in New Jersey, as he takes two young teenagers under his wing to teach them how to live better lives.
Inside a corner casket shop in East Orange, laboring amid the sawdust and the long pine boxes, casket makers work with mentors in the Islamic burial tradition. Hanif, a Black Muslim casket maker who finds spiritual grounding in his work, brings two boys from the local community under his tutelage; 12-year-old Furquan and 17-year-old Naz.
Hanif teaches Furquan and Naz the practices of Islamic burial rituals as they assist him with his work. Having formerly served time in prison himself, Hanif continues to grapple with past mistakes and new challenges, while his faith and community helps him guide his young charges on their own paths toward healing and embracing life.
Shot in a striking black-and-white, Two Gods explores the juxtaposition of grief and the rituals of death with the vibrancy and potential of adolescence. The documentary turns an empathetic lens on Muslim American stories, ultimately crafting a moving portrait of both the intimate moments and the complexities of the everyday Muslim American experience.

– For resources on funeral and burial in the San Francisco Bay Area: https://mcceastbay.org/funeral
– More Islamic perspectives on end of life matters: https://mcceastbay.org/end-of-life

Resources

Islamic Will & Trust Templates: Version 1, Version 2, Version 3, Version 4
A Guide for the Muslim Funeral
Practical Ghusl and Shrouding
Muslim Community Association (MCA) Funeral Services
Islamic Estate Planning (video presentation)
The Islamic Perspective on End-of-Life Care (video presentation)
The Soul’s Journey After Death | Shaykh Alaeddin El Bakri
Islamic End of Life Talks Playlist
FAQ – Islamic Wills & Trusts

Sunday School Back-to-School Event
2021-08-22 13:00 - 18:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States

Begins: Arabic Calligraphy Class | Zubair Simab
2021-08-24 19:00 - 20:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
**20 participants reached. Please join waitlist for possible second session: mcceastbay.org/calligraphy**
Join a six-week calligraphy with Calligrapher Zubair Simab for beginner & 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:

Understanding of pen, paper and ink
Preparing the pen
Technically analyzing alphabet letters in Thuluth style

Tuesdays | 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Aug. 24 to Sept. 28 | $90.00 (plus $35 calligraphy kit available for purchase during first class session) | For Ages 13+ | Capped at 20 attendees
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. No previous experience necessary.
Sessions held in Banquet Hall. Masks required. On Tuesdays: August 24th, 31st, Sep 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th
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

Afghan Crisis Q&A
2021-08-26 18:00 - 20:00 | CA
Join a live Q&A Session to discuss SIV, P1, P2, P3 with immigration lawyers in English, Dari/Farsi, and Pashto.
Please submit your questions to Spojmie Nasiri and Thi Do via this form at https://www.mas-ssf.org/qa
6 p.m. (English session) & 7 p.m. (Dari/Pashto session) | Thursday, August 26 | Watch live at https://mcceastbay.org/facebook or https://www.facebook.com/MASSSFSAC/videos
Sponsored by MAS Social Services Foundation & MCC East Bay
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Axis Health Tables at Jumu'ah
2021-08-27 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Axis Community Health visits during the three Jumu’ah services to share with our congregation about getting affordable health insurance, how to renew your current health plan, and important changes and options coming up as well as have your questions on health insurance answered by an Axis enrollment specialist.

MCC Indoor & Outdoor Jumu'ahs
2021-08-27 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For our Friday, August 27 Jumu’ah services, masks are required to attend while inside MCC and no RSVP necessary:

1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Shaykh Talal Ahdab delivers this sermon.

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

2:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. – OUTDOOR ONLY

Shaykh Talal Ahdab delivers this sermon.

Outdoor in canopies in the MCC parking lot. No parallel indoor services offered.
No social distancing in first canopy near sermon speaker for men and no social distancing for first row for women. All other space is social distancing required.
Masks are optional.
Please check Friday afternoon weather forecast and take precautions against heat.

3:40 p.m. to 4 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Hafiz Ameen Mukhtar speaker delivers this sermon.

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

Please attend 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. prayer to avoid heavy first-prayer congestion. Jumu’ah service parking at all three services is in the MCC parking lot and the neighboring HP lot. Map

– Watch these three sermons live from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Shaykh Talal: https://mcceastbay.org/talal
– More Sidi Ameen: https://mcceastbay.org/ameen

For parents attending with young children, MCC offers a private mothers and fathers room with an audio and visual connection to Prayer Hall. Parents can watch the sermon and pray while in the company of other parents with young children. The mothers/fathers prayer room are just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Alameda County reports COVID-19 cases are still happening.
We are cautiously indoors for the five daily prayers and for two of the three Jumu’ah services. The second Jumu’ah is outdoors in the MCC parking lot, weather permitting. Learn more at https://mcceastbay.org/prayer

