MCC East Bay

Candid Conversations: Conquering Doubts & Defending Islam | Getting to Know Dr. Ali Ataie
2025-01-31 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Dr. Ali Ataie speaks about his journey from a nominal Muslim youth to a teacher and researcher of Islamic sciences, specializing in theology and Biblical interpretation. Today, few match his comprehensive knowledge of the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Sidi Ahmed Khan, a Zaytuna College student, interviews Ustadha Dr. Ali Ataie.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Friday, Jan. 31 | MCC Prayer Hall | Join us in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live

– More Dr. Ataie: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/ataie

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About the Speakers
Ustadh Ali Ataie is a perennial student and researcher involved in interfaith activities for over two decades. He holds a Masters in biblical studies focusing on New Testament and biblical languages. He also has a PhD in cultural and historical religious studies from the Graduate Theological Union. His doctoral work focused on Muslim hermeneutics of biblical texts, especially the Gospel of John. He lives in San Ramon, California, with his wife, Roya, and three daughters. Learn more about him at https://zaytuna.edu/academics/faculty/ali-ataie
– More Professor Dr. Ali Ataie videos: http://mcceastbay.org/ali-ataie
Sidi Ahmed Khan is a graduating student at Zaytuna College, focusing on Islamic studies. He founded The Creative Minority Podcast, a podcast aimed at addressing contemporary issues for Muslims. He is also the founder of Umran.co, an online aggregator service dedicated to distributing the top Muslim podcasts, lectures, and video series.
– More Sidi Ahmed: https://mcceastbay.org/ahmed-khan

Navigating Perimenopause & Menopause: A Faith-Inspired Women’s Workshop | Dr. Sondos Al Sad
2025-02-01 10:00 - 14:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Women Ages 35+: Navigate the physical, emotional, and spiritual transitions of perimenopause and menopause with practical strategies for symptom management, well-being, and faith-based empowerment.

This is a safe and supportive space to explore tools rooted in science and spirituality to embrace this natural life stage with confidence and grace.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Saturday, Feb. 1 | MCC Conference Room | Free, but Kindly RSVP at mcceastbay.org/life
This event will not be live-streamed or recorded. Zuhr and lunch break from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
MCC also will have two events later in the day:

3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Mental Health & Ramadan: Finding Healing Through the Qur’an | Dr. Rania Awaad
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Anchored by the Qur’an (Pre-Ramadan Miftaah Conference)

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About the speaker
Sondos Al Sad is a Family and Community Medicine expert. Dr. Al Sad completed her medical schooling in Jordan and finished her Family Medicine Residency Program and a Master’s in Public Health and Epidemiology at the University of Kentucky. She is a nationally certified menopause practitioner from the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), equipping her with the most current and up-to-date clinical service for women transitioning to menopause. She is bilingual and speaks both English and Arabic fluently.
Her expertise includes women’s health, immigrant health, cognitive behavioral therapy for non-psychotic mental illnesses, public health, community medicine, and health equity. Dr. Al Sad believes in a holistic clinical approach, so she actively listens to patients’ concerns regarding their presentations and passionately seeks answers for them. Dr. Al Sad’s current research interests include women’s health, Muslim health research, patient-centered outcomes, and cost-effective interventions. She has presented her research nationally at academic and community conferences.
She is a leading member of many not-for-profit organizations that aim to serve community engagement, empowerment, and wellness.
Learn more about Dr. Sondos at https://drempath.net

Mental Health & Ramadan: Finding Healing Through the Qur’an | Dr. Rania Awaad
2025-02-01 15:30 - 17:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
This Ramadan, explore Quranic themes emphasizing stories of resilience, faith, and the divine wisdom of trials. This presentation will focus on protecting and managing our mental health during Ramadan.
Dr. Rania recalls a story of Prophet Musa and offers some teachings from Al-Ghazali that we can practice during this blessed month.
3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time | MCC Conference Room | Saturday, Feb. 1 | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Free; no registration needed. This program precedes the Miftaah program at 5 p.m.
MCC also will have two events that day:

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Navigating Perimenopause & Menopause: A Faith-Inspired Women’s Workshop | Dr. Sondos Al Sad
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Anchored by the Qur’an (Pre-Ramadan Miftaah Conference)

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Shaykah Dr. Rania Awaad M.D. is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Stanford University School of Medicine, where she is the Director of the Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab as well as Stanford University’s Affiliate Chaplain and Affiliate Professor of Islamic Studies. In the community, she serves as the President and Co-Founder of Maristan, a holistic mental health nonprofit serving Muslim communities, and the Director of The Rahmah Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating Muslim women and girls. Before studying medicine, she pursued classical Islamic studies in Damascus, Syria, and holds certifications (ijaza) in the Qur’an, Islamic Law, and other branches of the Islamic Sciences. Follow her @Dr.RaniaAwaaid Learn more.

Anchored by the Qur’an (Pre-Ramadan Miftaah Conference)
2025-02-01 17:00 - 22:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
The Qur’an was sent as guidance and a source of solace for our Ummah community. The Quran was not just meant for the first few generations but for all of humanity for the rest of time, serving as an anchor for us in every situation.
Join us for our upcoming Miftaah Circle, Anchored by the Quran, where we will review the countless wisdoms in the Book of Allah. We will be joined by some of our local scholars and esteemed scholars.
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Saturday, February 1 | MCC Prayer Hall | $18.50/person | Register at mcceastbay.org/anchored
Babysitting available. The livestream option for non-Bay Area residents opens on Sunday, January 26. Dinner and food truck options in the parking lot that afternoon and evening.
Join us for an evening to:

Establish a strong connection with the Quran and its teachings, suggesting that a firm foundation in the Quran can withstand external influences and challenges;
Participants will learn strategies to navigate through doubts and come out with a strengthened belief in Islam;
Reinforce core Islamic beliefs and values by emphasizing the Quran as the central source of guidance and,
Explore the Quran’s profound teachings, timeless wisdom, and relevance to contemporary issues, fostering a deeper connection with Divine guidance.

