MCC East Bay

Women’s Seerah Bookclub (virtual) | Ustadha Leila Fakira
2024-02-13 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-02-20 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-02-27 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
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. We are currently reading from, “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.

Event Details:

The discussion takes place every Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 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.

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

Virtual Interfaith Chat: "Thou Shalt not Kill"
2024-02-14 17:00 - 18:00
Interfaith Interconnect of the Tri-Valley and MCC co-host a virtual religious chat with Omar Naisan, representing MCC East Bay, and Rabbi Dr. Laurence Milder, representing Congregation Beth Emek in Pleasanton, on how each faith deals with the reality of war. Nearly all worldwide faith traditions have a version of “thou shalt not kill.” How do we understand this religious mandate?

5 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Wednesday, February 14 | Virtual Zoom chat (not in person) | Join us virtually at mcceastbay.org/interfaith-chat

The Zoom room will open at 4:45 p.m. Virtual presentations will take place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Optional breakout post-discussion groups will be held from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

– More Brother Omar Nasim: https://mcceastbay.org/omar

– More Rabbi Larry: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/larry

– More MCC interfaith events: https://mcceastbay.org/interfaith

– MCC’s interfaith advocacy efforts: https://mcceastbay.org/interfaith-ethos

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

About the PresentersRabbi Laurence Elis Milder, Ph.D., is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. He received his B.A. at Brandeis University and was ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York in 1983. Following ordination, he earned a Ph.D. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies at Brandeis University, where he received a fellowship from the Center for Modern Jewish Studies, a research institute devoted to the social scientific study of American Jewry.

Rabbi Milder has pursued dual careers in the rabbinate and academia. He has served congregations in Indianapolis, IN; Bangor, ME; and Westborough, MA. He also was an assistant professor (of Judaic studies) at the University of Maine and a lecturer at the Bangor Theological Seminary. From July 2011 through June 2013, Rabbi Milder served on the faculty of the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro, NC, as the Academy’s Reform Rabbi.

Rabbi Milder has been active in civic affairs, interfaith coalitions, and youth work. He has served the Union for Reform Judaism as a regional director in its Social Action and Youth divisions.

Rabbi Milder’s hobby is composing and performing Jewish folk music. His songs are popular in youth groups and summer camps throughout North America. Rabbi Milder is married to Janet Elis Milder. They have three children: Miriam, Avi, and Alex.

Omar Naisan is a Ph.D. student in the Historical & Cultural Studies of Religion program at the Graduate Theological Union. He holds a Master of Arts in New Testament also from the Graduate Theological Union. His published MA thesis is titled “Decrypting the Son of Man Problem: An Inquiry into the Dominant Approaches to the Son of Man Problem and its Conspicuous Application in Mark 8:27-31.” His interests include comparative theology, philology in religious corpora, and historical-critical studies of religious canons.

The mission of Interfaith Interconnect is to enrich, inform, and educate ourselves and others about the great diversity of faiths and cultures in our Valley. The interfaith umbrella group serves the Tri-Valley in the Bay Area.

– More Interfaith Interconnect recordings: https://mcceastbay.org/interfaith-interconnect– Website: https://interfaithinterconnect.weebly.com/– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithInterconnect

The MCC East Bay and the Islamic Center of Livermore are proud congregation members of the Interfaith Interconnect of the Tri-Valley.

– More MCC interfaith events: https://mcceastbay.org/interfaith– Sign up for MCC’s periodic community supporter updates: https://mcceastbay.org/community-supporters– MCC’s interfaith community advocacy efforts: https://mcceastbay.org/interfaith-ethos

The Soul's Journey (virtual) | Sidi Shahryar Abbasi
2024-02-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-02-21 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-02-28 19:00 - 21:00
Join Sidi Shahryar Abbasi every Wednesday until Ramadan ’24 at 7 p.m. virtually to dive into the text, The Lives of Man, by Imam Abdallah Ibn Alawi Al-Haddad where we understand life’s purpose, through the five stages of our journey to Allah (swt).

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

– More Sidi Shahryar: https://mcceastbay.org/shahryar – 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 “Controlling Your Desires” Series: https://mcceastbay.org/desires – Sidi Shahryar’s “Soul’s Journey Series: https://mcceastbay.org/journey

Shahryar graduated from the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and was 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

Join Sidi Shahryar Abbasi every Wednesday until Ramadan ’24 at 7 p.m. virtually to dive into the text, The Lives of Man, by Imam Abdallah Ibn Alawi Al-Haddad where we understand life’s purpose, through the five stages of our journey to Allah (swt).

