Monthly Sisterhood Hike at Thermalito Ridgeline (Depending on Forecast)
2023-01-14 07:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join us from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on January 14 for a Saturday morning hike at Thermalito Ridgeline Oak Tree Trail near Sunol to get to know other sisters in the community and enjoy the great outdoors. No children, please (female teens, okay).
Please note: Hike may be canceled due to the rainy forecast.

– When: Saturday, January 14
– Time: 7 a.m. to 10 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: No carpool from MCC is available for this hike. Carpool encouraged others on this hike.

– Parking: Entrance is free. We’ll meet by the parking lot right after you enter the gate.

– Location: Oak Tree Trail, Sunol, CA 94586
– Distance: 6.2 miles
– All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/thermalito-ridgeline-oak-tree-trail–2
– Difficulty: Moderate
– Misc: Please wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes, carry enough water, a small snack, a hat, sunglasses, and hiking poles if you have one. No cell network in that area, suggest carpooling and downloading the AllTrail maps.
– RSVP: By Friday, January 13, 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. On the day of the hike, if you have trouble finding the group, please call or text Sr. Aparna at (408) 480-6584. 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, hat, sunglasses, and hiking poles if you have one.
About the Trail:

Experience this 6.2-mile loop trail near Sunol, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 9 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

Questions? hiking@mcceastbay.org

Shaykh Samer Weekend Workshop
2023-01-14 10:00 - 17:00
Cultivate an ethical life seeking God based on a collection of short spiritual sayings, each containing profound meaning driven from the Qur’an and Sunnah with Shaykh Samer Al-Nass at a weekend intensive on “The Book of Aphorisms (Kitab Al-Hikam) by Ibn Ata’illah. The book has a total of #264 aphorisms (hikam). We did till #111 last time, and we’ll cover the remaining this time. Shaykh Samer is a renowned scholar of the Qur’an, Tafsir, and Hadith.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 | 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan 15 | MCC Conference Room | $20/in-person for the entire weekend (includes materials and optional daily on-site lunch purchase option) or $10/person (watch live online both days and study materials sent via email)

Register at https://mcceastbay.org/hikam

The event will not be publicly live-streamed. Public release of the recordings will be at the discretion of every speaker. No guarantee recordings will be released on the media channels for MCC East Bay. Please try to attend the program in person or live online. The event is taking place on Pacific Standard Time.

– More Shaykh Samer: https://mcceastbay.org/samer

– More Imam Asad Ali: https://mcceastbay.org/asad

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never prevent a person from attaining spiritual knowledge. For a financial-based scholarship discount code, please email scholarship@mcceastbay.org

About the Presenter:Shaykh Samer was born in Damascus, Syria, where he studied at the College of Medicine of the University of Damascus. He went on to study in the United States where he qualified in internal medicine.

The Shaykh has studied under some of the great ‘ulama of the Levant (Shaam) and the Arabian peninsula. He has a traditional license to teach (ijazah) in the ten styles of recitation of the narration of the Shatibiyyah and the Durra from the world-renowned Shaykh Muhammad Sukkar. He received an ijazah in the ten styles of recitation of the narration of Tayyibah from the Egyptian Shaykh Ahmad Mustafa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, himself a student of Shaykh Abd al-Aziz al-Zayyat of Egypt. Shaykh Samer has a traditional license to teach (ijazah) in Islamic law (fiqh) and theology and creed (‘aqida) from Shaykh Lutfi al-Fayumi and the late Hanafi Mufti, Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. He also studied with the previous Mufti of Syria, Shaykh Abu Yusr Ibn `Abidin. Shaykh Samer was honoured to study hadith in Mecca with the great Indonesian-Meccan Shaykh Yasin al-Fadani, and with Shaykh Nur ud-din `Itr of Syria. He also has an ijazah in Prophetic traditions (hadith) from the late Shaykh `Abd Allah Siraj al-Din of Aleppo, Syria.

Shaykh Samer is presently a teacher at Ma’had al-Fatih al-Islami in Damascus, teaching the Hanafi fiqh manual Al-Hidayah in the department of Islamic Law (Shariah), and lecturer on the ten recitations of the Qur’an in the MA program. The Shaykh teaches Qur’anic recitation (tajwid) after fajr prayers daily in the blessed mosque of Shaykh Ibn `Arabi, a post given to him by his Shaykh and father-in-law, one of the illustrious Shaykhs of Quran in the Levant (Sham), the late Shaykh Muhammad Sukkar. Shaykh Samer has been teaching at various Islamic studies intensive courses in England and North America since 2000.

