MCC East Bay

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Dublin Library
2023-10-20 13:30 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For MCC’s Jumu’ah services on Friday, Oct. 20:

The first service at MCC is full. To avoid heavy parking congestion, please do not attend this service.

– Ustadh Feraidoon Mojadedi delivers this sermon at MCC

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

– Sidi Masoud Qazen delivers the sermon at Dublin Library.

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

– Sidi Masoud Qazen delivers this sermon at MCC

3:40 p.m. – 4 p.m.

– Sidi Shaan Mukhtar delivers this sermon at MCC.

Please attend at 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. to avoid heavier first-service congestion whenever possible. Please note that the former HP lot (now Pleasanton School District) is no longer available to our congregation. Please come to the second and third Jumu’ah to ease up parking congestion or attend the parallel satellite prayer at 1:40 p.m. at Dublin Library: https://mcceastbay.org/satellite-jumuah-library-update

– Virtually watch the three MCC sermons from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live

– More Ustadh Feraidoon: https://mcceastbay.org/feraidoon

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

– More Sidi Shaan: https://mcceastbay.org/shaan

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 working with 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

Women's Tafseer Class in Farsi | Ustadha Nooria Musleh
2023-10-20 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-10-27 16:00 - 18:00
For Farsi and Pashto-speaking women who want to learn or brush up on Qur’an, join this two-hour class every Friday after the third Jumu’ah to connect with the Book of Allah (swt).

Fridays | 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Women only | Classroom 1 | In-person only | Join in person or virtually at mcceastbay.org/farsi-tafseer

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Dua of Ibrahim (as) | Sidi Masoud Qazen
2023-10-20 19:00 - 20:30
Join us for a Friday evening with Sidi Masoud Qazen to learn about Ibrahim’s (AS) famous dua and how that powerful supplication shapes our lives today.

Friday, Oct. 20 | 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Prayer Hall | Open to everyone and all ages, no registration required | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live

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

Sidi Masoud will also speak on Friday, October 13: https://mcceastbay.org/event/conversation

Masoud Qazen has over 20 years of experience in business system transformation leadership roles, with a demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives that enhance business performance and drive transformative change. He has successfully led end-to-end business transformation projects, including strategic initiatives, operational improvements, change management, and cultural change. He attained a Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma and a Master Trainer in Change Management.

Sidi Masoud is a community member, a scientist by profession, and an MCC Sunday School Quranic instructor. He spends his days coaching executives to improve problem-solving to bring new products to the market. He has studied Arabic and the Quran with many teachers, including scholars from the Bay. In his free time, he tackles the Bay Area mountains with his bike and fellow Muslim biking group.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Two DUAS OF PROPHET IBRAHIM (AS) FOR MAKKAH

رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَٰذَا بَلَدًا آمِنًا وَارْزُقْ أَهْلَهُ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ مَنْ آمَنَ مِنْهُمْ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ

Rabbij ‘al haazaa baladan aaminanw warzuq ahlahoo minas samaraati man aamana minhum billaahi wal yawmil aakhiri“My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits – whoever of them believes in Allah and the Last Day.”Surah Baqarah Ayat 126

رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَٰذَا الْبَلَدَ آمِنًا وَاجْنُبْنِي وَبَنِيَّ أَنْ نَعْبُدَ الْأَصْنَامَ

Rabbij ‘al haazal balada aaminanw wajnubnee wa baniyya an na’budal asnaam“My Lord, make this city [Makkah] secure and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols.”Surah Ibrahim Ayat 35

Key takeaways:

We know how lively of a city Makkah al-Mukarramah is now. It is a beautiful, secure, and safe city with a low crime rate, corruption, and theft. Allah (swt) to this day has granted the city with outstanding provisions for all its inhabitants even though only a few things are actually capable of growing there. Part of its prosperity is because of these two duas Prophet Ibrahim (as) made for the city.

There’s a subtle difference between these two duas. In Surah Baqarah, it asks Allah (swt) to make this a secure city whereas in Surah Ibrahim it says make this city secure.

