Friends of Wadi Foquin Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2025-09-19 13:30 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Friends of Wadi Foquin, a local Bay Area non-profit that supports the village of Wadi Foquin in Palestine, will be hosting the founder of Khayari for a speaking and fundraising tour in the Bay Area. This Friday, they will be raising funds for Khayari Women’s Leadership and Economic Empowerment Organization – which is based in Bethlehem, Palestine. Please visit their table and learn more about how you can support them.
On Friday, September 19, local Bay Area groups supporting Khayari Foundation, which is an organization located in Bethlehem that seeks to empower Palestinian women. We are very blessed to be hosting the founder of Khayari on Sunday inshallah from 6-7 pm
Ccommunity members will be tabling today on behalf of Khayari Foundation. Khayari is an organization located in Bethlehem that seeks to empower Palestinian women. We are very blessed to be hosting the founder of Khayari on Sunday from 6-7 pm. Learn more here.
Wadi Foquin is the site of a community development project supported through the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Global Ministries (Advance project #3021565). A resolution supporting Wadi Foquin was passed at the church’s May 2016 General Conference acknowledging the challenges of settlement expansion and recent land confiscation orders. The resolution calls for accountability from the Israeli government for the destruction of land and life in Wadi Foquin. It also calls on U.S. officials to contact the Israeli government to immediately halt the illegal Israeli settlements and confiscation of Palestinian land.
Ways to Support Wadi Foquin

Prayer – commit to praying for Wadi Foquin, its concerns and needs. Contact Rev. Michael Yoshii at michaelyoshii1@gmail.com.
Engagement – organize and promote community events that highlight Wadi Foquin and Israel/Palestine issues. Contact Rev. Emily Lin at Emily.Lin@cnumc.org or Rev. Mike Friedrich at deaconmike99@gmail.com.
Advocacy – participate in campaigns prompted by Wadi Foquin. Contact Rev. Michael Yoshii at michaelyoshii1@gmail.com.
Study – organize opportunities for study on Palestine/Israel. Contact Rev. Naomi Southard at Nosouth@aol.com or Linda Weingarten at weingarten.linda@gmail.com.
Giving – fundraise for Wadi Foquin projects, campaigns, and needs. Contact Jean Hart at jeanhart65@gmail.com.

Gifting Dreams Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2025-09-19 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Gifting Dreams is recruiting tutors to expand tutoring and mentorship programs, supporting Afghan youth served by the MCC-SRVIC Refugee Team. This nonprofit organization also supports individuals seeking help with specific school subjects, general studies, or emotional support.
Visit their table this Friday to learn more about their cause and how you can support them.

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Rosewood
2025-09-19 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For MCC’s four Jumu’ah services on Friday, Sep. 26, 2025:

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

Ustadh Munes Tomeh delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

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

Ustadh Quran Hodge delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton

2:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Ustadh Quran Hodge delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

3:40 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Sidi Shaan Mukhtar delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

*Please attend at 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. at MCC to avoid heavier first-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 (Building 5)., Pleasanton. Rosewood is only a five-minute drive from MCC.

Please note that the former HP lot (now Pleasanton School District) is no longer available to our congregation. The District graciously provides the MCC congregation a limited number of parking space. Please come to the third or fourth Jumuah at MCC to ease up parking congestion or, better yet, attend our weekly parallel satellite prayer from 1:40 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. at Rosewood Center (Building 5): https://mcceastbay.org/rosewood

– Virtually watch the three MCC sermons from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Ustadh Munes: https://mcceastbay.org/munes
– More Ustadh Quran: https://mcceastbay.org/quran-hodge
– More Sidi Shaan: https://mcceastbay.org/shaan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

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

Ustadha Rania Awaad was raised in the U.S. and began her formal study of the traditional Islamic sciences when her parents permitted her to travel to Damascus, Syria, at 14. Her desire to continue studying the Deen resulted in multiple trips back to Damascus, interspersed between her high school, college, and medical studies. She was honored to receive Ijazah (authorization to teach) several branches of the Shari’ah sciences at the hands of many renowned scholars, including many female scholars. She has received Ijazah to teach Tajwid in the Hafs and Warsh recitations from the late eminent Syrian scholar Shaykh Abu Hassan al-Kurdi. In addition to completing several advanced texts of the Shafi’i madhhab, she is licensed to teach texts of Maliki fiqh, Adab, and Ihsan. Currently, Ustadha Rania teaches online and local classes for The Rahmah Foundation, Rabata. She is on the faculty of Zaytuna College, where she teaches courses in Shafi’i fiqh and women’s issues in fiqh and has helped develop and co-direct the Tajweed and Hifz program.

Ustadha Rania is also a medical doctor with a specialty in Psychiatry. She completed her Psychiatric residency and fellowship training at Stanford University, where she is currently on the faculty as a Clinical Instructor in the Stanford Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences department. Her medical interests include addressing mental health care concerns in the Muslim community- particularly that of Muslim women and girls. She has been awarded grants from the NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) to research this topic and has presented her findings at several medical conferences. Other ongoing endeavors include compiling manuscripts addressing female-related mental health and medical issues from a fiqh-oriented perspective. She is the Director of the Rahmah Foundation, a non-profit organization that teaches traditional Islamic knowledge to Muslim women and girls. In this capacity, she also heads the Murbbiyah Mentoring Program, which trains young women to teach and mentor Muslim girls and teens. Ustadha Rania is both a wife and a mother; she has been counseling and teaching women classes on Tajwid, Shafi’i Fiqh, Ihsan, marriage, and raising children since 1999.

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

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

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

Start of the Young Muslimahs Weekly Friday Night Halaqa | The Rahmah Foundation
2025-09-19 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Our weekly Young Muslimahs Halaqa (grades PK – high school) restarts Friday, Sept. 19, and will continue every Friday until Ramadan ’26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For sisters, Dr. Rania Awwad leads a parallel weekly women’s Halaqa.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | MCC East Bay | Girls 4 to 18 | Register at http://mcceastbay.org/rahmah-halaqa (opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6)
Space is limited for our girls’ Friday night halaqa and will fill up within days.

Girls’ Halaqa registration opens to all at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at http://mcceastbay.org/rahmah-halaqa
If you would like to volunteer, please fill out the form here.
See The Rahmah Foundation 2025-26 calendar.

