Secrets of Divine Love Book Club
2022-12-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Starting Saturday, August 20th, MCC will be hosting a Secrets of Divine Love book club/discussion group every other Saturday evening. Join us as we collectively strive toward mindfully opening our hearts to Allah’s love for us and our love for Allah. Each chapter contains its own exercises that will serve as the focal point for our discussions and each chapter stands alone so you can attend any session that is convenient for you without the need to ‘catch up’.
The first session will be abridged and focus simply on the Introduction, the Reading with an Open Heart preface and set the stage for future discussions for those who hope to attend all or most of the sessions and follow the progression.
This book club will be held every other week for a Saturday Book Club discussing the internationally acclaimed book by A. Helwa, Secrets of Divine Love. Each session will cover a chapter and will include group discussions, reflections, and exercises from the book. The discussion takes place every Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and in Summer ’22 runs from Saturday, August 20 2022 to Saturday, March 4, 2023.
RSVP for the registration at https://mcceastbay.org/divine-love-bookclub. RSVP is requested.
Saturdays | August 20 to March 4 | Conference Room | In-person only.
Disclaimer
This book club is intended to stimulate thought and reflection, not teach deen. It is NOT a fiqh or aqidah class. The book contains various references and concepts that do not align with traditional Islamic scholarship on those subjects. If any participant has any questions about what scholars say about any of the concepts mentioned in the book or discussed in the book club meetings, we strongly recommend consulting a scholar they know and trust and/or forwarding those questions to the organizers of the book club so that we can get guidance from a scholar and share that guidance with the group.
We intended to approach the abstract ideas found in this book as thought experiments and the exercises as cardio for the spiritual heart. Nothing in the book or book club meetings should be viewed as replacing, undermining, or contradicting traditional Islamic scholarship in any way.
Discussion Group Guidelines

-Everyone has something to say, everyone has something to learn

-Shy people encouraged to contribute
-Talkative people encouraged to restrain themselves

-Confidentiality

-Do not share people’s reflections outside of the group. Can say stuff like “somebody in my book club made me think (this or that) about (this or that)”, but not “(so and so) said …”

-70 excuses

-Give your sisters/brothers every benefit of the doubt as far as their intention with whatever they say, particularly what you may disagree with

-‘Dinner after’

-If you have differences of opinion during the discussion, remember the intention is beneficial learning that we are all working together to achieve. So you leave those differences of opinion at the door when we’re done and still be ready to go to dinner after with people you may have disagreed with (see 70 excuses rule)

-Be chill

-Emotional subject matter requires conscious intention to remain emotionally intelligent and not let ourselves get carried away. Particularly the brothers, don’t get aggressive or excited, appropriate adab with each other and with our sisters is required

Class Schedule:

-Intro

-Aug 20, 2022

-Chapter 1 – Allah

-Sep 3, 2022

Chapter 2 – Humanity

-Sep 17, 2022

-Chapter 3 – Qur’an

-Oct 1, 2022

-Chapter 4 – Islam/Iman/Ihsan

-Oct 15, 2022

-Chapter 5 – Tawba

-Oct 29, 2022

-Chapter 6 – Shahadah

-Nov 12, 2022

-Chapter 7 – Salat

-Dec 3, 2022

-Chapter 8 – Zakat

-Dec 17, 2022

-Chapter 9 – Ramadan

-Jan 7, 2023

-Chapter 10 – Hajj

-Jan 21, 2023

-Chapter 11 – Death

-Feb 4, 2023

-Chapter 12 – Heaven and Hell

-Feb 18, 2023

-Conclusion

-Mar 4, 2023

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

–https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Divine-Love-Spiritual-Journey/dp/1734231203

*Audiobook voiced by author available
About the Book

Secrets of Divine Love was written for the longing heart, for the one who is searching for something they have not been able to find. For the one who sometimes spirals into hopelessness and cannot help but feel too imperfect for a perfect God to love. This book is for the one who is at the edge of their faith, who has experienced religion as a harsh winter instead of the life-bearing spring it was sent to be by God.
Secrets of Divine Love serves as a compass and guiding light that returns you to the source of divine peace and surrender. Through the practices and pillars of Islam, you will learn how to unlock your spiritual potential and unveil your divine purpose. A. Helwa uses a rational, yet heart-based approach towards the Qur’an that not only enlightens the mind, but inspires the soul towards deeper intimacy with Allah. By weaving together dozens of inspiring mystical stories, Qur’an verses, Hadith, poetry, psychology, and science, the author breaks down Islam in a way that is both digestible and inspiring for millennial Muslims.
Author: A. Helwa
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 385 pages
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: Naulit Publishing House
About the Author
A. Helwa believes that every single person on Earth is deeply loved by the Divine. She is a writer who has inspired hundreds of thousands of readers through her passionate, poetic, and love-based approach to spirituality. Her popular blog @quranquotesdaily, was established while obtaining her Masters in Divinity, as a means of helping others overcome personal and spiritual struggles on their journey of experiencing divine love. With over 15 years of experience writing and speaking on Islam and spiritual development, A. Helwa draws from her personal experiences and traditional sources to help her readers access ‘Divine love in everyday life.’