FIRST DU’A

Du’a Prophet Ibrahim (as) made before Makkah was an established city. He prayed to Allah asking to turn this land into a city that is safe and peaceful for all its inhabitants. Ibrahim (as) goes on even further to ask that they be provided with ‘fruits’, meaning blessings, opportunity, and prosperity. To this day, Makkatul Mukarramah (i.e. the holy city of Mecca) has peace and stability.

This is the will of Allah.

Notice how in this du’a Prophet Ibrahim (as) asks for good provisions for all people, he does not differentiate between the Mushrikeen and the Muslims.

The ayah continues, “[Allah] said. “And whoever disbelieves – I will grant him enjoyment for a little; then I will force him to the punishment of the Fire, and wretched is the destination.” (2:126)

This verse gives an example of rectitude or righteousness of Allah, so in terms of food, drinking, eating, sleeping, and playing Allah will give justly to both the believers and non-believers. But he warns us not to be fooled into thinking that wealth or riches is a sign of his blessings. No, the final destination is to Allah and here we will all face the consequences of our choices.

SECOND DUA

The difference between this du’a and the one covered previously is in two letters, alif lam (ٱلْبَلَدَ vs بَلَدًا) it is a small difference but the meaning changes. Prophet Ibrahim (as) now returns to Makkah, he recognizes it as an established city and asks that it remains secure.

Another contrast from the previous du’a is instead of asking for good provision for the city, Prophet Ibrahim (as) already sees that it is prosperous and instead asks to, “keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols.”

The genius of Prophet Ibrahim (as) is that he has the foresight to acknowledge that when people tend to succeed, they party, it’s only when they fail they ponder. When things are going well, we forget the one who made it possible for us. We fall into this trap of believing our superiority and become arrogant when we win.

It is here the past communities deviated from the beliefs and standards which brought upon their original success.

Iblees is patient and will wait for the opportune time to cause corruption.

We must not get lazy when things are going well, in fact, this is the time where we need to double-down in our faith. At the height of your success is when we will be tested the most, Ibrahim (as) knowing this asks that we are protected from engaging in these sinful activities.

Dr. Rania Awaad’s Weekly Friday Evening Halaqa
2023-10-20 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-10-27 19:00 - 21:00
Ustadha Dr. Rania Awaad holds a weekly Friday evening women’s gathering about navigating contemporary issues. This program runs in parallel to the Friday night girl’s halaqa.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Every Friday from October 6, 2023, to May 24, 2024 | 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

The fall session runs from Friday, Oct. 6th to Friday, Dec. 15th, with Thanksgiving Break on Friday, November 24.

After winter break, we continue in the winter from Friday, Jan. 26 to Friday, March 8, with then a break for Ramadan (March 15, 22, 29, April 5 & April 12), and we restart from April 19 to May 24.

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

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

This halaqa is hosted parallel to our girls’ program in partnership with The 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 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, 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.

Dua for our Brothers & Sisters | Qari Amar Bellaha & Dr. Asaad Traina
2023-10-20 20:15 - 21:00
“The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Join us to supplicate for our brothers and sisters in Palestine this Friday evening. Dr. Asaad Traina will lead with a short talk after the Isha Prayers (8:15 p.m.) followed by dua by Qari Amar Bellaha and then Qiyam Prayers.

8:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 20 | Prayer Hall | Join in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/liveIn the enormity of this moment, MCC is responding to our sisters and brothers in Palestine by:

– Our Jumu’ahs on Friday, October 20, are dedicated to our sisters and brothers. Our Khateebs will make dua and encourage worshipers to give generously for humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza. MCC will absorb the credit card processing fees and send collected funds to Islamic Relief & UNRWA. Donate at mcceastbay.org/palestine

– Our MCC youth are baking goods and selling in the MCC lobby during the Jumu’ahs for humanitarian relief efforts during Jumu’ah.

MCC will cover the credit card processing fees so that 100 percent of our community’s donations go to two reputable organizations providing on-the-ground relief efforts in Gaza. Donate: mcceastbay.org/palestine

Monthly Saturday Dhikr/Support Circle | Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi
2023-10-21 10:00 - 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.