Questions? youngmuslimahscamp@gmail.com or events@mcceastbay.org
The MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a family in the East Bay from benefiting from any offering at the MCC facility. To request a financial waiver, please complete the application at mcceastbay.org/scholarship
The 2025-26 session runs from Friday, September 19, 2025, to May 22, 2026, with no halaqas on the following dates: Friday, November 28, December 19, December 26, January 2, February 20 through March 27, April 3, and April 10. See The Rahmah Foundation 2025-26 calendar.
First-come, first-served. No waitlist once full. For Dr. Rania’s gathering, no RSVP is needed.
This women’s halaqa is hosted at MCC East Bay and runs parallel to the girls & teens program in partnership with The Rahmah Foundation.
This halaqa is for girls ages 4 – 18 (PK-12th grade). Our purpose is to build strong bonds of sisterhood, the love of Allah and His Prophet, and establish salat. This halaqa meets on Friday nights at MCC East Bay from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Muslim Community Center – East Bay (MCC East Bay), 5724 W Las Positas Blvd, 300, Pleasanton, CA 94588
Date and time: Fri, Sep 19, 2025 7:00 PM – Fri, Dec 19, 2025 9:00 PM
Sponsored by The Rahmah Foundation & MCC East Bay.

Saturday Morning Flag Football Sessions for Boys
2025-09-20 09:30 - 11:00, 2025-09-27 09:30 - 11:00 | Creekside Park, 5601 W Las Positas Blvd, Pleasanton, California, 94588
For Boys Ages 7-14: Join us for four sessions of flag football, which includes warm-ups, basics, drills, and games. These sessions are organized by peers in our community who love working with youth.
Saturdays, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, & 10/4 | 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. | Creekside Park | Boys Ages 7-14 | $50 for all 4 sessions or $15/session; register at mcceastbay.org/flag-football

Limited to 60 participants.
Dads are encouraged to come and stay and participate as well.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attaining knowledge offered within the four walls of MCC the facility. To request a financial waiver or discount, please complete: https://mcceastbay.org/scholarship
Camp facilitators
Azmat Zeeshan Mukhtar is a local father and mentor from our community who enjoys sports and spending time with kids. He will organize the activities and recruit other dads to help volunteer, making this a rewarding experience for our young Muslim boys.

Contemporary Public School Health Seminar For 8th & 9th Grade Muslim Students in Public High Schools
2025-09-20 10:30 - 13:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For 8th-10th Graders and Parents: Join us for a seminar to educate and empower Muslim youth on California-mandated health topics within a safe, respectful, and Islamically guided environment.
The seminar aims to fill a growing gap in values-based health education, addressing key issues such as mental wellness, sexual health, relationships, and personal safety—while preparing students to navigate public school health classes with clarity and confidence.
Saturday, Sep. 20 | 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | 8th-10th Graders & Parents | In-person only | $25/student | Register at mcceastbay.org/health-seminar | This event will not be recorded or livestreamed.
We will have breakfast from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Come early! This talk is open to those attending public or private schools.
Boys & Girls will have separate parallel sessions led by local doctors and teachers. Parallel sessions for parents on navigating the high school journey.
Co-sponsored by MCC East Bay & Averroes High School.
This seminar educates and empowers Muslim youth on California-mandated health topics in a safe, respectful, Islamically-guided setting to help navigate public school health classes confidently.
The topics we will cover inshaAllah are: heath, sexual education, relationships, and safety and wellness.
MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attaining spiritual or educational knowledge within the four walls of the Muslim Community Center. For a financial waiver for this event, please email scholarship@mcceastbay.org.
Key takeaways you will gain from this session:

Youth will gain knowledge of key health topics through a faith-based framework.
They will be better prepared for the state health curriculum with values-aligned clarity.
They will feel supported by trusted adults in their physical, mental, and spiritual development.
The seminar will foster confidence, identity, and decision-making grounded in Islamic teachings.

What is being taught in public schools?

Sexual Health Education for California’s Youth (For High School & Community Settings) by Office of Adoscent Health (OAH) Evidence-Based Cirriculum
Sexual Health Education for America’s Youth for High School & Community Settings by Positive Prevention PLUS
CA He​althy Kids Resources Center​

About the Speakers
Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi is the co-founder of MH4M (http://mentalhealth4muslims.com), established in 2010. For nearly 20 years, she has been actively involved in the Bay Area and Southern California Muslim community, working and volunteering for many notable organizations. Learn more about her at http://hosaimojaddidi.com
– More Ustadha Hosai: http://mcceastbay.org/hosai
Qur’an Hodge is a Bay Area native. He began his Islamic education in 2019, studying Arabic at the Al Maqasid Seminary in Pennsylvania. Sidi Quran continued to Dar Al Mustafa, a Yemeni Islamic university in Tarim, Hadhramaut. At this Islamic seminary founded by Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Sidi Qur’an studied Ibtidaiyya, Hadith, Aqida, Seerah, Nahw, Quran Hifzdh, Kitaba, and Tafseer in classical Arabic. Sidi Quran has completed certificates in Taleef Collective’s Refining the Core and Zaytuna College’s Permaculture Program. He is passionate about creatively working on community issues, particularly the challenges Muslim youth face. He lives with his wife and child in Castro Valley.
Dr. Sana Ali is a Family Medicine physician practicing in Dublin and San Ramon since 2019. She grew up in the East Bay. Went to UC Davis and then Western U for medical school and residency at a UC Davis-affiliated community hospital in Modesto. She practices pediatrics, family medicine, women’s health. Parents panel speakers:
Br. Karim Bayanzay is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Francisco, in the Department of Hospital Medicine, with a research focus on improving cancer care delivery in Afghanistan. Co-founder of Neurospinal Innovations, a medical device company focused on improving pain using wave therapy. I am also President of Averroes High School. I also founded “the study spot” tutoring and mentoring center for teens.
Dr. Gul Zahid is a board-certified pediatrician based in the Bay Area. She has trained and practiced in a variety of clinical settings, including academic centers and community clinics, with a focus on preventive medicine. She has a special interest in mental health, having completed additional training in the identification and management of mood and behavioral disorders in children and teens. Dr. Zahid is passionate about empowering families with knowledge and tools to support their children’s growth, both physically and emotionally.
Coach Faheem Rivers has over 25 years of experience working with youth. He is currently the principal at Averroes High School. He holds a degree in psychology, served as a Dean of Discipline, and is a passionate basketball coach. He has used sports to build resilience, teamwork, and discipline among young people.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Objective: To educate and empower Muslim youth on California-mandated health topics within a safe, respectful, and Islamically-guided environment. The seminar aims to fill a growing gap in values-based health education, addressing key issues such as mental wellness, sexual health, relationships, and personal safety—while preparing students to navigate public school health classes with clarity and confidence.