Begins: Arabic Calligraphy Class | Zubair Simab
2021-08-31 17:45 - 18:45 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
**Due to popular demand, we have added this second session.**
Join a six-week calligraphy with Calligrapher Zubair Simab for beginner & 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:

Understanding of pen, paper and ink
Preparing the pen
Technically analyzing alphabet letters in Thuluth style

Tuesdays | 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. | Aug. 31 to Oct. 5 | $90.00 (plus $35 calligraphy kit available for purchase during first class session) | For Ages 13+ | Capped at 20 attendees
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. No previous experience necessary.
Sessions held in Banquet Hall. Masks required. On Tuesdays: August 31st, Sep 7th, 14th, 21st 28th & Oct. 5.
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.
Zubair Simab fled Afghanistan at 17, eventually emigrating to the Bay Area. With his calligraphy, he seeks both to preserve the ancient art of beautifying Arabic texts and to build understanding among cultures. Learn more about Sidi Zubair at http://www.simabcalligraphy.com
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Blood Drive During Jumu'ah Services
2021-09-03 10:30 - 16:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
The MCC community has saved nearly 300 lives! This is our 18th blood drive during Jumu’ah. Each blood drive has always been fully booked or near-fully booked!
Let’s continue that trajectory at this Fall blood drive and keep all our American Red Cross guests busy when they setup in our Banquet Hall from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 3, 2021. Sign up at: https://mcceastbay.org/blood-drive
Book An Appointment
If you have visited India, Pakistan, or another malaria high-risk country and returned within the last 12 months, you are not eligible to donate blood.
Every person who donates blood at MCC in 2021 will receive a voucher for either a free meal at iniBurger – Gourmet Burgers in Pleasanton. These vouchers are generously donated by MCC congregation member Leeza & Abdullah Popal who own these establishments to encourage participation.
MCC Youth: If you are 16 to 18, here is the link to the donor requirements and parental authorization form.
On the morning of the blood drive, please complete the Rapid Pass online and bring the print-off with you to speed up the check-in process.
Save a Life

Masjid Al-Rahman Tables
2021-09-03 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Islamic Society Of West Contra Costa County (Masjid Al-Rahman) tables about a nearby site purchase to their mosque property.

MCC Indoor & Outdoor Jumu'ahs
2021-09-03 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For our Friday, September 3 Jumu’ah services, masks are required to attend while inside MCC and no RSVP necessary:

1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Imam Dawood Yasin delivers this sermon.

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

2:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. – OUTDOOR ONLY

Saaleh Baseer delivers this sermon.

Outdoor in canopies in the MCC parking lot. No parallel indoor services offered.
No social distancing in first canopy near sermon speaker for men and no social distancing for first row for women. All other space is social distancing required.
Masks are optional.
Please check Friday afternoon weather forecast and take precautions against heat.

3:40 p.m. to 4 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Mohammad Abdul Baseer delivers this sermon.

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

Whenever possible, please attend 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. prayer to avoid heavy first-prayer congestion. Jumu’ah service parking at all three services is in the MCC parking lot and the neighboring HP lot. Map

– Watch these three sermons live from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Imam Dawood: https://mcceastbay.org/dawood
– More Sidi Saleh: https://mcceastbay.org/saaleh
– More Br. Mohammad: https://mcceastbay.org/baseer

For parents attending with young children, MCC offers a private mothers and fathers room with an audio and visual connection to Prayer Hall. Parents can watch the sermon and pray while in the company of other parents with young children. The mothers/fathers prayer room are just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Alameda County reports COVID-19 cases are still happening.
We are cautiously indoors for the five daily prayers and for two of the three Jumu’ah services. The second Jumu’ah is outdoors in the MCC parking lot, weather permitting. Learn more at https://mcceastbay.org/prayer

Sister's Hike to Pleasanton Ridge | Sisterhood in the Outdoors
2021-09-04 06:30 - 09:00 | Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, Pleasanton, CA, Foothill Rd., Pleasanton, 94588, United States
Join us from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 4 for a Saturday morning hike at the Pleasanton Ridge to get to know other sisters in the community and enjoy the great outdoors.
Message hiking@mcceastbay.org with your name & cell phone number by Friday, September 3 to RSVP.
Please come prepared with water, snack and hiking/running shoes.
For future hikes, please subscribe to the MCC newsletter and/or add your phone number to the Women’s Hiking WhatsUp group.
On the day of the hike, if you have trouble finding the group, please call or text Hike Leader Sr. Aparna Khan at (408) 480-6584. Please remember that we cannot hold all the group , request you to please be on time.
Location: Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, Foothill Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588 . If you are using Google Maps for driving directions, search for Foothill Staging Area: https://goo.gl/maps/871WWNiGtJ3f284N7
Time : 6:30 a.m.. Let’s meet by the Pleasanton Ridge parking lot between 6:20 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Distance: Around 6.2 miles and not stroller friendly unless you have a jogger stroller
All trails Map: We will be doing this trail https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/thermalito-ridgeline-oak-tree-trail–2
Parking Fee: Free
Difficulty: Most of the Thermalito Ridgeline Oak Tree Trail is moderate level but it does have some elevation gain. Please refer to alltrails for hike difficulty If you are first timer hiking, it might be little difficult.
Carpool from MCC: No planned carpool
Please wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes, carry water bottle, small snack, hat, sunglasses and hiking poles if you have.