Saturday, Oct. 28 | 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Conference Room | In-person only | 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 with Khala Sahar: 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

New Muslim Brunch | MCC Convert Care Team
2023-10-21 10:00 - 13:30
For Converts and Friends/Family Only: Join us for brunch as we show our love by welcoming new Muslim brothers and sisters into the deen and our community.

Saturday, Oct. 21 | 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.| Banquet Hall | In-person only | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/convert-brunch

– How MCC supports new Muslims: https://mcceastbay.org/convert-care

– Recordings of educational talks for the reverts playlist: https://mcceastbay.org/after-shahada

– Shahadah moments at the MCC: https://mcceastbay.org/shahada

Questions? mentorship@mcceastbay.org

Monthly Storytime With Khala Sahar
2023-10-21 11:00 - 12:00
Each month, Khala Sahar reads and entertains our young children in an engaging hour for ages 2 to 10 with a fun theme.11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Saturday, Oct. 28 | Conference Room | In-person only | Free; no registration needed

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 two boys, she dedicated her time to raising and homeschooling them. Sahar enjoys working with children and is inspired by their love and curiosity for life and Allah’s creation.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

How we Process & Talk About Palestine in the Workplace & the Public Square | Sidi Shahryar Abbasi
2023-10-21 13:30 - 18:00
Let’s establish the right attitude that balances deep concern for humanity and steady optimism as the suffering continues in Gaza so we can talk in our offices and the public square.This session is geared towards anyone who is grappling with, but all 18+ are welcome.

Let’s properly understand and balance our spiritual, moral, emotional & constitutional rights and duties.

1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Saturday, October 21 | MCC Prayer Hall | Join in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live

Shahryar 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

Learn more about him at The Success Company: https://www.successcompany.co/about-us

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

Dr. Asaad Traina is an internist in Burlington, Vermont, and is affiliated with Olive View-UCLA Medical Center. He received his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine and has been in practice for 6-10 years.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Tell Your Kids About Palestine
2023-10-21 16:00 - 18:00
For middle & high school students: Let’s establish the right attitude that balances deep concern for humanity and steady optimism as the suffering continues in Gaza.This session is geared toward teens who attend public school, but all youth 13+ are welcome.

Let’s properly understand and balance our spiritual, moral, emotional & constitutional rights and duties.

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Saturday, October 21 | MCC Conference Room | Join in person; no virtual option

We will also have this parallel program and this program on Monday:

https://mcceastbay.org/event/navigating-palestine/

https://mcceastbay.org/event/centering-palestinians/

In practical terms, this looks like this:

1. Yasin & Dua!

2. Where are we, and how’d we get here?

3. How do I process all this?

4. How can I talk about Palestine as an American Muslim?

Mahdy Amine is a Zaytuna College alumnus and practicing attorney. He also teaches Islamic Studies at ILM Tree, and he serves as Convert Care Coordinator for Ta’leef Collective.

“I want people to feel the true beauty of Islam when they encounter Ta’leef. Was not our Prophet (upon him peace and blessings) the radiant embodiment of outer and inner beauty? One who saw him was in awe, and one who knew him fell in love. I hope Taleef translates that experiential beauty to a relevant American context while honoring the ethos and principles of the rich Islamic tradition.”

More Sidi Mahdi: https://mcceastbay.org/mahdy

Ustadh Mahdy Amine was born and raised in Chicago. Attending Universal School, he served as captain of the high school basketball team, then graduated from Loyola University Chicago at the age of 19 with a double bachelor in economics and political science, and after that from the University of Minnesota School of Law-all while serving as President of the Muslim Students Association at each respective institution. Concurrent with his studies and work, Mahdy helped found CAIR Chicago, has been teaching for nearly 20 years, and served as a member of the band Noorification, which released two albums and four music videos and performed at over 100 national and international venues.