Concerns that may come up: We understand that there may be concerns about the explicit nature of some topics included in the California-mandated health curriculum. To address this in a thoughtful and responsible way, our proposed seminar will include a pediatrician who will verbally explain what students can expect to be taught in school, helping to prepare them for the material in an age-appropriate and respectful manner. Alongside this, our religious speaker will offer guidance on how students can navigate these topics at school while staying true to their Islamic values.

Expected Outcomes:

● Youth will gain knowledge of key health topics through a faith-based framework.
● They will be better prepared for state health curriculum with values-aligned clarity.
● They will feel supported by trusted adults in their physical, mental, and spiritual development.
● The seminar will foster confidence, identity, and decision-making grounded in Islamic teachings.

Why This Seminar Matters:
This seminar is designed to fill a gap in the community and offer our youth a faith-based foundation in understanding critical health topics that are often presented through a secular lens in public schools. Many of today’s societal challenges—ranging from emotional distress and substance abuse to broken relationships and identity confusion—are deeply rooted in issues related to sexual
health, gender relations, and the absence of values-based education.
By integrating California’s mandated health curriculum with Islamic teachings, this seminar aims to:

● Educate students on essential health topics in a way that honors their faith, identity, and values
● Mentor them through the complex issues of adolescence, equipping them with the tools to navigate peer pressure, social media, and conflicting societal norms
● Support their emotional, physical, and spiritual development with guidance from trusted professionals and scholars
● Prepare them for adulthood by instilling confidence, clarity, and a deep sense of responsibility grounded in Islamic principles

Ultimately, this seminar serves as a healthier, values-driven alternative to the often distorted version of health education they encounter in secular classrooms. It empowers our youth to make informed, faith-aligned decisions that protect their well-being and uphold their Islamic identity as they grow into responsible, God-conscious adults.

Event Schedule

10:30 – 10:50(20 min) Sr. Hosai
10:50– 11:20 (30 min) Breakout Girls – Sr. Sana & Boys only session – Ustadha Hosai
11:20 – 12:00p.m (40 min) Girls rejoin

Boys session- Br. Karim
Girls session – Sr. Hosai

12:00 – 12:15 (15 min) Stretch break and settle in
12:15- 1:15 (1 hr) Ustadh Quran
1:15- 1:30 (15 min) Q&A with Ustadh Quran with closing dua

Title: High school Health Class

Date: August 30th ( Tentative )
Audience: 8 & 9th Grade Students

Note: While the seminar is designed as a pre-requsite for 9th grade public school class, we believe that all high schoolers can benefit from its content as it’ll provide a safe space for our youth to ask questions and gain clarity.

Seminar Objective:
To educate and empower Muslim youth on California-mandated health topics taught in 9th grade within a safe, respectful, and Islamically-guided environment. This seminar is designed to fill a gap in the community and offer our youth a faith-based foundation in understanding critical health topics that are often presented through a secular lens in public schools. We will address key issues such as mental wellness, sexual health, relationships, and personal safety.
This seminar prepares youth to navigate public school health class with clarity and confidence while empowering them to make informed, faith-aligned decisions as they grow into responsible, God-conscious adults.
NOTE: Separate seminar for boys and girls.

Monthly Mawlid Al Habib | Celebratory Gathering of Salutations on Our Beloved Prophet ﷺ
2025-09-20 18:30 - 20:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Connect more with Muhammad (peace be upon him) as we gather on the third Saturday of each month in remembrance and dhikr with Bay Area Munshideens and guest speakers.
During each gathering, Ustadh Tariq Samady will cover a chapter from the text The Kingdom of the Heart by Habib Umar b. Hafiz.
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Saturdays | MCC Conference Room | Join us in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
Dates for Monthly Family Mawlid at MCC East Bay in 2025

Saturday, January 18, 2025
Saturday, February 15, 2025
No session during Ramadan in March ’25
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Saturday, December 20, 2025

– Watch past mawlid celebrations at MCC: http://mcceastbay.org/mawlid
– More Sidi Tareq: https://mcceastbay.org/tariq
– More sessions about the book using the monthly Mawlids, “The Kingdom of the Heart”: http://mcceastbay.org/kingdom
– Purchase “The Kingdom of the Heart” by Habib Umar bin Hafiz: https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Heart-Habib-Umar-Hafiz/dp/173537671X

Sponsored by Circles of Light & MCC East Bay.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
The Mawlid is a joyous expression of the greatest blessing from Allah.
We take this blessed opportunity monthly to remind ourselves of the three sacred rights that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ requires from us, instilling in us a deep sense of respect and reverence.

– Marifah – Recognizing who the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is
– Muhabbah – Loving the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
– Ittiba’ – Obedience to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ

The second two (loving and obeying) are not entirely possible without truly recognizing the first, who the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was. This recognition enlightens us and deepens our knowledge of his teachings.