About the Book:The Book Of Wisdoms [Kitab al-Hikam with Ikmal al-Shiyam]A Collection of Sufi Aphorisms with a Commentary

Muslim religious life not only consists of belief in orthodox tenets of faith and a determined effort to follow the Sacred Law, it also requires one to scale the heights of the spiritual path. The Kitab al-Hikam of Shaykh Ibn ‘Ata’illah al-Iskandari is the inspiring explanation of the soul’s journey through this life, as determined through the Qur’an and Sunna. Along with his treatises and intimate discourses (munajat), the substantive feature of the work is the author’s 264 spiritual aphorisms (hikam)—concise, comprehensive and sublime sayings on self purification (tazkiya), and guidelines to help strengthen the relationship between humans and their Lord. These aphorisms, which have never failed to inspire, are presented in this edition according to the systematic arrangement of the great Indian scholar Shaykh ‘Ali Muttaqi (d. 975/1567), together with the indispensable commentary of the twentieth-century sage Shaykh ‘Abdullah Gangohi.

About Ata’Allah Iskandari

Taj ad-Din Abu’l-Fadl Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Abd al-Karim b. Ata’ Allah al-Iskandari, al-Judhami ash-Shadhili, known simply as Ibn ‘Ata’ Allah, was born in Alexandria, Egypt, as his nisbah indicates, about the middle of the seventh/thirteenth century. His family were renowned Maliki scholars from the Banu Judham tribe, originally from Arabia. His grandfather, Abd al-Karim (d. 612 AH/1216 AD) had distinguished himself as an expert in fiqh, usul (principles of jurisprudence), and Arabic, having studied under the famous Abu’l-Hasan al-Abyari. He had written several books, among which were al-Bayin wa’t-Taqrib fi Sharh at-Tahdhib, Mukhtasar at-Tahdhib, and Mukhtasar al-Mufassal, and had been very hostile to Sufism.

Past Shaykh Samer video recordings: https://mcceastbay.org/samer

Nothing is complicated, if you seek it through your Lord; nothing is easy, if you seek it. – Ibn Ata Allah

Loving The Beloved ﷺ | Shaykh Samer Al-Nass & Imam Asad Ali
2023-01-14 17:30 - 19:30
Join us for this auspicious gathering of Burdah Shareef under the guardianship of Syedi Shaykh Samer Al-Nass this Saturday evening.

Imam Mohammed Asad Ali visiting from UK, will be leading Burda Shareefah along with local Bay Area Munshids

Burdah Shareefah is a world-renowned poem of the cloak, which is a great means to connect to the Best of Creation ﷺ. Reciting this magnificent poem is a means of getting closer to the Prophet ﷺ through its recital, commentary, and appreciation.

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, January 14 | Conference Room | Join in-person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live

– More Shaykh Samer: https://mcceastbay.org/samer

– More Imam Asad Ali: https://mcceastbay.org/asad

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

About the Scholars:Shaykh Samer Al-Nass was born in Damascus, Syria, where he studied at the College of Medicine of the University of Damascus. He went on to study in the United States where he qualified in internal medicine.

The Shaykh has studied under some of the great ‘ulama of the Levant (Shaam) and the Arabian peninsula. He has a traditional license to teach (ijazah) in the ten styles of recitation of the narration of the Shatibiyyah and the Durra from the world-renowned Shaykh Muhammad Sukkar. He received an ijazah in the ten styles of recitation of the narration of Tayyibah from the Egyptian Shaykh Ahmad Mustafa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, himself a student of Shaykh Abd al-Aziz al-Zayyat of Egypt. Shaykh Samer has a traditional license to teach (ijazah) in Islamic law (fiqh) and theology and creed (‘aqida) from Shaykh Lutfi al-Fayumi and the late Hanafi Mufti, Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. He also studied with the previous Mufti of Syria, Shaykh Abu Yusr Ibn `Abidin. Shaykh Samer was honoured to study hadith in Mecca with the great Indonesian-Meccan Shaykh Yasin al-Fadani, and with Shaykh Nur ud-din `Itr of Syria. He also has an ijazah in Prophetic traditions (hadith) from the late Shaykh `Abd Allah Siraj al-Din of Aleppo, Syria.