Sponsored by Miftaah Institute & MCC East Bay.
MCC also will have two events earlier in the day preceding this large conference:

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Navigating Perimenopause & Menopause: A Faith-Inspired Women’s Workshop | Dr. Sondos Al Sad
3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Mental Health & Ramadan: Finding Healing Through the Qur’an | Dr. Rania Awaad

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attaining spiritual knowledge offered within the four walls of the MCC East Bay facility. To request a financial waiver to attend this conference, please message scholarship@mcceastbay.org.
About This Evening’s Speakers:Shaykh Navaid Aziz is a keynote speaker and recognized subject matter expert. He lectures on current and relevant topics from an Islamic perspective. His workshops focus on best practices in sensitivity and diversity training for those engaging with Muslims. He shares his expertise on Muslim extremism, the history of Muslim extremist groups, and community-based intervention and prevention with the courts, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and law enforcement. Learn more
Mufti Abdul Rahman Waheed was born and raised in Lansing, MI. As a youth, he displayed zeal and enthusiasm to involve himself in the religious sciences. At just 9 years of age, Mufti Abdul Rahman went to Toronto, Canada, to pursue his dreams of becoming a Hafidh of the Holy Qur’an. Thereafter, Mufti Abdul Rahman traveled to Pakistan to continue his passion for seeking knowledge, where he completed his 2-year Iftaa program, which specializes in Islamic Jurisprudence and Law. Mufti Abdul Rahman is a principal and full-time instructor at Michigan Islamic Institute, the brother organization of Miftaah Institute. He travels across North America as a khateeb and lecturer. He is well-known for his calm and down-to-earth demeanor. Learn more
Mufti Aasim Rashid is a distinguished Muslim scholar, speaker, and educator (the title ‘Mufti’ indicates his expertise and authority in Islamic law). He is devoted to studying and explaining Islamic sacred texts and their relation to the modern context. His lectures, delivered at conferences and institutions worldwide, are known to be inspiring and pertinent to the issues and pressing questions of the day. Mufti Aasim founded the Al-Ihsan Educational Foundation, which initiated the ‘Islam Unravelled’ project. Learn more
Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans is ALIM’s first Scholar-in-Residence. He converted to Islam while in high school. Upon conversion, Ustadh Ubaydullah began studying some of the foundational books of Islam under the private tutelage of local scholars. Since then, he has studied at Chicagoland’s Institute of Islamic Education (IIE) in Tarim, Yemen, and Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, where he is the first African-American to graduate from its Shari’a program. Ustadh Ubaydullah also instructs with the Ta’leef Collective and the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN). Learn more
Mufti Hussain Kamani was born and raised in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. His journey to pursue sacred Islamic knowledge began at age 6. By the age of 9, he completed the memorization of the Holy Quran. To further advance his studies in the Islamic Sciences, he traveled to the United Kingdom and pursued formal Islamic authorizations (ijazahs). For 7 years, Mufti Kamani studied a rigorous curriculum covering the Arabic language and literature, Islamic jurisprudence, Tafseer of the Holy Qur’an, Hadith, Islamic Philosophy, and Aqeedah. Afterward, he was selected for a post-graduate course in Islamic Law and Legal Verdicts, which he completed within two years. He later earned his graduate degree in Business Management from the University of Coventry in the UK. Learn more
Shaykh Dr. Rania Awaad, M.D., is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Stanford University School of Medicine, where she is the Director of the Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab as well as Stanford University’s Affiliate Chaplain and Affiliate Professor of Islamic Studies. In the community, she serves as the President and Co-Founder of Maristan, a holistic mental health nonprofit serving Muslim communities, and the Director of The Rahmah Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating Muslim women and girls. Before studying medicine, she pursued classical Islamic studies in Damascus, Syria, and holds certifications (ijaza) in the Qur’an, Islamic Law, and other branches of the Islamic Sciences. Follow her @Dr.RaniaAwaad Learn more
Ustadh Feraidoon Mojadedi is one of San Francisco Bay Area’s most well-known and respected community leaders, lecturers, and entrepreneurs. He was born in Herat, Afghanistan, and immigrated with his family to America during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1985. After graduating from American High School and Chabot College, he majored in history at San Francisco State University. He grew up in a household with a deep love and reverence for poetry. Ustadh Feraidoon Mojadedi spends his free time reading, studying, and lecturing on many topics, including Rumi and a vast collection of Farsi poetry, spirituality, and self-development. He currently lives with his wife and two children in Dublin, California. Learn more
Dr. Ali Ataie is a scholar of biblical hermeneutics with field specialties in Sacred Languages, Comparative Theology, and Comparative Literature. At Zaytuna College, Dr. Ataie has taught Arabic, Creedal Theology, Comparative Theology, Sciences of the Quran, Introduction to the Qur’an, and Seminal Ancient Texts. He received his BS in accounting from Cal Poly State University in 2000. In 2011, he received his MA in Biblical Studies from the Pacific School of Religion, and in 2016, his PhD in Cultural and Historical Studies in Religion from the Graduate Theological Union. Dr. Ataie is a native Persian speaker. He can read and write Arabic, Hebrew, and Greek. Dr. Ataie joined the Zaytuna College faculty in 2012. Learn more
Imam Yasir Khan was born and raised in Sacramento, CA, where he began memorizing the Quran in 2004 and completed his Hifdh in 2008. He pursued advanced Islamic Studies at the Islamic University of Darul Uloom Zakariyya in South Africa, where he earned certifications (Ijazah) in various Islamic sciences, including Tafsir (Quranic Exegesis), Hadith (Prophetic Traditions), Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), Usul al-Fiqh (Principles of Jurisprudence), Aqeedah (Islamic Theology), and Qira’at (Science of Quranic Recitation). Learn more

MCC 3.0 Construction Plan Update & Townhall
2025-02-02 13:50 - 14:50
In the 14 years since occupying its present facility, MCC has experienced fantastic community growth, Alhamdulliah.

Join us on Sunday afternoon with the Board of Trustees and Construction Committee to get an update on the construction planned inside and outside the facility for 2025.

1:50 p.m. (right after Zuhr ends at 1:30 p.m.) to 2:50 p.m. | Sunday, Feb. 2 | MCC Conference Room | Join us in person or watch at mcceastbay.org/live

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

– More Muslim Community Center East Bay campaigns and updates: https://mcceastbay.org/appeals – Support MCC East Bay: https://mcceastbay.org/operations – Support MCC charity outreach: https://mcceastbay.org/zakat-fund

This town hall meeting is also your opportunity to review the vision of MCC and understand our short-term and long-term plans. This update includes the construction of the basketball court that our community voted for last year.

San Francisco Bay Area Islamic School Open House
2025-02-02 15:00 - 17:00
Muslim parents in the Bay Area are increasingly turning to full-time Islamic schools or homeschooling as a haven for their children. As waitlists grow at these schools, frustrated parents are unsure what to do next.
Join us as we hear from representatives of various Islamic schools in the Bay Area about what’s caused a growth in demand, their offerings and the admission process, and current growth opportunities for schools and parents, as well as get your questions answered directly from homeschooling moms.