– Past mawlid celebrations at MCC: http://mcceastbay.org/mawlid

About the Book, “The Kingdom of the Heart”
“Within every human being is a Kingdom. The heart is the ruler of this Kingdom, and the rest of the body is its subjects. If the heart rules with justice and excellence, the body will perform good actions, and the Kingdom will flourish. If the heart neglects its duties, the body will disobey Allah, and the entire Kingdom will suffer the consequences. Allah ﷻ made this Kingdom so crucial that through it the eternal and everlasting dominion of the next life is either gained or lost.” The Kingdom of the Heart by Habib ‘Umar Bin Hafiz gives the reader a deeper understanding of the importance of cultivating the spiritual kingdom of the heart. Readers will gain a deeper appreciation of how outward actions have spiritual consequences. Some of the topics covered are: •⁠ ⁠The Tongue & Its Effects •⁠ ⁠Looking at Creation with Love & Mercy •⁠ ⁠The Impact of Shaking Hands •⁠ ⁠Attending to the Ending of Our Lives •⁠ ⁠The Impact of Intention This book uniquely shows the direct correlation between outward actions and the heart, giving us insights into how various actions impact the state of our hearts. Ultimately, it gives us a way to internalize the wisdom and purpose of acts of devotion, resulting in the purification of the heart and nearness to Allah ﷻ.
About the Author
Habib Umar bin Hafiz (Arabic: حبيب عمر بن حفيظ, romanized: Ḥabīb ʿUmar bin Ḥafīẓ; Arabic pronunciation: [ħabiːb ʕumar bin ħafiːðˤ]; born 27 May 1963) is a Yemeni Sunni and Sufi Islamic scholar, teacher, and founder and dean of Dar al-Mustafa Islamic seminary.[3] He is also a Supreme Advisory Council member for the Tabah Foundation in Abu Dhabi.
Ustadh Tariq Samady
Ustadh Tariq Samady is a native of the Bay Area with roots in the ancient city of Kabul. He has been a lifelong seeker of Islamic knowledge, learning from a wide range of Muslim scholars, both local and international. With the blessings of his teachers, he has contributed to various educational programs and gatherings of dhikr.
His research and editing interests span Qur’an and Hadith commentaries, Philology, Spirituality, and Persian Poetry. Tariq is the founder of Circles of Light (حلق النور), a fledgling educational initiative focused on sharing sacred learnings and wisdom for the community’s benefit. He studied Computer Science at California State University—East Bay and has over ten years of experience as a Developer and Analytics QA Engineer.
About Circles of Light
Circles of Light is a fledgling educational initiative focused on sharing sacred learnings and wisdom for the benefit of the community, meant to assist in maximizing Dunya (this life) for our Deen (Faith). He gives wisdom to whomever He wills. Whoever is given wisdom has been given much good. But none pays heed except those with insight. (Quran). We are motivated by the words of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him); the most beloved people to Allah are those most beneficial to the people. (Hadith). We seek to achieve this aim through our in-person educational programs and publications.
Almighty Allah ﷻ directs us in Sūratul Aḥzāb, “Verily, Allah and His Angels send blessings on the Messenger of Allah. You who believe invoke blessings on him and salute him with a worthy salutation.” Our purpose of invoking blessings upon the Beloved ﷺ leads to proximity to Almighty Allah ﷻ by obeying this command while simultaneously fulfilling our rights upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. It is crystal clear how vital the invocation of Ṣalawāt is for the believer, and it is a Mercy of Almighty Allah ﷻ for its rewards to be multitudinous. Abundant Ṣalawāt upon the Beloved ﷺ leads to loving him and knowing his beautiful qualities. By that virtue, degrees of purity are realized. From the signs of the people of the Sunnah is sending Ṣalawāt upon him, for the key to all goodness is Ṣalawāt upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

– More Sidi Tariq Samady: http://mcceastbay.org/tariq
– More Tri-Valley and East Bay Mawlid celebrations: https://mcceastbay.org/mawlid
– More about celebrating the Prophet (peace be upon him)’s day of birth: https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/innovation-bida-and-celebrating-the-prophets-birthday-mawlid
– More sessions about “The Kingdom of the Heart”: http://mcceastbay.org/kingdom

Building Stronger Muslim Marriages | Imam Faraz Malik
2025-09-21 14:00 - 15:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
In just 90 minutes, we help Muslim couples go from roommates to soulmates. This interactive seminar, led by an Imam and a Licensed Professional Counselor, is designed for Muslim singles, engaged couples, and married couples, offering a blend of Islamic guidance and professional counseling principles.
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Sunday, September 21, 2025 | MCC Conference Room | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
In this workshop, you will learn:

Islamic principles of marriage and family life
Emotional and communication skills for couples
Healing from past relationship challenges
Practical strategies for nurturing love and mercy.

About the Speaker

Faraz Malik is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), educator, and religious scholar with a unique combination of expertise in mental health, Islamic studies, and classical Arabic education. He holds a BA in Mathematics, a Master’s in Islamic Studies, and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Faraz also spent four years in Amman, Jordan, where he deepened his mastery of classical Arabic, teaching at the esteemed Qasid Arabic Institute. He furthered his traditional Islamic education by completing the demanding five-year Alimiyyah program at Qalam Seminary.
Driven by a passion for solving communal problems, Faraz founded Arabic Daily, the first Arabic language institute in the U.S. to offer high school credit courses nationwide, accredited by Cognia and WASC. His deep involvement in education has given him a profound understanding of the unique challenges students and families face, especially when it comes to academic support and curriculum development.
Throughout his journey, Faraz gained valuable skills and connections in digital marketing, strategic planning, and organizational growth, making him a trusted advisor to non-profits and community organizations. His broad experience in launching and running companies has allowed him to assist organizations with their marketing, development, and operational strategies.
Through Malik Consulting, Faraz brings together his counseling and business expertise to serve both individuals and organizations. Whether you are seeking personal guidance or a leader in need of organizational support, Malik Consulting is equipped to help you navigate challenges and achieve your goals.

Practicing Hope: Be a Lifeline for Young Women Experience Challenges of Life in Palestine | Areej Masoud
2025-09-21 18:00 - 19:00
Join Areej Masoud, founder of Khayari Women’s Leadership and Economic Empowerment Organization in Bethlehem, as we learn about the work she has done to highlight the voices of Palestinians living in Palestine. She will speak about Palestinian women’s empowerment.
Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025 | 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | Join in-person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
Sponsored by Asbury United Methodist Church, Friends of Wadi Foquin, Soul of My Soul Exhibit & MCC East Bay.
Reverend Michael Yoshii will be MCing this event. He has been advocating for Palestine from the Bay Area for decades
On Friday, September 19, local Bay Area groups supporting Khayari Foundation, which is an organization located in Bethlehem that seeks to empower Palestinian women will also table at MCC during the three Jumu’ah prayer services: https://mcceastbay.org/event/friends-of-wadi-foquin-tables-mcc-jumuahs
Areej will share her personal journey, the mission of Khayari, and how Palestinian women are shaping hope and resilience in the face of war and occupation. The ongoing conflict has created severe hardships for Palestinians. This event offers a chance to hear directly from someone working on the ground to empower women and build hope amid these challenges.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