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Private Event
2022-12-17 11:30 - 16:00
Prayer Hall & Banquet Hall

Addiction Family Support Group
2022-12-17 11:00 - 12:00
Nearly 37 percent of Muslims report personally knowing a person who has or is struggling with addiction. Yet Most Muslims with addiction and their families find little support in their communities.
Are you looking for resources to help you support someone struggling with addiction? Is someone else’s addiction negatively affecting you?
Help is on the way for you and your loved ones struggling with an addiction. MCC is now hosting Al-Anon Family Group meetings.
Join our weekly anonymous meetings from 11 a.m. to noon starting on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at MCC in Room 16. Enter MCC from Suite 150. In this open and confidential setting, you will learn how to apply basic recovery principles to your personal or loved one’s situation.
There is no fee to participate and pre-registration is not required.
This is an open meeting, so families, friends, and observers are welcome. Recovery is for everyone!
For those who cannot attend this in-person weekly support, the Madina House offers a regular virtual family support group: https://www.madinahouse.org/family-group
Regardless of the issue, you are dealing with, we know that hosting space in your spiritual community center is part of the lasting change from the inside out.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

What is Al-Anon?
The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of those affected by another person’s alcoholism and substance use who share their experiences, strength, and hope, in order to solve their common problems. Addiction is regarded as a family illness, and the philosophy focuses on the principle that changed attitudes can aid recovery.
Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy, and neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions. This Al-Anon Family Group session is called Celebrating Surrender AFG WSO ID 30787606.

– MCC’s Substance Use Family Support Group: https://mcceastbay.org/support-group
– More talks about various forms of use in Muslim Community: https://mcceastbay.org/abuse

Resources

Muslims find a safe place to recover from alcohol addiction: the mosque
For Muslims wrestling with substance abuse, it’s often a silent struggle
Substance Abuse and Addiction in the Muslim Community: Facing Stigma and Seeking Support
The Imam and the Drug Addict, IlmFeed
Overcoming Addiction: An Islamic Approach to Recovery (OAIAR)

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
FAQs ABOUT AL-ANON
Is this a religious fellowship?
The Al-Anon Family Group is a spiritual fellowship, not a religious one. We avoid discussion of specific religious doctrine, and members of all faiths (or of none) are welcome. Our Twelve Steps ask us to find a “Power greater than ourselves” who can help us solve our problems and find serenity. Each member is free to define that power in his or her own way.
Is an appointment needed?
No advance notification or formal written referral is necessary to attend an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting. Most Al-Anon groups have a contact who can be called for information about the group, our program in general, or for directions to a meeting. For this meeting, it is munir@mcceastbay.org.
How much is this going to cost?
There are no dues or fees in Al-Anon and Alateen meetings. MCC does not charge a fee to provide the space. Some other groups pass a basket for voluntary contributions to support paying rent (if applicable), provide literature, and offer support to local and worldwide service centers.
Is there a registration process to attend Al-Anon meetings?
The meetings are on a walk-in basis. Al-Anon has no membership list and does not take attendance. You’re welcome to attend as frequently or infrequently as you choose. There is never any obligation.
How will Al-Anon help me?
Many who come to Al-Anon/Alateen are in despair, feeling hopeless, unable to believe that things can ever change. We want our lives to be different, but nothing we have done has brought about change. We all come to Al-Anon because we want and need help.
In Al-Anon and Alateen, members share their own experience, strength, and hope with each other. You will meet others who share your feelings and frustrations, if not your exact situation. We come together to learn a better way of life, to find happiness whether our loved one is still addicted or not. It is recommended to try 6 different meetings to determine if Al-anon is right for you.
My friend/loved one is a drug addict. Can I go to an Al-Anon meeting?
You are also welcome to try Al-Anon meetings, then decide if the Al–Anon program might be helpful to you. The primary purpose of Al-Anon is to provide support to those affected by another person’s drinking. In a membership survey 35% of our members said they joined our program because of a loved one’s drug addiction and that their lives had improved since attending meetings. The survey also showed that 78% of these members eventually realized that someone’s drinking also negatively affected their lives.
There is another program, Nar-Anon, which is for people affected by a loved one’s drug addiction. You can visit their web site here: Nar–Anon.org. You are also welcome to try Al–Anon meetings, then decide if the Al-Anon program might be helpful to you.
Will anyone say I’ve been there?
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of Al-anon, ever a reminder to place principles above personalities. One of the ways this is carried out is by group members introducing themselves by first name only. Meetings are confidential, and we do not disclose whom we see or what we hear at meetings to anyone.
Do I have to say anything at a meeting?
It is your choice to speak or not during the meetings. Newcomers are welcomed to meetings, usually provided with literature and a local meeting list, and invited to listen and learn. Some meetings offer beginners’ meetings, specifically for newcomers. Long-time members are available to answer questions before or after the meetings.
Resources