3 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Sunday, February 2 | MCC Prayer Hall | Join in person or watch virtually at HTTP://mcceastbay.org/live
We will break for Asr congregational prayer from 4:15 p.m. to 4:25 p.m. Attendees will visit with school representatives after the end of the presentation (5 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. (Maghrib)).
Participating schools presentation decks:
– Nuh’s Ark in San Ramon: https://mcceastbay.org/nuh-deck– Peace Terrace Academy in Fremont: https://mcceastbay.org/pta-deck– Al Judiy Academy in Walnut Creek: https://mcceastbay.org/judiy-deck– Averroes High School in Fremont: https://mcceastbay.org/averroes-deck– Granada Islamic School in Santa Clara: https://mcceastbay.org/granada-deck– Northstar School in Hayward: http://mcceastbay.org/northstar-deck– Zaytech Academy in Mt. House: https://mcceastbay.org/zaytech-deck– ILM Tree Homeschooling Co-operative in Lafayette: https://mcceastbay.org/ilm-deck
Confirmed Schools:

– Averroes High School in Fremont (deck & video from ’23 Open House)
– Granada Islamic School in Santa Clara (deck & video from ’23 Open House)
– Northstar School in Hayward (deck & video from ’23 Open House)
– Zaytech Academy in Mt. House (deck & video from ’23 Open House)
– Peace Terrace Academy in Fremont (deck & video from ’23 Open House)
– Nuh’s Ark in San Ramon (deck & video from ’23 Open House)
– Ilm Academy in Fremont (deck from ’23 Open House)

Invited Schools:

– San Francisco Islamic School in San Francisco (deck & video from ’23 Open House)
– Al Judiy Academy in Walnut Creek (deck & video from ’23 Open House)
– RISE Academy (San Jose)

Schools Unable to Make This Open House:

– ILM Tree Homeschooling Co-operative in Lafayette (deck & video from ’23 Open House)
– Silicon Valley Academy (SVA) in Sunnyvale (deck from ’23 Open House)
– Hikmah School in Brentwood (deck & video from ’23 Open House)

We will break for Asr congregational prayer from 4:15 p.m. to 4:25 p.m. Attendees will visit with school representatives after the end of the presentation (5 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. (Maghrib)).
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

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Weekly Zumba Classes for Women & Girls | Reham Sedky
2025-02-04 10:00 - 11:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Women & Girls Ages 12+: Join us for weekly Zumba – a fun, stress-relieving way to stay active, boost your energy, and connect with other sisters. Zumba offers incredible benefits, such as improved physical health, mental well-being, and the chance to make fitness an enjoyable part of your routine lifestyle.
This class is designed for women and girls aged 12 and up. It’s open to everyone, and no experience is needed.
Please note this class is not recommended for anyone with back or knee issues.
Weekly on Tuesdays with a break in Ramadan | 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Conference Room (private space) | $15/session | Register at mcceastbay.org/zumba
Classes will be canceled if fewer than five people register.
MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attending any activity held in the community center. To request a financial waiver, please complete our financial waiver request: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/scholarship

About the Instructor:
My name is Reham Sedky, and I’m excited to introduce myself as a certified Zumba instructor from the Mountain House Muslim community. Because I love my community, I wanted to bring something positive to encourage women to focus on their health and well-being. I noticed many sisters cannot participate in gyms or sports due to privacy concerns or lack of time. This inspired me to become a professional Zumba instructor to offer something new and beneficial. Alhamdulilah, through our Muslim community, I was able to provide this class in a private and comfortable environment that meets our needs.
Please join me, and let’s move, laugh, and grow stronger together, Insha’Allah!
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Private Event - CR
2025-02-05 08:00 - 17:00
Conference Room

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Rosewood
2025-02-07 12:30 - 14:50 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m

Shaykh Talal Ahdab delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

1:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.

– Shaykh Talal Ahdab delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

1:40 p.m. to 2:10 p.m.

– Ustadh Omar Naisan delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

– Ustadh Omar Naisan delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

*Please attend at 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. at MCC to avoid heavier second-service congestion whenever possible, or please attend the off-site MCC Jumu’ah service, that is, each week at the Rosewood Commons, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton. Rosewood is just a four-minute drive from MCC.Please note that the former HP lot (now Pleasanton School District) is no longer available to our congregation. Please come to the second or fourth Jumuah to ease up parking congestion or (better yet) attend our weekly parallel satellite prayer at 11:40 p.m. at Rosewood Conference Center: https://mcceastbay.org/rosewood

– Virtually watch the three MCC sermons from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Shaykh Talal: mcceastbay.org/talal
– More Ustadh Omar: mcceastbay.org/omar

For parents attending with young children indoors at the main MCC facility, we offer private mothers’ and fathers’ rooms with an audio and visual connection to the Prayer Hall. Parents can watch the sermon and pray while working with other parents and young children. The mothers’ and fathers’ prayer room is just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

For MCC’s four Jumu’ah services on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025:

12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m

Shaykh Talal Ahdab delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

1:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.

– Shaykh Talal Ahdab delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

1:40 p.m. to 2:10 p.m.

– Ustadh Omar Naisan delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

– Ustadh Omar Naisan delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

*Please attend at 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. at MCC to avoid heavier second-service congestion whenever possible, or please attend the off-site MCC Jumu’ah service, that is, each week at the Rosewood Commons, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton. Rosewood is just a four-minute drive from MCC.Please note that the former HP lot (now Pleasanton School District) is no longer available to our congregation. Please come to the second or fourth Jumuah to ease up parking congestion or (better yet) attend our weekly parallel satellite prayer at 11:40 p.m. at Rosewood Conference Center: https://mcceastbay.org/rosewood

– Virtually watch the three MCC sermons from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Shaykh Talal: mcceastbay.org/talal
– More Ustadh Omar: mcceastbay.org/omar

For parents attending with young children indoors at the main MCC facility, we offer private mothers’ and fathers’ rooms with an audio and visual connection to the Prayer Hall. Parents can watch the sermon and pray while working with other parents and young children. The mothers’ and fathers’ prayer room is just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Connect For Purpose Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2025-02-07 12:30 - 15:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Connect For Purpose is a nonprofit that connects Muslim talent and subject matter experts with impactful projects. Visit their table this Friday to learn more about their cause.

Humanity-Increased Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2025-02-07 12:30 - 15:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Humanity-Increased a non-profit responding to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan by providing life-saving food and emergency relief. Please visit their table this Friday to support their cause.

Marhaba Convert Care Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2025-02-07 12:30 - 15:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Marhaba, a convert care and community building organization has launched a new initiative called Together to the Masjid. They are recruiting volunteers to accompany individuals who would like to attend Jummah prayer or an event but don’t want to do so alone. Members of the Marhaba team will be tabling to collect in-person sign-ups. If you’d like to be a companion, please sign up using this form.