Shaykh Samer is presently a teacher at Ma’had al-Fatih al-Islami in Damascus, teaching the Hanafi fiqh manual Al-Hidayah in the department of Islamic Law (Shariah), and lecturer on the ten recitations of the Qur’an in the MA program. The Shaykh teaches Qur’anic recitation (tajwid) after fajr prayers daily in the blessed mosque of Shaykh Ibn `Arabi, a post given to him by his Shaykh and father-in-law, one of the illustrious Shaykhs of Quran in the Levant (Sham), the late Shaykh Muhammad Sukkar. Shaykh Samer has been teaching at various Islamic studies intensive courses in England and North America since 2000.

Imam Mohammed Asad Ali is the founder of the Imdadiyyah, an educational institution based in Sheffield, UK. He was classically trained at Masjid Nabawi. He formerly served as Imam at Waltham Forest Islamic Association (Lea Bridge Road Mosque), Masjid-e-Owais-e-Qarni (Belgrave Community Centre), and Ilford Islamic Centre.

The Forty Hadith Qudsi | Ustadha Nihad Hemmoudeh
2023-01-17 13:30 - 14:15
Ustadha Nihad Hemmoudeh facilitates a 45-minute live Zoom session for sisters (posted the following day publicly on MCC’s YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram) about the Forty Hadith Qudsi, the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as revealed to him by the Almighty Allah. 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. PST | Tuesdays | 12 consecutive weeks from January 3 to March 21 | No pre-registration needed | Join live each week at 1:30 p.m. on Zoom at https://mcceastbay.org/hadith

Ustadha Nihad will be using the book “Forty Hadith Qudsi” by Shaykh Muhammad Mitwalli ash-Sha’rawi.

– Watch past sessions at https://mcceastbay.org/qudsi

More Ustadha Nihad:

– Ustadha’s Nihad’s “Pearls of Islam: The Wives of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)” series: https://mcceastbay.org/pearls-series

– Ustadha Nihad’s Surah al-Kahf series: https://mcceastbay.org/kahf

– Ustadha Nihad’s Juz Amma series: https://mcceastbay.org/quran-tafseer

– Hafidha Nihad’s Sahaba (Companions) Series Sessions: https://mcceastbay.org/companions-series

– Ust. Nohad’s Al-Nawawi Hadith Series: https://mcceastbay.org/nawawi

– More Ustadha Nihad: https://mcceastbay.org/nihad

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Weekly Women’s Seerah Bookclub
2023-01-17 18:30 - 20:00
Join our weekly sisters’ virtual only 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 fall, we are reading “The Prophetic Narrative” by Samira al-Zayid.

RSVP for the live registration link below at https://mcceastbay.org/bookclub. RSVP is needed to join us virtually.

**Sessions changed to online only for the remaining classes.

Event Details:

The discussion takes place every Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a break in Ramadan ’23. The sessions are now only virtual sessions (no in-person component).

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://daybreak.rabata.org/products/soft-cover-a-compendium-of-the-sources-on-the-prophetic-narrative

Questions? bookclub@mcceastbay.org

About the Book

Internationally acclaimed as “the most authoritative resource” on the Sīra, this two-volume translation textbook is revolutionary in bringing Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s life to life for everyone who ventures upon it.

This multiple award-winning, comprehensive compilation of narrations and details of the life of Prophet Muhammad (S) has never before been available in English until now! Internationally acclaimed as “the most authoritative resource” on the Sīra, this two-volume translation textbook is revolutionary in bringing his (S) life to life for everyone who ventures upon it. The original volumes have won the approval and praise of numerous scholars. It is finally available as a treasured text for personal or educational development.

Author: Samira al-ZayidTranslators: Susan Imady, Tamara Gray, & Randa MardiniBinding: SoftcoverPages: Vol 1, 570; Vol 2, 558Publisher: Daybreak Press

Questions? bookclub@mcceastbay.org

Dua & Art | Kids Program with Artist Tarannum Saeed
2023-01-18 17:00 - 19:00
For ages 6 to 11, join us for a six-week Wednesday evening session to provide children with a fun and relaxing environment where they can create art and learn while having a good time with their Muslim peers. These sessions will be a continuation from last year. All skill levels are welcome.
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (breaks for prayer) | Wednesdays | January 18 to February 22 | $145/child (all materials provided) | Register at https://mcceastbay.org/art
Learning objectives:

– Drawing basics, composition, sketching, and shading.
– Use of different mediums, watercolor, acrylics, and pastel colors.
– One point perspective
– Enhance creativity

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
About the FacilitatorAs a lover of art for the sake of Allah (SWT), Tarannum Saeed wishes to imbue and foster love for art in the youth of the Muslim community. She has conducted art classes in painting, crafts, and other fine arts, both in person and on Zoom, and she has showcased her Islamic art and calligraphy at community art fairs. She has also served as a Kindergarten teacher at the MCC Sunday School and Ilm Academy in Fremont.