Mahdy is married, has three little girls, and is blessed to be a survivor. In 2012, Mahdy resigned from his job as Corporate Counsel for Dell Corporation to attend Zaytuna College, the first-ever accredited Muslim liberal arts college in the US, graduating with the first class in 2014. He then visited and studied briefly in Tarim, Yemen. Mahdy currently works as Senior Vice President, General Counsel of global cancer diagnostic and research laboratory, teaches Islamic Studies at Ilm Tree, a home school co-op in Lafayette, CA, regularly delivers sermons at various communities, and serves as Convert Care Coordinator at Ta’leef Collective in Fremont, California.

Shahryar 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

Learn more about him at The Success Company: https://www.successcompany.co/about-us

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

Shaan Mukhtar was raised in the MCC community and, from a young age, had been involved in youth programs throughout the Bay Area. He has helped start various high school MSA and youth Halaqas at different mosques. He is currently a senior at UC Davis, where he is finishing up his undergraduate degree.

– More Sidi Shaan: https://mcceastbay.org/shaan – More sessions for Muslim teenagers: https://mcceastbay.org/teens

Navigating Palestine in the Workplace & Public Square | Sidi Sidi Shahryar Abbasi
2023-10-21 16:00 - 18:00
Join us for an insightful session aimed at fostering unity, practical strategies, and healing within our workplaces and the broader public sphere as we engage in discussions about the ongoing situation in Gaza.

This event is open to all individuals aged 18 and above who are seeking to navigate and understand the complexities surrounding Palestine while promoting a sense of community and shared responsibility.

Community Building: Explore ways to cultivate a sense of solidarity and mutual support within our workplaces and communities as we address the Palestinian issue.

Empowering Conversations: Equip yourself with effective communication tactics and tools for engaging in constructive dialogues about Palestine, even in challenging environments.

Practical Steps: Learn actionable steps you can take to make a positive impact and contribute to the cause of justice and peace.

Healing Together: Find avenues for collective healing and emotional support as we confront the hardships faced by the Palestinian people.

Understanding Adversity: Gain insights into Palestine’s historical context and current realities, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities for change.

Join us as we come together to navigate these important discussions with empathy, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Saturday, October 21 | MCC Prayer Hall | Join in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live

Sidi Shahryar 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. Learn more about him at The Success Company: https://www.successcompany.co/about-us

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

We will also have these two programs:

https://mcceastbay.org/event/centering-palestinians/

https://mcceastbay.org/event/palestine-talk/

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Women’s Seerah Bookclub (in-person) | Ustadha Leila Fakira
2023-10-23 11:00 - 12:30, 2023-10-30 11:00 - 12:30
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. We are currently reading from “The Prophetic Narrative” by Samira al-Zayid and will begin reading Volume 2.

Every Monday in-person & virtual | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | 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 ’24.

Please register online to receive the link to the Whatsapp thread where all communication and updates will be made. In this bookclub, we will be starting volume 2 of “The Prophetic Narrative” by Samira al-Zayid.

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-Zayid

Translators: Susan Imady, Tamara Gray, & Randa Mardini

Binding: Softcover

Pages: Vol 1, 570; Vol 2, 558

Publisher: Daybreak Press

Questions? bookclub@mcceastbay.org

Narrating Palestine and Centering Palestinians | Dr. Hatem Bazian
2023-10-23 19:00 - 20:15
Join us for an insightful session to foster unity, practical strategies, and healing within our workplaces and the broader public sphere as we discuss the ongoing situation in Gaza.

Join us as we come together to navigate these critical discussions with empathy, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.

7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. | Monday, October 23 | MCC Prayer Hall | Join in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live

We also have these two programs about Palestine this weekend:

– https://mcceastbay.org/event/palestine-talk/

– https://mcceastbay.org/event/navigating-palestine/

– More Dr. Hatem: https://mcceastbay.org/hatem

Hatem Bazian is a co-founder and Professor of Islamic Law and Theology at Zaytuna College, the 1st Accredited Muslim Liberal Arts College in the United States. In addition, Prof. Bazian is a lecturer in the Departments of Near Eastern and Asian American and Asian Diaspora Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Bazian, between 2002-2007, also served as an adjunct professor of law at Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley. He teaches courses on Islamic Law and Society, Islam in America: Communities and Institutions, De-Constructing Islamophobia and Othering of Islam, Religious Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies. In addition to Berkeley, Prof. Bazian served as a visiting Professor in Religious Studies at Saint Mary’s College of California from 2001-2007 and adviser to the Religion, Politics, and Globalization Center at UC Berkeley.