Hidaya Foundation Collection Drive @ Jumu'ahs
2025-02-07 12:30 - 15:15 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Help our less fortunate sisters and brothers around the world this Friday.
Hidaya Foundation will be in the MCC parking lot during our three Jumu’ah services (12:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.) on Friday, February 7.
The collection truck staff will give you a tax-deductible receipt. A $10 donation is necessary per bag to help cover the container shipping cost to send to your needy Muslim sisters and brothers overseas.
Please be considerate of your donation and give dignity to the families receiving your generous contributions by donating quality used items that are washed and folded.
The Hidaya Foundation collection truck will accept:

– Winter coats, jackets, and sweatshirts (for all ages and all seasons);
– Blankets, sleeping bags, comforters, pillows, bed sheets, towels;
– Baby clothes, regular clothes, and traditional clothes like Shalwar Kamis (men & women), Hijabs, etc.;
– Tennis shoes, sneakers, runners, boots, sandals (tie laces together);
– Backpacks with school supplies and educational books;
– Children’s toys;
– Pots and pans and kitchen items;
– Tents, tarps & tools, and;
– No food items since buying locally is cheaper and gets there faster.
– No furniture, please (submit furniture to the MCC Refugee Team at https://mcceastbay.org/furniture)

Please tie all shoelaces together to ensure pairs stay together. Also, please do not donate broken or dirty items.
Learn more about the Hidaya Foundation container project at https://www.hidaya.org/social-welfare/container-shipment-for-in-kind-donations
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

The History and Heritage of Arabic Calligraphy | Master Calligrapher Khalid Casado
2025-02-07 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join us for an enlightening evening as we delve into an introduction to Islamic calligraphy art by a classically trained calligrapher (hattat) whose works of art are created through a unique combination of inspiration, meditation, and rigorous discipline.
Master Calligrapher Khalid Casado will also lead a full-day workshop on Saturday, February 8.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Friday, Feb. 7 | MCC Prayer Hall | Free | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Please also join us for one of the limited spots at a full-day workshop the following day: https://mcceastbay.org/event/calligraphy-workshop
About the Speaker

Pablo Casado, also known as Khalid, was born in Madrid, Spain, where he has lived and developed personally and academically.
Although he always felt a unique attraction towards the shapes of Arabic calligraphy, it was not until 2008 that he connected with the reed pen for the first time at a brief introductory course to nesih calligraphy. Only a few days of practicing this art were enough to awaken a deep interest in him, and he soon felt the need to receive further instruction from an absolute master who could transmit this ancient knowledge. He then met Nuria García Masip, the renowned calligrapher based in Paris and featured in Beauty in Solitude Part 3. Guided by her, he traveled to Istanbul for the first time in 2009 and became acquainted with her masters. This is how he started writing his first lessons with her help and with the master calligrapher (hattat) Davut Bektas, and always under the supervision of the master Hassan Çelebi. Two years later, he began lessons with the master hattat Ferhat Kurlu, who, together with Nuria García, became one of his strongest influences.
In 2014, and after having devoted himself entirely to learning this art, he received his icazet or calligraphy diploma in sülüs and nesih styles in IRCICA (Research Center for Islamic History Art and Culture), signed by the masters Hassan Çelebi, Ferhat Kurlu, and Nuria García.
Currently, he continues to travel regularly to Istanbul and spend extended periods there in order not to lose contact with his masters and to continue learning and refining his work.
To view his work, you can visit www.instagram.com/sacredlinesart or www.sacred-lines.com

Traditional Islamic Calligraphy Workshop With Master Calligrapher Khalid Casado
2025-02-08 10:00 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Embark on a mesmerizing journey into the world of Islamic calligraphy as MCC East Bay hosts: “Sacred Lines: An Introduction to Islamic Calligraphy.” Led by Master Calligrapher Khalid Casado, this one-day workshop will introduce you to the rich heritage of Islamic calligraphy, the traditional tools and methods of the art, and the fundamentals of writing this elegant script.
This class offers a unique opportunity to deepen your appreciation and practice of Islamic calligraphy and is open to all skill levels, beginners included. Under Ustadh Khalid’s guidance, students will have ample time to practice writing Islamic calligraphy using traditional writing materials.
All materials will be provided, and registrants will receive a calligraphy starter kit to take home.
This full-day workshop will include several hours of practical writing instruction and touch on some elements described during a free Friday evening preceding this workshop.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Lunch/Zuhr break from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) | Saturday, February 8 | Limited to 30 spots | $80/person | Conference Room | Registration link mcceastbay.org/sacred-lines
MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attaining spiritual knowledge within the four walls of the MCC. To request a waiver or decrease in the fee, please see HTTP://mcceastbay.org/scholarship
This workshop will not be recorded or live-streamed.
Please also join a free talk with Sidi Khalid on Friday evening: https://mcceastbay.org/event/calligraphy-primer
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About the Instructor:
Khalid Pablo Casado was born and raised in Madrid, Spain. He studied traditional Arabic calligraphy from 2007 to 2014 in Istanbul under the guidance of some of the greatest masters of our time, including Nuria Garcia, Ferhat Kurlu, and Hasan Celebi. He received his calligraphy ijaza in 2014 and has gone on to continue the silsila (lineage) by teaching his students, creating calligraphy artwork, and participating in exhibitions around the world.
Master Calligrapher Khalid Casado is a highly accomplished calligrapher and has studied under some of the greatest masters of our time. Learn more att www.instagram.com/sacredlinesart or www.sacred-lines.com

Monthly Sisterhood Hike | Sisters in the Outdoors
2025-02-09 07:00 - 11:00 | Brushy Peak Regional Preserve, Livermore, California, United States
Join us at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9, for a hike at Brushy Peak Regional Preserve in Livermore to get to know other sisters in the community and enjoy the great outdoors. No children, please (female teens, okay). Let us know you are coming: https://mcceastbay.org/rsvp
If sisters want to walk around more, they can do it depending on their interest/time. The hike will be canceled if there are not enough RSVPs or depending on the weather.

– When: Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025
– Time: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Please arrive a little early to park and find the group. The group can wait till 7:10 a.m. and will start the hike. Please be on time since we cannot hold the group.
– Carpool: We highly recommend carpooling. No carpool from MCC is available for this hike. Carpool encouraged others on this hike.
– Parking: Free, recommend carpool.
– Location: Laughlin Ranch Staging Area Parking Lot
– Trail: Laughlin Ranch, Tamcan, Brushy Peak, West Side Loop Trails
– Distance: 5.0 miles
– Difficulty: Moderate
– Misc: Wear hiking shoes if possible. There will be a small water crossing, and your shoes might get wet. Bring a small breakfast/ Lunch sandwich or something to eat. Carry enough water, a hat, and a light jacket. Please download All Trails map (free version) in case you decide to return in the middle of the hike. This will be very helpful in navigating back to the parking lot.
– RSVP: By Saturday, Feb. 8, please let us know you are coming for this hike: https://mcceastbay.org/rsvp

Sr. Aparna Khan and Sr. Sohaila will be leading this hike. If you have trouble finding the group on the day of the hike, please call or text Sr. Aparna at (408) 480-6584 or Sr. Sohaila at (925) 786-7698. Please remember that we cannot hold all the group, so we request you to please be on time.
For future hikes, please subscribe to the MCC newsletter and/or add your phone number to the Women’s Hiking WhatsUp group.
Please wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes, carry a water bottle, a small snack, a hat, sunglasses, and hiking poles if you have one.
Questions? hiking@mcceastbay.org
Tentative dates for Monthly Sisterhood Hike in 2025:

Feb 9th

March 1st – Ramadhan begins – Hike is TBD as of now.