The Seven Obstacles on the Path to God Series | Sidi Shahyrar Abbasi
2023-01-18 19:15 - 20:15
Every Muslim is on a journey to Allah. As you travel to Allah, you will inadvertently face obstacles on your path and, many times, not know how to overcome them.

Join us for a new virtual weekly class with Sidi Shahryar Abbasi where we will discuss the 7 obstacles a believer faces on the Path to Allah, along with strategies for navigating these hurdles.

Imam Al Ghazali beautifully discusses these 7 Obstacles in his famous book, Minhaj Al Abideen, which is the core text for our class.

7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. | Wednesdays | Dec. 14 to Ramadan ’23 | Watch at https://mcceastbay.org/live

Hosted at Lighthouse Mosque. Streamed only on MCC media channels. Watch past sessions at https://mcceastbay.org/obstacles

– More Sidi Shahryar: https://mcceastbay.org/shahryar

– Sidi Shahryar’s “Seven Obstacles on the Path to God” Series: https://mcceastbay.org/obstacles

– Sidi Shahryar’s “Practical Spirituality Series”: https://mcceastbay.org/practical

– Sidi Shahryar’s “Real Talk Series”: https://mcceastbay.org/real-talk

– Sidi Shahryar’s “Traits of the Righteous” Series: https://mcceastbay.org/hallmark

– Sidi Shahryar’s “Deceptive Desires” Series: https://mcceastbay.org/desires

About the SpeakerShahryar graduated from the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and served as the External Affairs Vice President of UC Berkeley’s student government. He is an experienced speaker, mentor, and coach. Send him questions at: ask.abu.taha@gmail.com and learn more about him at https://www.tiktok.com/@islamic_spirituality

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Thursday Night Community Zikr
2023-01-19 19:00 - 20:30
Our monthly Zikr gathering is in the Conference Room from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Our Dhikr in a group session is open to all. Please join us!
Zikr is a ritual prayer or litany practiced by Muslims for the purpose of glorifying God and achieving spiritual perfection.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

ICNA Relief Bay Area Tables @ MCC Jumu’ahs
2023-01-20 12:30 - 14:00
ICNA Relief works to build healthy communities, strengthen families and create opportunities for those in despair while maintaining their dignity and advocating for their basic human needs.

They offer various programs in the Bay Area such as Transitional Women’s Housing, Food Pantry, Feed the Hungry, and Refugee Services.

For more information on the work they do and to support them, please visit: https://icnarelief.org/sf-bay-area/

Jumu’ah Services at MCC
2023-01-20 12:30 - 14:00
For our Jumu’ah services on Friday, January 20, masks are optional to attend any MCC service, and no RSVP is necessary:

12:30 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.

– Sidi Masoud Qazen delivers this sermon.

– No social distancing option in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship is available for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.

1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.

– Hafiz Zaid Khanani delivers this sermon.

– No social distancing option in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship is available for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.

Please attend at 12:30 p.m. to avoid heavier second-service congestion whenever possible. Masks are optional.

The third Jumu’ah will resume in March ’23: https://mcceastbay.org/event/new-jumuah-times-winter-schedule/

Jumu’ah parking for two services is in the MCC and the neighboring HP lot. The aerial map at https://mcceastbay.org/hp

– Virtually watch these two sermons from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live

– More Sidi Masoud: https://mcceastbay.org/masoud

– More Hafiz Zaid: https://mcceastbay.org/zaid-khanani

For parents attending with young children indoors, MCC offers private mothers’ and fathers’ rooms with an audio and visual connection to Prayer Hall. Parents can watch the sermon and pray while in the company of other parents with young children. The mothers/fathers prayer room is just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

The Alameda County Health Department reports COVID-19 cases are still happening. We remain indoors for the five daily prayers and two Jumu’ah services as long as health officials deem it safe. All the Jumu’ah prayers are indoors.