In the Spring of 2009, Prof. Bazian founded the Islamophobia Research and Documentation Project at the Center for Race and Gender, a research unit dedicated to the systematic study of Othering Islam and Muslims. Prof. Bazian (2012 launched the Islamophobia Studies Journal, which is published bi-annually through a collaborative effort between the Islamophobia Research and Documentation Project of the Center for Race and Gender at the University of California at Berkeley, the Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas Initiative for the School of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University; the Center for Islamic Studies at the Graduate Theological Union, the International Centre for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding at the University of South Australia, and Zaytuna College. In addition to academic work, Dr. Bazian is a weekly columnist for the Turkish Daily Sabah Newspaper and Turkey Agenda online magazine. Dr. Bazian is the founder and national Chair of American Muslims for Palestine, a board member of the Islamic Scholarship Fund, Muslim Legal Fund of America, President of Dollar for Deen Charity, and Chair of the Northern California Islamic Council.

More Sidi Hatem: https://mcceastbay.org/hatem

Dua for our Brothers & Sisters | Qari Amar Bellaha & Dr. Asaad Traina
2023-10-26 20:00 - 20:30, 2023-10-27 20:00 - 20:30, 2023-11-02 20:00 - 20:30
“The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Join us to supplicate for our brothers and sisters in Palestine on Thursday and Friday evenings. Dr. Asaad Traina will lead with a short talk after the Isha Prayers (8 p.m.) followed by Salawaat & Dua Al-Nasri (Prayers of the Oppressed) by Qari Amar Bellaha.

8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Thursday, Oct. 26 | Prayer Hall | Join in person or watch live at https://mcceastbay.org/liveIn the enormity of this moment, MCC is responding to our sisters and brothers in Palestine by:

– Our Jumu’ahs are dedicated to our sisters and brothers. Our Khateebs will make dua and encourage worshipers to give generously for humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza. MCC will absorb the credit card processing fees and send collected funds to Islamic Relief & UNRWA. Donate at https://mcceastbay.org/palestine

– Our MCC youth are baking goods and selling in the MCC lobby during the Jumu’ahs for humanitarian relief efforts during Jumu’ah.

MCC will cover the credit card processing fees so that 100 percent of our community’s donations go to two reputable organizations providing on-the-ground relief efforts in Gaza. Donate: mcceastbay.org/palestine

The Nasiri Dua is from the pen of the renowned Sufi Shaykh ibn Nasir ad Dari Rahimahullah of the Shadhiliyya Tariqa. Faced with the military power of France, who were bombing villages in Morocco, the Shaykh Rahimahullah wrote this Dua, which was recited in every Masjid in the Maghrib in various different styles. This Dua had such an effect that the French President issued a law banning its recitation. Due to the barakah of this beautiful Dua, Morocco gained independence from France.

The power of this Dua of Imam Muhammad ibn Nasir al-Dar’i lies in its simplicity, its purity, and its sincere supplication. It is essentially a plea to Allah that our transgressions be overlooked, that divine mercy be bestowed upon us, that social justice be restored in spite of us, that wrongs be righted, and that righteousness reigns once again in our lands so that the destitute may no longer be in need, the young may be educated, the animals’ purpose fulfilled, rain restored, and bounties poured forth. It is a plea to be freed from the aggression of foreigners in lands over which they have no right – a plea much needed in our modern world, rampant as it is with invasions and territorial occupations. Ultimately, it asks not to destroy our enemies but simply to halt their plots and the harm they cause. Its essence is mercy, which in turn is the essence of the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him: “And We have only sent you as a mercy to all the worlds.”