April 5th

May 3rd

About this trail:
Enjoy this 5.0-mile loop trail near Livermore, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 23 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are January through May.
Trail Highlights: This challenge takes you near the very top of Brushy Peak and contains some fairly steep sections to enjoy along the way. The trails start with a grassy and relatively smooth incline. It then begins to pass through outcroppings of sandstone that add texture to the landscape, and possible tripping hazards along the trail! When you reach the top of the climb, you are rewarded with views of the rolling hills and ranchlands that surround the park. As temperatures heat up in the summer, this trail is best when the grass – es are green during or just after the wet season.
Trail Directions: From Laughlin Ranch Staging Area, walk past the restrooms and information panel, then slightly right to reach the Laughlin Ranch Loop Trail – head. After walking through the first gate, turn left to follow Laughlin Ranch Loop Trail, which merges Left into the Tamcan Trail. Follow for 1.11 miles, until you reach the junction with Brushy Peak Loop Trail. Turn right onto the trail and continue for another 2.5 miles. Once you reach the junction with West Side Loop Trail, turn left and continue for 0.93 miles, to complete the loop. Make sure to keep right around the cattle pond, as there are many branching, small trails. Safely cross Laughlin Road to re-enter Laughlin Ranch Staging Area to finish your hike.
Park Features: This parkland provides a pleasant get – away with active wildlife on the ground and in the sky. Brushy Peak is a 1,702-foot landmark at the juncture of the San Francisco Bay Area, the California Delta, and the Central Valley. Many animals live in these hills and oak groves, including meadowlarks, coyotes, rabbits, and several species of hawks and reptiles.

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

Artificial Intelligence & Islam: Prospects & Pathways
2025-02-09 18:00 - 20:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
MCC is starting a new initiative to educate the Muslim community about the importance and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Please join our first AI workshop, including presentations, AI demos, panel discussions, and Q&A.
Sunday, Feb. 9 | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | Join in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
RSVP for in-person attendance at mcceastbay.org/ai
Late in 2025, we plan an insightful conference that delves into the intersection of artificial intelligence and Islamic principles as we go forward. This new initiative is your chance to engage with leading scholars, technologists, and community leaders as they explore the ethical dimensions of AI through the lens of Islamic teachings.
Why Attend?

Gain insights on how AI can align with Islamic ethics.
Explore business and productivity opportunities in the AI landscape.
Discuss the impact of AI on education, legal ethics, and societal values.

Program Highlights:

Engaging in presentations on AI’s opportunities and challenges.
Panel discussions on AI’s role in society and the future.
Interactive Q&A sessions with thought leaders.
Networking opportunities with professionals and scholars.

Questions? zxaheer@gmail.com

Proclamation For The Start of Ramadan '25 | Dublin City Council
2025-02-13 08:00 - 17:00
Join our elected officials as the City of Dublin official proclaims and recognizes the month of Ramadan, which starts on Friday, February 28 (pending moonsighting). This recognition commends Tri-Valley Muslims in this holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal.
7 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. | Dublin City Council Chambers, 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568
Our gratitude goes to the fantastic team behind the Dublin Muslim Cultural Society, which facilitated this Proclamation.
This act recognizes the commencement of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commends Muslims in the United States and worldwide for their faith.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Congressional Resolution in 2023
Whereas one of the purposes of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is for Muslims to gain a better understanding of the plight faced by those who are less fortunate;
Whereas American Muslims contribute greatly to charitable organizations that help people from all faiths in the United States and around the world by providing food for the hungry, medical assistance, family services, scholastic supplies, before and after school programs, refugee resettlement, and relief efforts following natural disasters;
Whereas American Muslims have contributed greatly to the United States, serving as medical professionals, teachers, first responders, journalists, writers, artists, athletes, small business owners, professors, activists, community leaders, and elected public officials across government representing both major political parties;
Whereas the American Muslim community is among the most racially diverse faith groups in the United States;
Whereas Thomas Jefferson was the first President to host an iftar, the meal breaking fast during Ramadan, at the White House in 1805, and every President since 1996 has hosted an iftar for members of the community during their Presidencies;
Whereas the Department of State and United States Agency for International Development have hosted iftars through the years for staff and members of the diplomatic community;
Whereas the Department of Agriculture has hosted iftar dinners since 2008 to recognize and welcome interfaith dialogue and collaboration with individuals and organizations whose core values often overlap significantly with the mission of the Department, including disaster recovery, reducing food waste, ensuring access to nutritious food, and fostering safe, prosperous, and thriving communities;
Whereas the Pentagon has held iftar dinners to celebrate Ramadan starting in 1999, recognizing American Muslims serving in all branches of the United States military; and
Whereas over 5,500 Muslims serve on active duty, and over 2,300 Muslims serve as selected reserve personnel in the United States Armed Forces: Now, therefore, be it

From 2024 Ramadan Proclamation:
The Dublin City Council joins communities throughout California in recognizing the start of Ramadan 2024.
– More Proclamation recordings: http://mcceastbay.org/proclamation
– More Sr. Eman: http://mcceastbay.org/eman
Sister Eman Tai speaks on behalf of the Dublin-area Muslim community.
Mayor Melissa Hernandez introduces the Proclamation on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at Council Chambers.
Heroes4Hunger also introduces the First-Annual Ramadan Food Campaign. All donations to this youth-led effort go to the Alameda County Community Food Bank, and it will be used to feed individuals and families that are food insecure in Dublin. Support the effort at http://bit.ly/feeddublin
Learn more about this effort at https://heroes4hunger.org
Heroes4Hunger representatives Zayan Kajani, Amar Imam, and Wasi Asifali presented their annual project.
The Proclamation 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 in Ramadan and beyond.
The Proclamation recognizes the MCC East Bay as fulfilling the spiritual and cultural needs of Dublin residents and promoting interfaith cooperation by providing an environment for dialogue, education, and fellowship.
– More community & social justice issues in the American-Muslim community: http://mcceastbay.org/community
– More CAIR-MCC co-sponsored talks: http://mcceastbay.org/cair
– More MCC interfaith events: http://mcceastbay.org/interfaith
– More Sr. Eman: http://mcceastbay.org/eman
Eman Tai is a member of City of Dublin’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, Secretary of Muslim Democrats and Friends Alameda County, President Cottonwood Creek School Parent Faculty Club , and Development and Community Partnerships Officer, Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC).
– Watch Dublin ’21 Proclamation: https://youtu.be/5yLuSj2w-w0
– Watch San Ramon ’21 Proclamation: https://youtu.be/K4dnP1NXFv4
– Watch Pleasanton 21′ Proclamation: https://youtu.be/ZX_MdpThzek
More MCC East Bay:
Events & Activities: http://www.mcceastbay.org/calendar
Weekly Updates: http://www.mcceastbay.org/newsletter
Support MCC: https://www.mcceastbay.org/sadaqa
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MCCPleasanton