Dr. Rania Awaad's Weekly Friday Evening Halaqa
2023-01-20 19:00 - 21:00
Ustadha Dr. Rania Awaad holds a weekly Friday evening women’s gathering about navigating contemporary issues.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Every Friday from October 14, 2022 to March 17, 2023 | 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 Evening Halaqa recordings: https://mcceastbay.org/womens-halaqa
– Join Dr. Rania’s WhatsUp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HlHmFFnGbwvCvLl6uGD1C4

Free babysitting is provided in Room 16. Facility map: https://mcceastbay.org/facility-map
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
This halaqa is hosted parallel to our girl’s program in partnership with Rahmah Foundation.
Ustadha Rania AwaadRaised in the U.S., Ustadha Rania Awaad 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 Ijaazah (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, and is on the faculty of Zaytuna College, where she teaches courses in Shafi’i fiqh, 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 currently serves as the Director of the Rahmah Foundation, a non-profit organization that teaches Muslim women and girls traditional Islamic knowledge. 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.
From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., join Dr. Rania Awaad‘s women’s gathering about navigating contemporary issues. 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.
Friday evening sessions in Fall 2022 and Winter 2023:

– October 14
– October 21
– October 28
– November 5
– November 11
– November 18
– 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)

Boys Friday Night Halaqa for High Schoolers (Ages 14-18) | Hafiz Zaid Khanani
2023-01-20 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) ($100 from January 11 to March 17) | 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 (no session)

– 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.

Private Event
2023-01-21 09:00 - 14:00
Conference Room

Ilm Classes for Middle & High Schoolers (Boys & Girls) | Sr. Maryam Awwal & Hafiz Zaid Khanani
2023-01-21 10:00 - 11:15
Join MCC Youth Leaders, Sr. Maryam Awwal and Hafiz Zaid Khanani, for 9 weeks Saturday Ilm classes offered for both middle & high school girls and boys ( 6th through 12th grades). The classes will cover the Creed of Imam al-Tahawi.

These sessions aim to craft our next generation of confident and faithful Muslim women and men. These classes are for girls & boys ages 11-18 only. Capped at 30. Once full, please join the waitlist.

10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. | Saturdays | January 21 to March 18 (Ramadan ’23) | $120 per child | Register at HTTP://mcceastbay.org/ilm-classes

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

Saturday morning sessions in 2023:

– January 21, 2023

– January 28, 2023

– February 4, 2023

– February 11, 2023

– February 18, 2023

– February 25, 2023

– March 4, 2023

– March 11, 2023

– March 18, 2023 (last session before Ramadan 2023)

China’s Genocide Against Uyghurs (Uyghur Camp Survivors Speak Out)
2023-01-21 11:00 - 12:30
https://youtu.be/eqeFVzdjgOw

Hear from three Uyghurs in the diaspora who speak out to be the voice of those voiceless and defenseless Uyghurs back home and what you can do to stop China’s crimes against humanity.

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Saturday, January 21 | MCC Conference Room or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live

Sponsored by Uyghur Foundation, MCA Bay Area, Tarbiya Institute & The Uyghur American Association.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Millions of Uyghurs are suffering from unspeakable atrocities at the hands of the Chinese government, including forced sterilization of young women, enforced separation of families and placement of children in state orphanages, and the mass detention of more than one million people since 2017 in detention camps and forced labor camps.Uyghurs were also being transferred to factories in China proper and used as modern-day slaves. Uyghurs in the diaspora speak out to be the voice of those voiceless and defenseless Uyghurs back home. Why is China trying to annihilate Uyghurs? What can we do to stop China’s genocide of the Uyghurs?

https://youtu.be/L8IKcvMKjPA

Tursunay Ziyawudun is a former Uyghur detainee from one of the concentration camps in Ghulja, China. She was taken there in April 2017 and was released after a few months due to severe health problems, but she was detained in March 2018 for a second time. Due to her Kazakh husband’s and the Kazakhstan government’s help, she was released from the camp in December 2018, and she was allowed to go to Kazakhstan to be reunited with her husband in 2019. She is continuing her fight for justice here in the US.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXlax6Tu5H4

Mihrigul Tursun is a reported former Uyghur detainee from Xinjiang, China. After immigrating to the United States in 2018, Tursun said that she was taken into the custody of Chinese authorities several times, including being imprisoned at one of a network of political “re-education camps” for Uyghurs, subject to torture, and that one of her sons died while she was in the custody of Chinese authorities in 2015. Her story was widely reported in international media. In 2019 Hua Chunying of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China denied Tursun’s allegations and gave the Ministry’s own account of events.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTE8SJFQ8iU&t=46s

Zumret Dawut was born and raised in Urumqi. Working as a shuttle trader between Urumqi and Pakistan, she got married to Pakistani businessman Imran Muhemmed in 2005. The couple have three children together.