PDF copy of the Nasiri Dua

https://youtu.be/rLvq6nyi_w8?si=v6s6IXqHsMZtqOKr

Lemonade Stand for the Palestinian Relief Efforts
2023-10-27 13:30 - 16:00
During Jumu’ah, two of our dear youth, Hasan Muhammad & Fatimah, will raise funds to support the ongoing relief efforts in Gaza. 100% of the proceedings will go to the relief efforts.

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Dublin Library
2023-10-27 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For MCC’s Jumu’ah services on Friday, Oct. 27:

The first service at MCC is full. To avoid heavy parking congestion, please do not attend this service.

– Sidi Shahryar Abbasi delivers this sermon at MCC

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

– Sidi Ibrahim Qureshi delivers the sermon at Dublin Library.

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

– Sidi Mike Swies delivers this sermon at MCC

3:40 p.m. – 4 p.m.

– Sidi Sarim Mundres delivers this sermon at MCC.

Please attend at 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. to avoid heavier first-service congestion whenever possible. Please note that the former HP lot (now Pleasanton School District) is no longer available to our congregation. Please come to the second and third Jumu’ah to ease up parking congestion or attend the parallel satellite prayer at 1:40 p.m. at Dublin Library: https://mcceastbay.org/satellite-jumuah-library-update

– Virtually watch the three MCC sermons from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live

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

– More Sidi Ibrahim: https://mcceastbay.org/ibrahim

– More Sidi Mike: https://mcceastbay.org/mike

– More Sidi Sarim: https://mcceastbay.org/sarim

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 with young children. The mothers/fathers prayer room is just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Stand for Palestine Story Time
2023-10-27 16:00 - 17:00
Join us for a read-aloud and games so kids can learn how to stand for Palestine in a kid-friendly way. 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Friday, October 27 | MCC Conference Room | Free | For parents & all youth, particularly ages 5 to 10 | Join us in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live

We will not have books for sale. You may order this book for your kids online here.

About the AuthorEman Kourtam is a Muslim-American Egyptian who lives in California. She is a devoted mother of two wonderful kids: Zaineldeen and Maryam. She has a BA in Integrated Marketing communications. She is a health coach. She enjoys cooking, skiing, horseback riding, and writing stories for my kids.

Her book series “Zain and Mima’s Adventures” came to life while trying to instill important values in her kids in a fun, dynamic way. She wanted to show her children love for their Islamic faith and to grow up to be wonderful, caring human beings. She began by writing stories about real-life situations they went through as a family to impart important values and lessons they can learn along the way. Her children resonated with the stories about them and asked their mom to read them at bedtime each night. After four years, on a whim, Eman shared one of her stories on her Instagram. Commentators expressed joy and asked how they could purchase the story. The rest is history …

From the book Zain and Mima Stand For Palestine

Zain and Mima were surprised to hear loud voices outside their window.

They found a crowd of people chanting “Free Palestine!”.“What is Palestine?” they asked. To answer, Mama took them back in time with a story that began many years ago.

Decoding Disney’s Themes From a Muslim Perspective | Sidi Zeeshan Mukhtar
2023-10-27 19:00 - 21:00
Join us on a Friday night with Sidi Zeeshan Mukhtar to discuss themes that we encounter in popular children’s Disney movies. Sidi Zeeshan is a movie buff who enjoyed watching movies with his family and discussing movie themes with them when they were younger.

In this talk, he will share some of his observations that he gathered and will share six common themes that emerge when you cross-examine most Disney stories and view them from a Muslim perspective.

More Sidi Zeeshan: https://mcceastbay.org/zeeshan

Friday, Oct. 27 | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Prayer Hall | Free; no RSVP required | In-person or watch the recording laterSidi Zeeshan Mukhtar is a Bay Area economist and a volunteer financial counselor at MCC for our Zakat applicants. He has raised three boys with his wife, Hina Khan-Mukhtar.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Private Event
2023-10-28 12:00 - 14:30
Conference Room

Know Your Rights Workshop | CAIR-SFBA
2023-10-30 19:00 - 20:15
CAIR-SFBA is providing a joint Know Your Rights/Community Safety training for students and parents in light of the most recent atrocities on our brothers and sisters in Palestine. American Muslims, especially Muslim children in public schools, are facing a mass influx of Islamophobia and harassment because of it.