Nisf Sha’ban (15th of Shaban - Laylatul Bara’a) | A Night For Asking Forgiveness
2025-02-13 17:30 - 19:00
The Prophet (saw) said, ′Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban and then forgives all His slaves except for two types of people: those who attribute partners to Allah and those who have rancor for their fellow Muslims’. [Ahmad]
At Maghrib (sunset) on Thursday, February 13, 2025, marks the night of the 15th Sha’ban, also called Laylat al-Bara’ah, Laylat an-Nisf min Sha’ban, and Shab-e-Barat. We also highly encourage you to fast on Friday, Feb. 14.
Join Qari Amar Bellaha for a recitation three times of Surah Al-Yaseen on one of the five blessed nights when duas are accepted, according to Imam Nawawi. Join us in this annual commemoration of laylatul-bara’ah (the Night of Innocence).
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Thursday, February 13 | MCC Conference Room | Join us in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
Program:

– 5:53 p.m.: Maghrib prayer
– 6:05 p.m.: Qari Amar Bellaha recites Surah Yaseen three times
– 7:05 p.m.: Dinner/Iftar (for those fasting) – Please RSVP for dinner only (not needed just for the program) at mcceastbay.org/shaban-dinner
– 8 p.m.: Isha prayer

– Past talks at MCC about Nisf Shaban (Laylatul Bara’a): http://mcceastbay.org/shaban
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Ibnul Haj (rahimahullah) states: “The salaf (pious predecessors) would sanctify this night and prepare themselves for it in advance.”
Join Qari Amar Bellaha for a faith-affirming evening to mark one of the five blessed nights when duas are accepted, according to Imam Nawawi. We also highly encourage you to fast on that day and join us for a community Iftar in the evening. Join us in this annual commemoration of laylatul-bara’ah (the Night of Innocence).
– Past talks commemorating Nisf Sha’ban: https://mcceastbay.org/shaban
About Nisf Sha’ban
The month of Shaban is the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The fifteenth night of this month is known as laylatul-bara’ah (the Night of Innocence) or Laylat un-Nisf min Shaban (the Middle Night of Shaban or shab-e-barat).
It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, said: “There are five nights on which dua is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha‘ban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al Fitr and the night before Eid al Nahr (al Adha).” (al Suyuti)
Locally, for those who follow moonsighting, the 15th night of Shaban starts on the evening of Thursday, February 13. This is a special night for making dua and other acts of worship. Our faith also teaches us to fast on the 15th day of Shaban (Friday, February 15) and the 16th day of Shaban (Saturday, February 15) as recommended acts.
For more information, see the following links: https://muwasala.org/2015/05/17/merits-of-shaban/
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Allah (swt) forgives many of His servants on this night
The primary blessing of this night is that Allah pours His mercy and forgiveness upon the earth from Maghrib until Fajr. The Prophet (saw) described the extent of His forgiveness in powerful language in numerous narrations:
The Prophet (saw) said, ′Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban and then forgives all His slaves except for two types of people: those who attribute partners to Allah and those who have rancor for their fellow Muslims’. [Ahmad]
(In other narrations, he (saw) mentioned more categories of people who wouldn’t be forgiven, including those who severed the ties of kinship and those who disobeyed their parents, among others).
Aishah (ra) also narrated that the Prophet (saw) once remained in Sajdah for so long during this night that she became scared and touched his foot to make sure he was still alive. He (saw) moved his foot, and she heard him reciting the following du’a:

The Prophet (saw) also said to Aishah (ra), ′Allah descends on the night of the middle of Sha’ban to the lowest heaven, and He forgives more than the numbers of hairs on the sheep of Banu Kalb (an Arab tribe renowned for their great flocks of sheep)’. [Ibn Majah and others]
Finally, the Prophet (saw) said that on this night, from sunset until dawn, Allah asks His servants, ′Is there anyone seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision from Me so I may provide for him? Is there anyone suffering so I may relieve his suffering?′ [Ibn Majah]
Therefore, make du’a for forgiveness on the 15th night of Sha’ban. Increase your dhikr, and ask Allah for forgiveness, mercy, relief from suffering, and provision. Remember to forgive anyone you have a grudge against and resolve your problems with them, especially if they are family members so that Allah will forgive you.
Fasting on 15th Sha’ban
There is only one weak hadith regarding fasting on the 15th day of Sha’ban. However, it is from the Sunnah to fast the Bright Days (the 13th, 14th and 15th) of every month anyway. (You can learn more on our blog about the Bright Days).
Furthermore, it is from the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw) to increase our voluntary fasts during Sha’ban, as this is the month in which actions are raised to Allah:
Prescribed prayers for this night
Again, the hadith regarding prescribed prayers for this night – such as prayers of fourteen raka’at – are weak Hadith, so it cannot be considered a Sunnah practice. However, you can still perform nafl (voluntary) prayers tonight to benefit from its blessings. As Ibn Taymiyyah (rh) says, ‘Some of the pious predecessors used to devote this night (15th Sha’ban) for Salah especially’.
Moreover, the Prophet (saw) always encouraged performing nafl prayers and making du’a at night, particularly during the last third of the night. This is the case for any night in the year.
Is this the Night of Destiny?
Most scholars agree that the night of 15th Sha’ban is not mentioned in the Qur’an.
Some commentators have said that the night of 15th Sha’ban is mentioned in Surah Ad-Dukhan – ‘Indeed, We sent it [the Book] down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]. On that night, every precise matter is made distinct. [The Noble Qur’an, 44:3-4]
However, most scholars agree that this ayah refers to Laylat al-Qadr. The opinion that 15th Sha’ban is ‘the Night of Destiny’ – i.e. the night on which your provision and time of death is named – is not strong. And Allah knows best.
Whether mentioned in the Qur’an or not, it is still a blessed night. Umar bin Abd al-Aziz (rh) and others have said, ′Do not neglect four nights in the year, because on those nights Allah pours His mercy upon His slaves: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha’ban, the night before Eid al-Fitr and the night before Eid al-Adha’.
Thus, we should try to increase our ’ibadah and ask for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness on this night. We should also strive to remove from our hearts any hatred or grudges for our fellow Muslims to receive Allah’s forgiveness on this night.
Remember: Sha’ban is the month in which our annual deeds are raised to Allah – and the night of the 15th Sha’ban is the perfect opportunity to enter Ramadan with our sins forgiven, in that Allah!
Preparing for Ramadan
Sha’ban is a special month, and we shouldn’t neglect its blessings. It is a time when our actions are raised to Allah, where our love for the Prophet (saw) increases, and where we should prepare for the blessed month of Ramadan.
Source: https://muslimhands.org.uk/latest/2019/04/the-importance-of-15th-shaban-night
The blessed Sha’ban is a month loved and honored by our Prophet ﷺ. Usamah ibn Zayd, may Allah be pleased with him, asked, “Ya Rasulallah, I haven’t seen you [voluntarily] fast in a month as much as you fast during Sha’ban.” The Messenger ﷺ replied, “People neglect that month between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which deeds are raised to the Lord of the Worlds, and I like that my deeds be raised while I am fasting.” (Ahmad and Nasa’i)
It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, said: “There are five nights on which dua is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha‘ban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al Fitr and the night before Eid al Nahr (al Adha).” (al Suyuti)
For more information, see the following links:
– https://seekersguidance.org/tag/15th-shaban
– https://muwasala.org/2015/05/17/merits-of-shaban
About Qari Amar:
Raised in Morocco, Qari Amar Bellaha memorized the Qur’an at 17 from Madrasat Imam Nafia. He has ijaza for the Hafs and Warsh forms of Qur’anic recitation. In 1994 and 1995, he was awarded top prizes in the National Moroccan Tajweed competition. He is recognized for his recitation’s beauty, clarity, and excellence and is one of the Bay area’s foremost Qur’an teachers.