Al-Anon Family Group (for families with a loved one suffering through an addiction)
East Bay Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous (for those suffering through an addiction)
Alameda County Department of Public Health – Substance Abuse Resource List
Alameda County Behavioral Health – Resource List and Helpline (1-844-682-7215)

Monthly Islamic Storytime with Khala Sahar
2022-12-17 11:00 - 12:00
Each month, Khala Sahar reads and entertains our young children in an engaging hour for ages 2 to 14 with a fun theme.

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Last Saturday of each month | Join in-person in the Prayer Hall or watch online at https://mcceastbay.org/live | Free; no registration needed

– More Sister Sahar: https://mcceastbay.org/sahar
– More sessions for young Muslim children: https://mcceastbay.org/children

Fall ’22 Saturday Event Dates:

– Saturday, August 27
– Saturday, September 24
– Saturday, October 29
– Saturday, November 19
– Saturday, December 17

Prior this kid’s monthly gathering, MCC hosts a sister’s gathering: https://mcceastbay.org/dhikr

About the Facilitator
Sister Sahar grew up in Southern California and earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California – Irvine (UCI). She went on to work as a behavioral therapist for autistic children for many years. After having her own two boys, she dedicated her time to raising and homeschooling them. Sahar enjoys working with children. She is inspired by their love and curiosity for life and Allah’s creation.

Khala Sahar’s Book Raffle: Enter the book raffle to win a free book! On a blank piece of paper write your first and last name, your age, and the titles of 10 books you’ve read between August 1-August 27, 2022. Or print out the book log and fill it out. For every 10 books read, you may enter your name in the raffle an additional time! (Note: books can be read independently or read aloud by someone to the child. Audiobooks are also acceptable). Bring your book log to the story time and enter it into the raffle for a chance to win. The more you read the more chances you have to win! Print the log: https://mcceastbay.org/log

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Boys Flag Football Camp
2022-12-17 10:00 - 11:30
Join Sidi Zeeshan Mukhtar for a three-week flag football camp over three Saturdays for boys ages 8 to 13.

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Saturday mornings | Saturday, December 17, 2022, to Saturday, December 31, 2022,| Creekside Park in Pleasanton | Admissions $20/child for the remaining two sessions | Register at mcceastbay.org/football

The camp is limited to 45 kids. The camp will be canceled if rain is in the forecast.

Dads are encouraged to come and stay and participate as well.

Please bring:

1. Dress kids in layers for cold mornings and intense play.

2. Properly fitted athletic shoes

3. A snack if your kid needs it (banana or granola bar, or power bar)

About the Facilitator

Azmat Zeeshan Mukhtar is a local father and mentor from our community who enjoys sports and kids. He will organize the activities and bring on some other dads to help volunteer and make this a rewarding activity for our young Muslim boys. He has raised three boys with his wife, Hina Khan-Mukhtar.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Creekside Park in Pleasanton:

Monthly Saturday Dhikr/Support Circle | Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi
2022-12-17 09:00 - 11:00
Join Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi for monthly in-person women-only dhikr circles filled with recitation, reflection, and Salawat.
This monthly Sisters Healing & Du’ah Circle is here to support sisters experiencing grief/loss, marital challenges, parenting challenges, health challenges, caring for elderly parents/loved ones, isolation, etc.
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Monthly on the last Saturday of each month | Conference Room | Free; no registration needed

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

Schedule

– Welcome
– Recitation of Ratib al-Shahr wird
– Recitation of Surah Yasin
– Dhikr
– Salawat
– Short reflection (khatira)

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

Monthly Saturday Dhikr/Support Circle | Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi
2022-12-17 09:00 - 11:00
Join Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi for monthly in-person women-only dhikr circles filled with recitation, reflection, and Salawat.
This monthly Sisters Healing & Du’ah Circle is here to support sisters experiencing grief/loss, marital challenges, parenting challenges, health challenges, caring for elderly parents/loved ones, isolation, etc.
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Monthly on the last Saturday of each month | Conference Room | Free; no registration needed