– More talks & sermons about Palestine at MCC: https://mcceastbay.org/palestinian

Areej Masoud is a Palestinian Christian woman from Bethlehem and the founder of Khayari Women’s Leadership and Economic Empowerment Organization. Born and raised under occupation, she speaks from a place of urgency. Now witnessing a genocide unfold in Gaza, Palestinians struggle to keep hope alive in the West Bank.
Khayari provides leadership training, economic opportunities, and spaces for women to heal and build supportive communities. The organization supports young Palestinian women by providing leadership opportunities, economic empowerment, and a platform for their voic
Just months before the war began, Christian Palestinian Activist Areej Masoud launched Khayari to create a space for young Palestinian women to lead, heal, and find direction in a world that often denies them the right to exist. The organization is Palestinian-led, woman-founded, and deeply rooted in lived reality. Areej’s work and ministry centers on women’s voices, economic empowerment, and reclaiming space amid destruction. Her presence is not to dwell in the evil in the world, but to engender courage and find hope for the future.
Palestinian Christian Areej Masoud, works in communications at Bethlehem Bible College. She will outline the everyday difficulties of life in the occupied West Bank.
Areej is impassioned to speak up on behalf of her people and introduce the world to her reality, often hidden from mainstream media! A reality where access to basic necessities such as healthcare, education, water, shelter, freedom of movement and economic security is greatly restricted.

Friends of Wadi Foquin Tables @ MCC Jumu’ahs

Areej Masoud is a Palestinian Christian woman from Bethlehem and the founder of Khayari Women’s Leadership and Economic Empowerment Organization. Born and raised under occupation, she speaks from a place of urgency. Now witnessing a genocide unfold in Gaza, Palestinians struggle to keep hope alive in the West Bank.Just months before the war began, Areej launched Khayari to create a space for young Palestinian women to lead, heal, and find direction in a world that often denies them the right to exist. The organization is Palestinian-led, woman-founded, and deeply rooted in lived reality. Areej’s work centers on women’s voices, economic empowerment, and reclaiming space amid destruction. Her presence is not to dwell in the evil in the world, but to engender courage and find hope for the future.

Women’s Seerah Bookclub (in-person & virtual) | Ustadha Leila Fakira
2025-09-22 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-09-29 11:00 - 12:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join our weekly sisters’ in-person & virtual Seerah book club, where we have an active discussion, take away lessons for our daily lives, and inshaAllah fall in love with the Prophet ﷺ. This year, we are reading from Our Lady Fatima al-Zahra (R.A.) by Muhammad Abduh Yamani.

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

Event Details:

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

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

Book Purchase:

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

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

For those local in the Bay Area:

Rumi Bookstore
Zaytuna Bookstore

Questions? bookclub@mcceastbay.org

About the Book

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

Secrets of Divine Love – Men’s Book Club
2025-09-24 18:30 - 20:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join us for a weekly book club and discussion group as we collectively strive to mindfully open our hearts to Allah’s love for us and our love for Allah. We will read and reflect on A. Helwa’s internationally acclaimed book, Secrets of Divine Love: A Spiritual Journey into the Heart of Islam (Studying Qur’an & Hadith).
Each session will cover one chapter, including group discussions, reflections, and selected exercises from the book.
The first session will be abridged, focusing on the Introduction and the “Reading with an Open Heart” preface. It will also set the stage for the remainder of the series for those planning to attend most or all sessions.
While we encourage consistent attendance for the benefit of shared reflection and continuity, each session is self-contained, and participants are welcome to drop in even if they cannot commit to every week. Sidi Mohammed Kaddoura facilitates this group.
Starts May 14 | Wednesdays | 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Conference Room | In-person only
Class Schedule (Download discussion guide)

Introduction & Reading with an Open Heart
May 14, 2025
Chapter 1 – Allah
May 21, 2025
Chapter 2 – Humanity
May 28, 2025
Chapter 3 – Qur’an
June 4, 2025
Chapter 4 – Islam / Iman / Ihsan
June 11, 2025
Chapter 5 – Tawba
June 18, 2025
Chapter 6 – Shahadah
June 25, 2025
Chapter 7 – Salat
July 2, 2025
Chapter 8 – Zakat
July 9, 2025
Chapter 9 – Ramadan
July 16, 2025
Chapter 10 – Hajj
July 23, 2025
Chapter 11 – Death
July 30, 2025
Chapter 12 – Heaven and Hell
August 6, 2025
Conclusion
August 13, 2025

Disclaimer
This book club is intended to stimulate thought and reflection, not to teach deen. It is not a fiqh or aqidah class. The book contains various concepts and references that may not align with traditional Islamic scholarship.
If you have any questions about what scholars say regarding a topic discussed in the book or during the sessions, we strongly recommend consulting a scholar you know and trust. You may also forward your question to the organizers so we can seek guidance from a qualified scholar and share it with the group.
We approach the book’s abstract ideas as thought experiments and the exercises as opportunities for spiritual reflection, not as a substitute for traditional Islamic scholarship.
Discussion Group Guidelines

Everyone has something to say; everyone has something to learn.
Shy participants are encouraged to contribute.
Talkative participants are encouraged to listen more.
Confidentiality is essential.
Do not share other participants’ reflections outside the group. It’s okay to say, “someone in my book club made me think about…” but not “so-and-so said…”
Give 70 excuses.
Assume good intentions. If disagreements arise, remember our shared goal is growth. We leave differences in the room and continue with brotherhood outside of it.
Maintain emotional awareness.
The topics we discuss may evoke strong emotions. All participants are expected to remain calm, respectful, and emotionally intelligent. Please avoid getting carried away in conversation. Proper etiquette is required at all times.