In his Majmu’, Imam Nawawi quoted from Imam al Shafi’i’s Kitab al-Umm that there are 5 nights when du’as (supplications) are answered, one of them being the night of the 15th of Sha`ban.

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Rosewood
2025-02-14 12:30 - 14:50 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m

Dr. Hatem Bazian delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

1:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.

– Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

1:40 p.m. to 2:10 p.m.

– Sidi Shahryar Abbasi delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

– Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

*Please attend at 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. at MCC to avoid heavier second-service congestion whenever possible, or please attend the off-site MCC Jumu’ah service, that is, each week at the Rosewood Commons, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton. Rosewood is just a four-minute drive from MCC.Please note that the former HP lot (now Pleasanton School District) is no longer available to our congregation. Please come to the second or fourth Jumuah to ease up parking congestion or (better yet) attend our weekly parallel satellite prayer at 11:40 p.m. at Rosewood Conference Center: https://mcceastbay.org/rosewood

– Virtually watch the three MCC sermons from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Dr. Hatem: https://mcceastbay.org/hatem
More Ustadh Ubaydullah: http://mcceastbay.org/ubaydullah

For parents attending with young children indoors at the main MCC facility, we offer private mothers’ and fathers’ rooms with an audio and visual connection to the Prayer Hall. Parents can watch the sermon and pray while working with other parents and young children. The mothers’ and fathers’ prayer room is just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

For MCC’s four Jumu’ah services on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025:

12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m

Dr. Hatem Bazian delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

1:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.

– Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

1:40 p.m. to 2:10 p.m.

– Sidi Shahryar Abbasi delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

– Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

*Please attend at 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. at MCC to avoid heavier second-service congestion whenever possible, or please attend the off-site MCC Jumu’ah service, that is, each week at the Rosewood Commons, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton. Rosewood is just a four-minute drive from MCC.Please note that the former HP lot (now Pleasanton School District) is no longer available to our congregation. Please come to the second or fourth Jumuah to ease up parking congestion or (better yet) attend our weekly parallel satellite prayer at 11:40 p.m. at Rosewood Conference Center: https://mcceastbay.org/rosewood

– Virtually watch the three MCC sermons from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Dr. Hatem: https://mcceastbay.org/hatem
More Ustadh Ubaydullah: http://mcceastbay.org/ubaydullah

For parents attending with young children indoors at the main MCC facility, we offer private mothers’ and fathers’ rooms with an audio and visual connection to the Prayer Hall. Parents can watch the sermon and pray while working with other parents and young children. The mothers’ and fathers’ prayer room is just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Islamophobia Studies Center Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2025-02-14 12:30 - 15:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
The Islamophobia Studies Center is an educational, not-for-profit research organization dedicated to countering the presence of Islamophobia in society through applied research, civic engagement, education, and global classrooms.
They are having their Annual Fundraiser Dinner on February 22, 2025, at Chandni Restaurant. This event will bring together scholars, activists, and community members to discuss these critical issues and support our ongoing research efforts.
Please visit them this Friday to support their organization and to purchase tickets for their fundraiser.

MCC Girl Scouts 30875 Sells Cookies @ MCC Jumu’ahs
2025-02-14 12:30 - 15:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Indulge your sweet tooth while supporting a great cause! Our Girl Scouts will sell delicious cookies this Friday. A percentage of the profits will go directly to charity, making your purchase even more impactful.
You can also gift a cookie box to needy families served by the MCC Food Pantry by purchasing a box after Jumu’ah and placing the cookies in the Toy bin in the MCC lobby. The cookies will be gifted from parents of Zakat-eligible families to their children on Eid morning.
MCC supports our Girl Scouts Troops that we proudly host in their annual cookie sales to support educational programming, community projects, and more.
Help the Girls Scouts fulfill their tradition of giving back to the community while expanding their experiences as leaders, entrepreneurs, and explorers by supporting their cookie sales.
Questions? girl-scouts@mcceastbay.org

American Learning Institute for Muslims (ALIM) Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2025-02-14 12:30 - 15:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
American Learning Institute for Muslims (ALIM) is a nonprofit organization that promotes the empowered, healthy, and religiously sound development of American Muslim individuals, families, and society through the promotion of “Islamic literacy,” which is the establishment and critical engagement of Islam’s requisite intellectual and spiritual foundations.
Visit their table this Friday to learn more about their programs and what they offer. ALIM holds two programs at MCC this weekend:

https://mcceastbay.org/event/inspiring-muslims/
https://mcceastbay.org/event/building-consensus/2025-02-15/

Masjid al-Huda Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2025-02-14 12:30 - 15:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Masjid al-Huda is a non-profit religious organization dedicated to establishing a holistic Muslim community, promoting a good understanding of Islam, and building positive relations among Muslims and non-Muslims.
This weekend, they are holding a three-day Retreat, ‘The Heart of the Matter: A Three-Day Conference on Purification of the Heart,’ which starts this Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Please visit their table to learn more.

From Gaza to California: One Girl's Story Being Evacuated to Bay Area from a Genocide (Heal Palestine)
2025-02-14 18:00 - 19:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Alhamdulliah medical visas are now being granted so injured Gazans can get adequate treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area. We will hear from Farah, who lost an eye and leg during the Gaza genocide.
MCC is helping Heal Palestine prepare for the patients in the Bay Area. Learn Farah’s first-hand account and how you can help host and help our blessed sisters and brothers visiting us for medical treatment in the Bay Area.
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Friday, February 14 | MCC Prayer Hall | This event will not be live streamed or recorded.
Sponsored by Heal Palestine, Healthcare Workers for Palestine, Soul of My Soul Exhibit, Interfaith Intersectional Mutual Aid, Doctors Against Genocide and Vigil 4 Gaza & MCC East Bay.
Heal Palestine is a leading NGO providing critical support for children with severe injuries and amputations who cannot receive adequate treatment in Gaza. They evacuate these children to specialized care facilities in the U.S., opening new horizons and fully covering their expenses and arrangements. With 92 percent of Gaza has been destroyed, Heal Palestine’s work is more important than ever.