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

Schedule

– Welcome
– Recitation of Ratib al-Shahr wird
– Recitation of Surah Yasin
– Dhikr
– Salawat
– Short reflection (khatira)

Fall ’22 Saturday Event Dates

– Saturday, August 27
– Saturday, September 24
– Saturday, October 29
– Saturday, November 19
– Saturday, December 17

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

Parents/Children Workshops With Noor Kids
2022-12-16 19:00 - 21:00
Join Noor Kids from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 16, for interactive sessions on how parents can build a strong home, followed by a separate session for children on how to stand up to bullying.

Noor Kids is a Harvard-supported educational services organization that seeks to build confidence in the identity of young Muslims. Since their launch, their work has been welcomed into over 250,000 homes across 25 countries.

7 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Parent Workshop: Building a Strong Home: Practical & Proven Strategies for Parents of Young Muslims

The single most crucial variable in a child’s development is their relationship with mom and dad. What are practical and proven ways that parents can build a strong home?

In this 60-minute lecture, Noor Kids shares strategies supported by Islamic tradition and recent educational research.

8:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. for Children Workshop – Standing Up to Bullying (Ages 4+):

In this storytelling event, Amin recalls the hurt caused by bullies and provides children with a three-step approach to end bullying.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Friday, December 16 | MCC Conference Room & Prayer Hall | No RSVP needed | Join in person or watch online at mcceastbay.org/live

Free babysitting is provided.Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

About the Presenter:

Amin G. Aaser

Amin G. Aaser is a leader in Muslim children’s education, advocacy, and development.

Amin is the founder and Executive Director of Noor Kids, a Harvard-supported educational services organization that seeks to build confidence in the religious identity of young Muslims. Noor Kids publishes one of the world’s fastest-growing Islamic children’s book series, with titles in over 250,000 homes across 25 countries.

Amin is an expert on identity, bullying, education, and publishing among Muslim children in America. He has been featured on NPR, BBC, and The Huffington Post, among other media outlets. Since 2016, Amin has been invited to over 300 communities across North America to help counter challenges faced by Muslim children and youth.

Amin is also a “Master Storyteller,” developing his expertise in storytelling under the tutelage of Arina Isaacson, an internationally recognized and award-winning theater actress. Amin taught Storytelling at UC Berkeley.

Amin began his career in business management, working for Fortune 500 companies such as 3M, Target Corporation, and General Mills. He gained his Master’s Degree at UC Berkeley, where he focused on faith-based social enterprises. He graduated magna cum laude with distinction from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

He lives with his wife and daughter in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Boys Friday Night Halaqa for High Schoolers (Ages 14-18) | Hafiz Zaid Khanani
2022-12-16 19:00 - 21:00
Join MCC Youth Leader Hafiz Zaid Khanani‘s 16-week Friday evening halaqa for teen high school boys from 9th through 12th grade.

These sessions aim to craft our next generation of confident and faithful Muslim men. This will be the only offered for boys on Friday nights in 2022. Younger-age boy’s halaqas planned for January 2023. These halaqas are for teens ages 14-18 only. No younger boys. Capped at 30 teens. Once full, please join the waitlist.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Fridays | November 11 to March 17 (Ramadan ’23) | Register at HTTP://mcceastbay.org/boys

The MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a family in the East Bay from benefiting from any offering at the MCC facility. To request a financial waiver, please complete the application at mcceastbay.org/scholarship

To make an appointment for parents or youth to meet with MCC’s Youth leaders:

– Maryam Awwal: http://calendly.com/mcc-maryam

– Hafiz Zaid Khanani: http://calendly.com/mcc-zaid

Friday evening sessions in Fall 2022 and Winter 2023:

– November 11 (free preview session; no registration required)

– November 18 (registration required to join from this session onwards)

– November 25 (no session)

– December 2

– December 9

– December 16

– December 23 (no session)

– December 30 (no session)

– January 6, 2023

– January 13, 2023

– January 20, 2023

– January 27, 2023

– February 3, 2023

– February 10, 2023

– February 17, 2023

– February 24, 2023

– March 3, 2023

– March 10, 2023

– March 17, 2023 (last session before Ramadan 2023)

Zaid Khanani is a Marriage and Family Therapy trainee with the City of Fremont, Youth and Family Services. He graduated from Zaytuna College and completed his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the Wright Institute. Hafiz Zaid continues his formal Islamic Studies with local teachers and scholars overseas. He is a former Islamic Studies teacher at Northstar Islamic School and teaches numerous online classes.