Book Purchase
Please purchase the book in advance if you want to follow along. Available at:
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Divine-Love-Spiritual-Journey/dp/1734231203
Audiobook voiced by the author also available.
About the Book
Secrets of Divine Love was written for the longing heart, searching for meaning, hope, or healing. It is for anyone who has felt distant from God or overwhelmed by their imperfections.
This book serves as a guide back to divine peace and surrender. Through the practices and pillars of Islam, A. Helwa invites readers to unlock their spiritual potential and deepen their relationship with Allah. Blending Qur’an verses, Hadith, poetry, psychology, science, and mystical stories, the book offers a heart-based yet intellectually grounded approach to spiritual growth.

Author: A. Helwa
Paperback: 385 pages
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: Naulit Publishing House

About the Author
Helwa believes the Divine deeply loves every person. Her popular blog, @quranquotesdaily, began as a personal effort during her Master of Divinity studies and has grown to inspire hundreds of thousands. With over 15 years of experience in Islamic spirituality and writing, she combines traditional sources and personal insight to help readers connect to Divine love in everyday life.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Mommy and Me Fall '25 Session | MCC's Mommy & Me Program
2025-09-25 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-02 10:00 - 11:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
In this eight-week session, our toddlers and pre-schoolers (ages 1-5) will develop love for Islam, Allah (swt), and RasulAllah (saw) through book reading, sing-alongs, Parachute Time, activities, and more!
Thursdays: 08/14, 08/21, 08/28, 09/04, 09/11, 09/18, 09/25, 10/02, and Saturday, 09/06 | 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Conference Room | $120 for all 8 sessions, or $75 for 5 sessions, or $20 per session | Register at mcceastbay.org/happyhearts
These Mommy & Me sessions are designed for girls and boys ages one to four who are accompanied by a female guardian. Moms, grandmothers, and so on are welcome. This is also a great opportunity to connect with other moms and caretakers in the MCC community.
Our Mommy and Me sessions begin with dua and a salaam/greeting song and end with the Fi-Amanillah song and kid-favorite parachute time.
Questions? Happy Hearts Playgroup Facilitator Sr. Khadija at mommyandme@mcceastbay.org
MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attending any activity held in the community center. To request a financial waiver, please complete our financial waiver request: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/scholarship

Learning Quran, Arabic, & Islamic Studies Camp | Hassania Eljaouhari Idrissi
2025-09-25 16:30 - 18:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Boys & Girls Ages 6-15: Join us for a seven-week camp on learning the Qur’an, Arabic, and Islamic Studies using the text 40 Hadith for Islamic Schools, Part II by Muhammad S. Adly.
Students will learn the meanings of the hadith, memorize them, and build a beautiful Muslim character through the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw). Surah al-Waqia will also be covered through memorization and understanding its meanings.
We will learn conversational Arabic through practicing questions and answers based on dialogue and presentations.
Thursdays | 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Sept. 25 to Nov. 6 | Room 22/23 | $135/student ($125/sibling) | Register at mcceastbay.org/learn
$10 discount for siblings. Please email operations@mcceastbay.org to receive the discount code.
About the Instructor:
Hassania Eljaouhari Idrissi has over 25 years of teaching experience in Islamic schools in Texas and California, including MCC Sunday School, the Rahmah Foundation, Brilliant Minds Montessori School in San Ramon, and the Salah Champions summer program, which took place at MCC in 2024.
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
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Quarterly Red Cross Blood Drive @ MCC Jumu’ahs
2025-09-26 11:30 - 16:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
As people of faith, it is in our blood to help. With a 15-minute blood donation, you can be part of a lifesaving journey that could save up to three lives.

The MCC community has saved nearly 375 lives! This is our 36th blood drive during Jumu’ah, and each has always been fully booked!

Let’s continue that trajectory at this blood drive and keep all our American Red Cross guests busy when they set up in our Banquet Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on three Fridays in 2025. Sign up at: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/blood-drive
Here are the Jumu’ah Friday prayer service times: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/prayer

In 2025, MCC will proudly host these quarterly blood drives during Jumuah services from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with our friends at the American Red Cross:

Friday, February 21, 2025 (Stanford Blood Center)
Friday, May 23, 2025 (American Red Cross)
Friday, September 26, 2025 (American Red Cross)
Friday, December 5, 2025 (American Red Cross)

A Power Red donation targets O-, O+, A-, and B—only. It takes 20-30 minutes because donors give two units of concentrated Red Blood Cells, and platelets and plasma are returned. Blood diversity is essential. Now more than ever, the American Red Cross needs the help of black blood donors.

Blood donors report feeling a strong sense of satisfaction after donating blood. Why? Because helping others in need feels good.

If you have visited India, Pakistan, or another high-risk malaria country and returned within the last 12 months, you are not eligible to donate blood. See the latest travel-related restrictions to blood donation eligibility.

Every person who donates blood at MCC will receive a voucher for a free meal at IniBurger—Gourmet Burgers in Pleasanton. MCC congregation members Leeza and Abdullah Popal, who own these establishments, generously donate these vouchers to encourage community and congregation participation.

MCC Youth: If you are 16 to 18, here are the donor requirements and the parental authorization form link.

On the morning of the blood drive, please complete the Rapid Pass online and bring the print-off to speed up the check-in process. Complete at https://mcceastbay.org/rapid

Attorneys @ Jumu'ah: Free Legal Clinic
2025-09-26 13:30 - 15:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
During the third and fourth Jumu’ah services at MCC, Legal Attorney Erum Choudhry will be providing a free fifteen-minute consultation in the following areas:

Islamic Estate Planning
Immigration: Family-based, employment-based, Citizenship
Bankruptcy: Chapters 7 and 13

Appointments are required to receive a free consultation. No walk-ins will be allowed. Please sign up at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
Third Fridays of Each Month | 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | MCC Meeting Room (first office) | Appointment required (no walk-ins); RSVP at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
MCC will hold legal clinics on the following days:

2025:

January 17, 2025
Apr 18, 2025
May 22, 2025
Jun 20, 2025
Jul 18, 2025
Aug 22, 2025
Sep 26, 2025
Oct 17, 2025
Nov 21, 2025
Dec 19, 2025

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Erum Choudhry has more than ten years of legal experience. She graduated from Cornell Law School in 2002. She served as a senior attorney/associate with boutique law firms in Silicon Valley and well-established law firms in Northern California. She counsels clients from individuals, families, and startups to Fortune 500 companies, major hospitals, and multinational corporations.
She is committed to helping each client with a personalized solution. She is well equipped with the tools like experience, staff, empathy, and compassion to help communities grapple with boom-bust challenges, whether immigration, bankruptcy, or estate planning matters. She picked these areas of practice because these areas of law allow her to understand her clients, serve the community, and help them enjoy a stress-free life.
She enjoys interacting with her clients and audience. She is a frequent speaker at local community and youth events. She provides pro bono services to underprivileged community members and works with local nonprofit organizations to help immigrants.