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

https://youtu.be/Lh-6tl3SXDc

Monthly Sisterhood Halaqa | Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi
2024-02-15 19:30 - 21:00
Join Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi for our monthly in-person and online gathering for women (ages 18+) to commune, reflect, discuss, and gain strength and support from each other.

7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Last Thursday each month (Second Thursday this month) | Free; no registration required | Conference Room or watch live online at https://mcceastbay.org/live

– Watch past session recordings at https://mcceastbay.org/muslimah-purification

– More Ustadha Hosai: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/hosai

– More events for women: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/women

We talk about spirituality, self-development, relevant and contemporary topics, and issues related to Muslim women’s various roles and responsibilities in today’s knotted-up world. We also examine “Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms, and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart” by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf.

– More Ustadha Hosai: https://mcceastbay.org/hosai

– ‘Purification of the Heart’ Series: (Adults): https://mcceastbay.org/heart-purification

– ‘Purification of the Heart’ Series: (Women): https://mcceastbay.org/muslimah-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

Sorry, no babysitting is provided. The in-person option is for women only, and the virtual option so anyone can watch live on:

– YouTube: https://mcceastbay.org/live

– Facebook: https://mcceastbay.org/facebook

– Instagram: https://mcceastbay.org/instagram

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.

These monthly sessions are live-streamed and recorded at https://mcceastbay.org/muslimah-purification. Watch past Ustadha Hosai recordings at https://mcceastbay.org/hosai

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Dublin Library
2024-02-16 12:30 - 14:50
For MCC’s four Jumu’ah services on Friday, February 9, 2024:

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

– Sidi Shahryar Abbasi delivers this sermon at MCC.

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

– Shaykh Rami Nsour delivers this sermon at MCC.

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

– TBA at the Dublin Library this Friday.

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

– Sidi Shaan Mukhtar delivers the sermon at MCC.

Please attend at 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. to avoid heavier second-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 first and fourth Jumuah 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 Shaykh Rami: https://mcceastbay.org/rami

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

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

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Peace Terrace Academy Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-02-16 12:30 - 15:00
Peace Terrace Academy is having its fundraiser on March 2nd and is looking for sponsorships.

Voting Drive @ Three MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-02-16 12:30 - 15:00
CAIR San Francisco Bay Area will be at MCC for three consecutive Fridays during Jumu’ahs to register voters before the primary elections on March 5th and equip voters to vote in the upcoming election.

CAIR staff and volunteers will be at the three MCC Jumu’ahs on these Fridays: February 2, February 9, and February 16.

– CAIR workshops at MCC: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/cair

From CAIR:

We are excited to announce the launch of our Vote for Justice voter mobilization campaign in preparation for California’s March 5 primary election and the November general election. Together, we will aim to engage the over one million American Muslims residing in our state to raise awareness of and participate in the civic process.

While civic engagement is always important, it is more crucial today than ever.

Watching a genocide unfold live before our eyes in Palestine and a variety of crises and opportunities in our neighborhoods makes this election season critical. Our votes can send a powerful message of support, concern, or opposition to our communities and country’s direction.

Vote for Justice is not just a slogan; it’s a call to action, urging each community member to engage in the most fundamental democratic process: voting. Your vote is your voice, a declaration of your presence, and a testament to the issues that matter to you and the community.

What Does “Vote for Justice” Mean?

Vote for Justice means demanding justice in all aspects of governance, community welfare, and human rights—and voting to uphold these principles. This encompasses areas that are deeply important to our community, including:

Social Justice at Home and Abroad

Foreign policies that support human rights and aid initiatives align international engagement with the principles of social justice.

Policies that address systemic inequalities in housing, employment, and criminal justice to ensure equal opportunities and treatment for all citizens.

Cultural understanding and the celebration of diversity promote a society that respects and values the contributions of all its members.

Economic Justice

Policies that stimulate job growth support small businesses and foster innovation to build a robust and sustainable economy.

Fair taxation and equitable distribution of resources ensure that all individuals have access to the economic opportunities necessary for a secure and prosperous life.