Zumret’s passport was confiscated sometime in 2017.

On March 31, 2018, she was called by the local neighborhood administration, after which she was taken to the local police station for questioning. Fixed to a tiger chair, she would then be interrogated about her marriage to a Pakistani and her bank transfers with Pakistan.

She would then be hooded and taken to the Beyzen (北站) “training center”, where she would spend around 2 months, being released on June 2 thanks to negotiations by Pakistani diplomats on her husband’s behalf.

Though she intended to leave the country immediately with her husband and kids, she was first forced to pay a 18000RMB fine for her third child being born “outside the plan”. She was then further required to undergo sterilization to be permitted to leave the country. On October 22, 2018, she underwent the procedure in a local facility (previously an epidemic prevention center).

In late January 2019, the family could finally leave for Pakistan – to see Imran’s sick father – on the condition that they return by February 27. Fearing for their safety, they went to the US on April 2, 2019, instead of applying for asylum there.

https://youtu.be/HOdAzKVHuIM

Elnigar Iltebir moderates the discussion. Elnigar Iltebir (Uighur: ئەلنىگار ئىلتەبىر; born 1984) is a United States-based Uyghur politician and activist. The Trump administration appointed her as Director for China in the United States National Security Council in August 2019.

Elnigar Iltebir was born in Ürümqi, Xinjiang in 1984. In 1992, she moved to Istanbul, Turkey with her family and lived there until she completed her high school education in Kabataş Erkek Lisesi. In February 2000, her family moved to the United States.

Iltebir is the daughter of Ablikim Baqi Iltebir, who is a well-known Uyghur writer and journalist. The elder Iltebir worked as a middle school teacher, was the chief editor in “Tengritagh Journal” and vice-president of “Urumchi Art Union” in Urumchi, and worked for Radio Free Asia from February 2000 to August 2017. Ablikim Baqi Iltebir died on August 8, 2019 at the age of 68.

References:

https://gluna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Flyer-Human-Rights-Day-2021-v2-1.pdf

https://gluna.org/event/human-rights-day-uyghur-genocide/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZpdUoYfrl4

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yt0dQtAaa9b4WLMiXSDPYJbS6fbEm82l/view

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Reminder–Thursday-November-3–China-s-Genocide-Against-Uyghurs.html?soid=1110347635144&aid=XStooqEAtU4

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mihrigul_Tursun

https://shahit.biz/eng/#5524

Private Event
2023-01-21 11:00 - 16:00
Banquet Hall

Saturday Morning Middle School Boys Halaqa | Hafiz Zaid Khanani
2023-01-21 11:30 - 12:45
Join MCC Youth Leader Hafiz Zaid Khanani‘s 9-week Saturday morning halaqa for middle school boys from 6th through 8th grade.

These sessions aim to craft our next generation of confident and faithful Muslim men. This will be the only offered for boys on Saturday mornings in 2023. These halaqas are for boys ages 11-13 only. Capped at 30 boys. Once full, please join the waitlist.

11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. | Saturdays | January 21 to March 18 (Ramadan ’23) | $120 per child | Register at HTTP://mcceastbay.org/middle-school-halaqa

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

Saturday morning sessions in 2023:

– January 21, 2023

– January 28, 2023

– February 4, 2023

– February 11, 2023

– February 18, 2023

– February 25, 2023

– March 4, 2023

– March 11, 2023

– March 18, 2023 (last session before Ramadan 2023)

LOCATION

MCC East Bay, 94588

Secrets of Divine Love Book Club
2023-01-21 18:00 - 20:00
MCC is 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 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 include group discussions, reflections, and exercises from the book. The discussion takes place every other 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.
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Every other Saturday | August 20 to March 4 | Conference Room | In-person only (no virtual option)
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

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

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

Secrets of Divine Love Book Club
2023-01-21 18:00 - 20:00
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