Questions? hiking@mcceastbay.org

Thermalito Ridgeline Oak Tree Trail

Thermalito Ridgeline Oak Tree Trail is a 6.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Sunol, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. See here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/thermalito-ridgeline-oak-tree-trail–2

Length: 6.2 mi
Elevation gain: 1,325 ft.
Route type: Loop
About The Park
This beautiful 5,271-acre parkland is on the oak-covered ridge overlooking Pleasanton and the Livermore Valley from the west. It is planned as the core of a Ridgelands Regional Park to be acquired over a period of many years. Parkland development has been intentionally limited to preserve the pastoral atmosphere.
The park occupies Pleasanton Ridge and beyond. To the northwest it spills down off Pleasanton Ridge into upper Kilkare Canyon, where it continues up onto Sunol Ridge, finally terminating at its westernmost corner in Stoneybrook Canyon. Inside the park, elevations exceed 1,600 feet.

Park Activities
From the main staging area on Foothill Road you can follow a multi-purpose trail system, which accommodates hikers, equestrians, and bicyclists, provides canyon views and ridge-top vistas, and access to remote, deep-canyon streams.
Park Accessibility
There are one paved disabled parking and one wheelchair accessible portable toilet in the Foothill staging area. The two old redwood type drinking fountains would allow a wheelchair to get under but there is no smooth surface under these facilities. The park will install an upgraded fountain this summer for wheelchair users in an area by the disabled parking. There is one picnic table that can accommodate two wheelchairs and is also next to the disabled parking. The trails in the park are all multi-use dirt trails so they are more suitable for visitors who use electric wheelchair.
Trail Accessibility Report
Oak Tree Trail: Download PDF | Download MS Word
To Reach The Park
From I-680 in Pleasanton, exit at Castlewood Drive and go west. Turn left (south) onto Foothill Road, towards the town of Sunol. The Foothill Staging Area is about two miles from Castlewood Drive, on the right.

Public transit information

Transit & Trails: Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park (transit, biking, and walking directions)
Trail Map
Click the map image below to see an enlarged version.

Monthly #TeamFajr Gathering
2021-09-05 06:00 - 07:15 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
“If people knew the reward in praying Fajr & Isha in congregation, they would go to the Masjid even if they had to crawl” [Bukhari & Muslim]
#TeamFajr is back (sans breakfast until we are out of this pandemic)! Join Qari Amar Bellaha on the first Sunday each month. Pray the pre-dawn prayer in congregation followed by recitations of Surah Yaseen and Al-Wird Al-Latif (booklets provided) in unison and following sunup, Salat al-Ishraq prayer in congregation. The post-Fajr gathering is also livestreamed at mcceastbay.org/live
Following the post-sunrise prayer, Qari Amar and anyone else who wishes to accompany him will visit Five Pillars Islamic Cemetery in Livermore (weather permitting).
2021 Monthly Sunday #TeamFajr Gatherings at MCC:

6 a.m. on September 5
6:30 a.m. on October 3
6 a.m. on November 7
6:30 a.m. on December 5

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

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

Monthly #TeamFajr Gathering
2021-09-06 00:00 | CA
“If people knew the reward in praying Fajr & Isha in congregation, they would go to the Masjid even if they had to crawl” [Bukhari & Muslim]
#TeamFajr is back (sans breakfast until we are out of this pandemic)! Join Qari Amar Bellaha on the first Sunday each month. Pray the pre-dawn prayer in congregation followed by recitations of Surah Yaseen and Al-Wird Al-Latif (booklets provided) in unison and following sunup, Salat al-Ishraq prayer in congregation. The post-Fajr gathering is also livestreamed at mcceastbay.org/live
Following the post-sunrise prayer, Qari Amar and anyone else who wishes to accompany him will visit Five Pillars Islamic Cemetery in Livermore (weather permitting).
2022 Monthly Sunday #TeamFajr Gatherings at MCC:

6 a.m. on September 5
6:30 a.m. on October 3
6 a.m. on November 7
6:30 a.m. on December 5

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

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

Private Event
2021-09-06 00:00 | CA
Conference Room