UNICEF Averroes Club Charter Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2025-09-26 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
The Averroes UNICEF Club is selling chai and mojitos to fundraise for a local homeless shelter in the Bay Area. 100% of their efforts will be used to create care packages for those in need.
Visit their table this Friday to support their cause.

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Rosewood
2025-09-26 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For MCC’s four Jumu’ah services on Friday, Sep. 26, 2025:

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. to 2:50 p.m.

Dr. Youssef Ismail delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

3:40 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Sidi Shaan Mukhtar delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

*Please attend at 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. at MCC to avoid heavier first-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 (Building 5)., Pleasanton. Rosewood is only a five-minute drive from MCC.

Please note that the former HP lot (now Pleasanton School District) is no longer available to our congregation. The District graciously provides the MCC congregation a limited number of parking space. Please come to the third or fourth Jumuah at MCC to ease up parking congestion or, better yet, attend our weekly parallel satellite prayer from 1:40 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. at Rosewood Center (Building 5): https://mcceastbay.org/rosewood

– Virtually watch the three MCC sermons from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Shaykh Talal: http://mcceastbay.org/talal
– More Dr. Youssef: http://mcceastbay.org/youssef
– More Ustadh Omar: mcceastbay.org/omar
– More Sidi Shaan: http://mcceastbay.org/shaan

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

*Canceled* Breaking Down the UC Application (For High School Students) | MTC Berkeley
2025-09-26 16:00 - 17:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
*Canceled*
After the Friday teen Jumu’ah ends at 4 p.m., join us for a college admission workshop for high school students led by a panel of UC Berkeley students across all disciplines of study with the Muslim Tech Collaborative at Berkeley. Discover their experiences and challenges as they navigate their respective fields.
We will review the UC admissions process, application essay writing strategies, and resources you need to succeed in your career path.
We will have a panelist Q&A afterward, so come prepared to ask questions! Students and parents are welcome. Light refreshments will be provided.
Friday, Sept. 26 | 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | Join in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/admission
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

It’s that time of year—college applications are open, and we’re here to help!

Join us for a College Admissions Workshop for high school students, led by a panel of UC Berkeley students across all disciplines, in collaboration with the Muslim Tech Collaborative at Berkeley. Hear about their experiences and challenges as they navigate their fields.

We’ll cover the UC admissions process, application essay strategies, and essential resources to help you succeed in your career path. Stick around for the panel Q&A —come ready with your questions!

Students and parents are welcome. Light refreshments will be provided.

About the Muslim Tech Collaborative: Founded in January 2023 in Berkeley, CA, MTC is a national organization dedicated to building technical projects that solve real-world problems, educating the youth with the technical skills of tomorrow, and advancing Muslims’ careers with our professional and entrepreneurial resources. We’re focused on generating tangible, positive impacts on the communities around us. Learn more about us at muslimtech.org.

Lead the Way!: How to Serve On Your City's Local Boards & Commissions | Moina Shaiq (Bay Area Muslim Council)
2025-09-27 10:00 - 11:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join a longtime East Bay-based Community Activist and Civic Leader, Moina Shaiq, to learn how to apply for city and county boards, understand their roles and responsibilities, and explore ways to make a meaningful impact through public service.
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Saturday, Sep. 27 | MCC Conference Room | Free | Join us in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Moina Shaiq is an East Bay-based community activist and civic leader recognized for promoting inclusion, fostering interfaith dialogue, and encouraging political engagement.
She helped shape the policies & projects that affect our everyday lives, as well as connected with local officials and neighbors.
For under 10 hours a month in local civic leadership, you too can leave a lasting and meaningful legacy. Join us to learn how to apply.
This workshop is open to all who want to strengthen Muslim representation and advocacy in decision-making spaces. We will have tea, coffee, and snacks.
Sponsored by Bay Area Muslim Council & MCC East Bay.
The Bay Area Muslim Council’s mission is to empower local Muslim representation in politics 🗳️🤝. From city councils to school boards, they’re building a future where Muslim voices are not only heard — but lead. 💪🏽📢 They focus on community organizing, civic education, and coalition building across the Bay Area 🤲🏽🌁. They’re here to ensure our communities are informed, mobilized, and represented in the places where decisions are made.

About the Speaker:
Moina Shaiq is a longtime community activist and civic leader in the East Bay, California. Since immigrating from Pakistan in 1978, she has dedicated herself to strengthening democracy through civic engagement, interfaith dialogue, and public service. She founded the Muslim Support Network and is best known for her “Meet a Muslim” initiative, which fosters open conversations to break down stereotypes and build trust. Moina has served on numerous city and county boards and commissions, advocating for inclusion, equity, and representation. Her work highlights the importance of everyday citizens stepping into civic and political spaces to create lasting change.
Bay Area Muslim Council (BAMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating civic-minded Muslim Americans in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through education, leadership training, and community partnerships, they prepare individuals to serve on local boards, commissions, and civic initiatives, while building bridges across diverse communities.
Their mission is to foster ethical leadership, strengthen representation, and promote service that benefits the common good. By investing in leaders at the neighborhood level and creating pathways for long-term civic engagement, they aim to ensure that Muslim Americans are recognized not only as part of the civic fabric but as leaders who give back and contribute to the well-being and progress of all.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

The Bay Area Muslim Council’s mission is to empower local Muslim representation in politics 🗳️🤝. From city councils to school boards, they’re building a future where Muslim voices are not only heard — but lead. 💪🏽📢 They focus on community organizing, civic education, and coalition building across the Bay Area 🤲🏽🌁. They’re here to ensure our communities are informed, mobilized, and represented where decisions are made.