Join this workshop to learn how to practice your rights regarding bullying in school (both in relation to Palestine and just in general) and when protesting.

7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. (Isha) | Monday, October 30 | MCC Conference Room | Join us in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live

This training will also incorporate community safety strategies, mainly in the form of de-escalation training, to provide our community with the tools necessary to combat incidents of harassment safely. The CAIR panelists are Lina Seikh (Immigrants’ Rights Attorney), Riyad Sood (Paralegal) and Usmaan Alloo (Programs Coordinator).

All who attend leave with the reassurance that they have legal protections to speak up and support our brothers and sisters in Palestine. We also aim to ensure that we provide appropriate tools for folks to feel more confident and prepared to de-escalate potential situations of hate/harassment.

– More CAIR-MCC co-sponsored talks: https://mcceastbay.org/cair

About the speakers

LINA SEIKH, IMMIGRANTS’ RIGHTS ATTORNEY

Lina Seikh is part of a dynamic team at CAIR-SFBA, where she is currently honored to serve the American Muslim community as an Immigrants’ Rights Attorney.

Lina graduated from University of Texas at Austin with a degree in neuroscience and South Asian Studies. While in college, she also served as a volunteer English teacher in Nepal, studied Urdu, and interned twice at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

She then graduated from St. Mary’s University of Law, where she concurrently pursued a master’s in international relations with a focus on conflict resolution. While in law school, she interned at an Immigration and Human Rights Clinic, was a research assistant for The Center for Terrorism Law, and volunteered for the Restorative Rights Initiative. While pursuing her master’s in international relations, she also studied conflict resolution in Occupied Palestine.

Throughout her career, Lina has worked with non-profit organizations and indigent clients in different capacities. She is a passionate advocate for civil rights, human rights, and gender equality. In her spare time, Lina loves spending time with her family, hiking, reading, art, meditation, and alternative healing.

RIYAD SOOD, PARALEGAL

Riyad Sood is a paralegal for the San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) where he assists attorneys dealing with immigration and civil matters. Riyad’s background is in healthcare and non-profit law.

He has negotiated hospital reimbursement Fees with healthcare plans and has reviewed hospital contracts with providers that are subject to ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act). While at the California Department of Justice Attorney General’s Office Riyad worked alongside attorneys in civil litigation, audits, and investigations ensuring California nonprofits conduct themselves according to state law.

Riyad received his BSL from Irvine University College of Law and received his degree in paralegal studies from Fremont College as the class valedictorian.

USMAAN ALLOO, PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

Usmaan Alloo is the Programs Coordinator for the San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA). In this position, he leads CAIR-SFBA’s signature programs including youth programs, workshops, the internship and volunteer programs, and much more!

Usmaan received his Bachelor of Arts as a double major in Political Science: International Affairs, as well as Middle Eastern/Islamic Studies from the University of California, Riverside. Where he graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. As a student he participated in a research program with the Islamic Studies department, focused on analyzing the rise of Islamophobia across social media, government legislation, and the fashion industry. He was also an organizer for the American Muslim Futures art exhibit in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the successful day of action for Muhammad Muhaymin Jr.

Usmaan is an artivist, passionate for building solidarity through artistic expression, political education, and the concept of linked fate. He believes that placing art at the center of political activism is the solution to healing and bridging divides within our community. Usmaan is also a staunch prison abolitionist.

In his free time Usmaan enjoys coaching youth baseball, water-painting, and baking cookies to share with his colleagues.

Principles of Religion | Ustadha Nihad Hemmoudeh
2023-10-31 12:30 - 13:15
Ustadha Nihad Hemmoudeh facilitates a 45-minute live Zoom session for sisters on the principles of religion, such as acts of worshipping Allah (swt), the good character of a Muslim, and more. These talks will be recorded and available on MCC’s YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram publicly.