Hosting Families From Gaza to the Bay Area

Injured children from Gaza & accompanying families are finally coming to Bay Area for medical treatment. MCC is helping gear up for this humanitarian effort:

Help a Family means you can volunteer to transport, translate, make a day visit, host family on weekends only, or assist in other ways. Sign up at mcceastbay.org/help
Host a Family means that the child(ren) and family members will stay in your home while receiving medical treatment. Sign up at mcceastbay.org/host
Medical Professionals means physicians, clinics & hospitals willing to donate care or consultation for these young patients. Sign up at mcceastbay.org/medical

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monthly Men’s Hike | Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore
2025-02-15 08:00 - 09:30 | Sycamore Grove Park, 1051 Wetmore Rd, Livermore, California, 94550
For Brothers! Join a brotherhood that hikes through life’s ups and downs, finding strength and community in the great outdoors. Our Monthly MCC Brothers Hike caters to various fitness levels and explores East Bay’s serene landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to start, we welcome you to share in this journey of fellowship and discovery.

Saturday, February 15 | 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. | Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore | No children, please (teenage boys, okay) | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/brothers-hike
If brothers want to walk around more, they can do it depending on their interest/time. The hike will be canceled with insufficient RSVPs, depending on the weather.

When: Saturday, February 15, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. – Please arrive early to park and find the group. The group can wait till 8:10 a.m. and will start the hike. Please be on time since we cannot hold the group.
Carpool: We highly recommend carpooling. No carpool from MCC is available for this hike. Carpool encouraged others on this hike.
Parking: Free
Meeting Point: Sycamore Grove Park Parking Lot
Trail: Sycamore Grove Trail with South Loop
Distance: Around 3.9 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Misc: Pack a snack and water for yourself. Wear hiking shoes if possible. Bring a small breakfast/ Lunch sandwich or something to eat. Carry enough water, a hat, and a light jacket. Please download the All Trails map (free version) if you decide to return in the middle of the hike. This will be very helpful when navigating back to the parking lot.
RSVP: By Friday, February 14, please let us know you are coming for this hike: https://mcceastbay.org/brothers-hike

Mohammed Kadoura leads these monthly hikes for the brothers. If you have trouble finding the group on the day of the hike, please call or text Br. Mohammed at (617) 935-7347. Please remember that we cannot hold all of the group, so we request you to please be on time.
For future hikes, please subscribe to the MCC newsletter and add your phone number to the Men’s Hiking WhatsApp group.
Please wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes, carry a water bottle, a small snack, a hat, sunglasses, and hiking poles if you have any.
Questions? hiking@mcceastbay.org
About this trail:
Explore this 3.9-mile loop trail near Livermore, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 20 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
The Sycamore Grove Trail meanders gently through a mix of sycamore and walnut trees, leading you into a serene grassy valley. As you continue, the trail is framed by rolling hills dotted with oak trees. Eventually, the trail traces the edge of an almond grove. Keep your eyes peeled for the flora and fauna that inhabit this area.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Sold Out* Welcoming Ramadan: Preparing for Ihsan (A Day at a Private Farm)
2025-02-15 11:00 - 17:00
*Sold out* Positively, no space remaining. Questions? info@fitrahfarmretreats.com
Join us for a one-day immersive Ramadan preparation event with Imam Dr. Ahmad Deeb on a breathtaking Muslim-owned farm along the California coast. This gathering is designed to help you enter Ramadan with clarity, spiritual focus, and a renewed sense of purpose—all while giving you a taste of our upcoming Ramadan retreat experience.
This isn’t just a class—it’s a holistic experience that will nourish your soul, body, and mind and prepare you to deeply and meaningfully enjoy Ramadan.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Saturday, Feb. 15 | Private Farm 30 minutes south of Half Moon Bay (location will be shared with only those who register) | $40/adult & $25/child | Register at mcceastbay.org/prep
Sponsored by Fitrah Farms, MCC East Bay, WVMA, & Siraat.

Fitrah Farm Retreats – Questions? Call us at ‪408.329.7261 or email at info@fitrahfarmretreats.com

What’s Included in the Program?
🌙 Fiqh of Fasting & Spiritual Planning – Learn the essential fasting rules and how to maximize your ibadah, balance wellness, and avoid burnout.
🌙 Farm-to-Table Organic Meal – Enjoy a delicious lunch and snacks crafted from the farm with halal, tayyib, and organic ingredients.
🌙 Nature & Reflection – Take a guided beach walk and farm tour, learning about regenerative farming and sustainable living as we journey through our land.
🌙 Meet Our Horses – Experience the beauty of these majestic animals, observe their presence, and interact with them in a gentle, mindful setting.
🌙 Meditative Dhikr & Reflection – Engage in spiritual remembrance in a tranquil environment, grounding yourself before Ramadan.
🌙 A Glimpse into Our Ramadan Retreat – This event offers a preview of our whole Ramadan experience, giving you a taste of what it means to retreat in a space of nature, knowledge, and spiritual connection.
Schedule for the Day
📍 Location: The Private Farm is 30 minutes south of Half Moon Bay. Directions sent after registration.
⏳ Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

11:00 AM – Arrival & Welcome
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Guided Beach Walk & Farm Tour (exploring the land, regenerative farming, and meeting our horses)
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM – Dhuhr Prayer
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – First Lecture: Fiqh of Fasting & Spiritual Preparation
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Farm-to-Table Lunch (nourishing, organic halal meal with seasonal ingredients)
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Second Lecture: Balancing Holistic Wellness in Ramadan & Avoiding Burnout
4:00 PM – 4:15 PM – Asr Prayer
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM – Dhikr & Reflection
5:00 PM – Departure

– More Sidi Ahmed: http://mcceastbay.org/ahmad
Imam Ahmad Deeb has been serving communities from an early age under the training and mentorship of his father, Shaykh Abdallah Deeb. After finishing his bachelor’s in Psychology at 19, he traveled to Cape Town, SA, and completed formal seminary training. He returned to the USA and completed his M.A. in Islamic Studies and Leadership at Bayan’s foremost accredited Muslim graduate school. His thesis topic was “Re-forming Islamic Reform: Ma’loom min al-Dīn bil Darūrah, the Theology of Law, and the Epistemological Limits of Ijtihād.” His academic interests and love of community work led him to community psychology, where he is a doctoral candidate and researcher. He co-founded Itqaan Institute, a premier Qur’an learning institute led by his father. He is co-founder and instructor of Pillars Seminary—a part-time institute that aims to provide the general public with formal, balanced, and structured training in Islam. Most recently, with his father and Shaykh Ismail Bowers, he established Shifaa Community, a virtual intentional community that promotes holistic wellness and structured religious guidance. In his free time, he continues his study of the Islamic tradition with scholars worldwide and provides consulting to communities across the country.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org or Fitrah Farm Retreats: Call ‪408.329.7261 or email at info@fitrahfarmretreats.com
Limited Spots Available – Register Now!
🎟️ $40 Per Person | $25 for Children Under 11– No Childcare provided. Parents are responsible for their children at all times
📍Secure your spot at: [https://www.fitrahfarmretreats.com/prep]
This is your chance to escape daily distractions, gain clarity, and prepare your heart for Ramadan in an incredible natural setting.
Join us for this special pre-Ramadan gathering and taste what’s to come in our full retreat!
We look forward to welcoming you in sha Allah!