Please also join the Bay Area Muslim Council for an inspiring evening of Empowering Hyperlocal Representation with influential voices shaping civic action and political change!
📅 Saturday, October 4, 2025
📍 Fremont, CA | 🕔 5:00 PM
🎤 Featuring:
• Mehdi Hasan – Founder of Zeteo
• Josh Paul – Former US Official
• Lateefah Simon – US Representative
• Imam Tahir Anwar – Civic Leader
✅ Register now at BAMCouncil.org/RSVP
#BayAreaMuslims #CivicEngagement #Representation #communitypower

Monthly Sisters' Mawlid
2025-09-27 11:00 - 13:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Sisters: Join us monthly for sisters’ Mawlid for a gathering of remembrance and Dhikr.
Connect more with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as we gather on the fourth Saturday of each month in remembrance and dhikr.
Every fourth Saturday (except for May & Aug ’25) | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Pre-K room | In-person only | Free; no RSVP required

Sisters and children welcome. No boys over the age of eight are allowed.
Dates for Monthly Women’s Mawlid at MCC East Bay

– Saturday, November 23, 2024
– Saturday, December 28, 2024
– Saturday, January 25, 2025
– Saturday, February 22, 2025
– No session in Ramadan in March ’25
– Saturday, April 26, 2025
– Saturday, May 31, 2025 (date changed due to Memorial Day weekend)
– Saturday, June 28, 2025
-Saturday, July 26, 2025
-Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025
– Saturday, Sep. 27, 2025

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
The Mawlid is a joyous expression of the greatest blessing from Allah.
We take this blessed opportunity monthly to remind ourselves of the three sacred rights that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ requires from us, instilling in us a deep sense of respect and reverence.

– Marifah – Recognizing who the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is
– Muhabbah – Loving the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
– Ittiba’ – Obedience to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ

The second two (loving and obeying) are not entirely possible without genuinely recognizing the first – who the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was. This recognition enlightens us and deepens our knowledge of his teachings.

Monthly Special Needs Support Circle | Clinician Wajma Nasir (Virtual)
2025-09-27 14:00 - 15:30 | mcceastbay.org/wellness-circle
For parents, families, and caregivers of individuals with special needs, join us every third Saturday of the month for a wellness circle with a trained Maristan clinician. We will discuss challenges, resources, and strategies for providing the best care for our families and ourselves.
These wellness circles provide a safe space for caregivers with special needs to connect and share their experiences. It allows caregivers to share their joys and frustrations, ask questions, form friendships, and more.
Saturday, Sep. 27 | 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Virtual only, session will not be recorded | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/wellness-circle
Co-sponsored by Muhsen, Maristan, & MCC East Bay
These special needs wellness circles are held every second Saturday of the month (dates might change depending on the clinician’s availability):
Saturday, June 14
Saturday, July 26
Saturday, August 16
Saturday, September 27
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Wajma Nasir is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She graduated from University of San Francisco with a Masters in Counseling Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is currently employed at Wellness Together, a non-profit organization that provides school – based therapy services. She specializes in serving children grades TK to 6th grade. She utilizes modalities such as ACT, CBT and solution focused in order to serve the needs of her clients. She is a Certified Domestic Violence Counselor.

Exploring AI Together: Insights, Stories, and Live Experiences | MCC East Bay AI Program Event
2025-09-27 19:00 - 20:45 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join us for an inspiring evening that combines expert insights, student stories, live demos, and interactive discussions to deepen your understanding and engagement with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Whether you’re a beginner curious about AI, a developer, or serious about immersing yourself in the topic, this talk welcomes everyone.
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 7 p.m. to 8:45 pm (Maghrib to Isha) | MCC Conference Room | Join us in-person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
We will learn:

Decode the Transformer:

Watch a clear, engaging walkthrough of the Transformer architecture, the powerhouse behind modern AI models, explained by experts in accessible, real-world terms.

Community Success Stories:

Hear firsthand how two of your peers leveraged AI in their personal and professional journeys, showcasing real-world impact from our own community.

Try Cutting-Edge AI Demos:

Interact with state-of-the-art models and agents in action. Test their abilities on meaningful tasks and see AI’s possibilities in real time.

Interactive Q&A + Strategy

Ask your burning questions, share your perspective, and take away tangible guidance for how to “ride the AI wave” while grounding yourself in AI fundamentals.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Muslimah Girls Flag Football Team
2025-09-28 09:00 - 10:00 | Emerald High School
Sep. 14 session has been canceled.
For Girls Ages 12-18: Join us twice a month on Sunday mornings for girls-only flag football sessions. We will start with a short dua, followed by warm-ups, drills, and games.
Dedicated volunteers lead these sessions in our community. Moms are also welcome to join.
Sunday, Sep. 14 & 28 | 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. | Emerald High School | Girls Ages 12-18 | $15/session | Register at mcceastbay.org/girls-flag-football
Capped at 30 participants.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About the facilitator:
Belqees Barethz is an active member of the East Bay community who grew up in the Tri-Valley Area and has enjoyed playing sports from a young age. While most of the other females in the family would be enjoying their time sitting and talking at park gatherings, Belqees would be out on the field playing volleyball, football, or any other sport. Her passion for sports, particularly flag football, has led her to initiate these sessions specifically for young Muslimahs. She is excited to offer them to the community for the first time. Belqees is passionate about giving back to the community in one way or another and believes this will be a fun way to bring the youth together insha’Allah.

Maitri Bay Area Tables @ MCC Jumu’ahs
2025-10-03 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Maitri is a free, conﬁdential, nonproﬁt organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area that primarily helps families and individuals from South Asia, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives facing domestic violence, emotional abuse, cultural alienation, or family conﬂict.

Visit their table for more information on their free client-based and community programs, including housing, legal advocacy, economic empowerment, outreach and prevention, policy advocacy, and volunteer engagement.

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Let’s remember that Islam enjoins kindness and mercy and forbids oppression.
Domestic violence happens everywhere all the time and affects everyone. Women are the principal victims. Help us bring awareness.
During the MCC Jumu’ah services this month, MCC will invite various local Bay Area DV organizations to table. Our Khutbahs will also focus on raising awareness of domestic violence.

Asian Women Shelter Tables @ MCC Jumu’ahs
2025-10-03 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Arab Women Services, a branch of Asian Women Services, provides support services to Arab Speakers who are survivors of Domestic Violence. Visit their table this Friday to learn more about how you can support their efforts.