Ustadha Nihad will be using the book, “The Forty in the Fundamentals of Religion” by Al-Ghazali.12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. PST | Tuesdays | 12 consecutive weeks from Oct. 31 to Jan. 16, 2024 | No pre-registration needed | Join live each week at 12:30 p.m. on Zoom at mcceastbay.org/principles

Watch the prior sessions in this series: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/principle-seriesMore Ustadha Nihad:

– Ustadha Nihad’s “Principles of Religion” series: https://mcceastbay.org/principle-series

– Ustadha Nihad’s “Women Around the Messenger” series: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/women-series

– Ustadha Nihad’s “Forty Hadith Qudsi” series: https://mcceastbay.org/qudsi

– 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

Seventh-Annual Family Fun Fall Fest
2023-10-31 16:45 - 20:00
For ages 0 to 17, join us for the Seventh-Annual MCC Family Fall Festival. This popular annual event will be positively capped at 400 children.

This year, we will have halal food trucks, a live interactive animal show, goodie bags, and more! Join us for archery, potato sack races, face painting, freeze dance, Ilm Quest Islamic Trivia, and more!

This is a sold family event, so we need your help!

Teen volunteers ages 15+ needed: https://mcceastbay.org/fest-volunteer.

Food Truck dinner provided for volunteers.

At registration check-in, children will receive a wristband assigned to their age level: Level A (ages 0-3), Level B (ages 4-8), Level C (ages 9-12), and Level D (ages 13-17). This will allow them to participate in the trivia quest and answer age-appropriate questions about the Qur’an and Seerah for prizes. The more correct answers, the larger the reward. Trivia Quest will be in the Sunday School area of the masjid.

RSVP at mcceastbay.org/fall-fest

4:45 p.m. (Asr) to 8 p.m. (Isha) Ages 2 – 17 $7.00 per child pre-registration $10.00 per child at the doorPre-registration is required for goodies bags. One goodie bag for each registered child.

Parents’ entrance (and children under 2) is free.

Parents: Please do not bring children in costume. Please watch this sermon to see why MCC has made this annual investment to put on annually this popular event attended by hundreds of children: https://mcceastbay.org/halloween-sermonCommunity vendors: This event is for children. The organizers have decided not to host community vendors so we can entirely focus on the kids attending this annual event.

Schedule (see facility map at https://mcceastbay.org/facilty-map):

– 4:45 p.m. – Asr Prayers (Prayer Hall) and registration begins at the entrance

– 5 p.m. –

Potato sack races(Mens Prayer Hall)

Face painting, Archery, ladder toss, Ring Toss, Bowling (Banquet Hall & Main Hallway)

Ilm Quest (Sunday School)

Tiny Tots room: parachute play, freeze dance (Conference Room)

– 6:13 p.m – Maghrib Prayers (Prayer Hall)

– 6:45 p.m. – Live animal petting show (Prayer Hall)

– 8 p.m.Isha (Prayer Hall)

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

https://youtu.be/5ONXZ4XK0xI?si=E-GF6zfTTczl0gZi

Dua & Art Kids Program | Artist Tarannum Saeed |Winter Session (ages 5 to 12)
2023-11-01 17:00 - 19:00
For ages 5 to 12, join us over three evening sessions to create art in a relaxing environment & unleash the artist in you! All skill levels are welcome.﻿

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Wednesdays | Nov. 1 to Nov. 15 | $90/child (all materials provided) | Register at https://mcceastbay.org/art

Learning objectives:– Using different painting mediums.– 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.

Private Event
2023-11-02 19:00 - 22:00
Conference Room & Banquet Hall

Girl Scouts Troop 30875 Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2023-11-03 13:30 - 16:00
Girl Scouts Troop 30875 will sell nuts and candies during the three Jumu’ahs to raise funds for people in Palestine. 50% of the proceeds will go to the relief efforts on the ground. Please support them.

Questions? girl-scouts@mcceastbay.org