Education Justice

Universal access to quality education ensures that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed.

Adequate funding of all schools to address disparities in educational resources and facilities.

Healthcare Justice

Recognition of healthcare as a fundamental human right and policies that ensure all individuals have access to necessary medical services.

Mental health services’ importance and integration into the healthcare system ensures that psychological well-being is treated with the same urgency as physical health.

Minority and Immigrant Justice

Stringent anti-discrimination laws and strict enforcement protect all individuals from bias and prejudice.

Development of policies that acknowledge and address the specific needs of minority and immigrant communities, fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect.

Fair and humane immigration policies provide clear pathways to citizenship, respecting the dignity and rights of individuals seeking a new life in a new country.

Why Your Vote Matters

Your vote holds the power to influence legislation and shape the positions of elected officials who are guided by their most vocal constituents. So, your vote is a potent tool that can help address the issues that are important to our Muslim community. By voting, you contribute to the voices demanding change and progress at the local, state, and national levels.

Mobilizing for Change

Mobilizing Muslim Voters is more than a tagline. It’s a commitment to empowerment and representation. It’s an acknowledgment that our voices can bring about meaningful change when we stand together. Let’s ensure that the concerns and needs of the Muslim community are heard and addressed.

How You Can Get Involved

Register to Vote: Check your registration status and register to vote at voteforjustice24.com, our new voter mobilization website.

Educate Yourself: Understand the issues at stake and the candidates’ positions. An informed vote is a powerful one.

Spread the Word: Encourage family, friends, and community members to register and vote. Every additional voice amplifies our call for justice.

Participate in Community Initiatives: Volunteer to spend a few hours a week helping to register voters and participate in town halls and forums. Your active participation is key to driving change.

Bring Vote for Justice to Your Community: Are you in leadership in an MSA, involved in a masjid, or do you frequent a popular halal restaurant or store? Email us to coordinate an event or to distribute materials.

Your vote is not just a right; it’s a pillar of our democracy and a direct line to shaping a future that mirrors our Muslim values. As we gear up for the March 5 primary, let’s make our presence felt, and our voices resonate with the power of justice.

Youth Halaqa for High School Boys | Muhammed Constantino
2024-02-16 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-02-23 18:30 - 20:00
For boys ages 14-18 (strict age limit)! Join us over three Friday nights with Br. Muhammed Constantino to discuss beginner-level deen topics and touch on issues/experiences you currently face or want to discuss. Each session will center on a theme of Prophetic Character.

Friday, Feb 16th – Prophetic Character: Patience

Friday, Feb 23rd – Prophetic Character: Courage

Friday, March 8th – Prophetic Character: Kindness

Fridays, Feb. 16th, Feb. 23rd, March 8th | 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. | MCC Banquet Hall | $10/session | Register at mcceastbay.org/boys-halaqaMCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attending any activity held in the community center. To request a financial waiver, please complete our financial waiver request: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/scholarship

About the FacilitatorMuhammed Constantino is a long-time member of MCC, having grown up in the community. He is passionate about cultivating a proud Muslim identity with the youth, and in particular, encouraging young men to pursue the best possible versions of themselves. He currently works as a Software Engineer and lives in Walnut Creek.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Dr. Rania Awaad’s Weekly Friday Evening Halaqa
2024-02-16 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-02-23 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.

American Islam in the 20th Century | Imam Sundiata Rashid
2024-02-16 19:00 - 21:00
February is Black History Month! Join us as we discuss and illuminate early traditional Black Islamic movements in the U.S. that have provided the shoulders we stand on today.

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

This event is sponsored by the Lighthouse Mosque & MCC East Bay.

More Sidi Sundiata: https://mcceastbay.org/sundiata

Talks on race at MCC: https://mcceastbay.org/race

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

More Imam Sundiata: https://mcceastbay.org/sundiata

Sundiata Al Rashid is the Emir (leader) of the Lighthouse Mosque, a thriving community space in North Oakland, California.

Monthly Saturday Dhikr/Support Circle | Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi
2024-02-17 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, Dec. 16 | 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

Private Event
2024-02-17 12:00 - 20:00
Conference Room & Banquet Hall

Sisters Conference: Ramadan Ready | The Rahmah Foundation
2024-02-18 15:00 - 18:00
For Sisters Ages 12+! Join Ustadha Mona Elzankaly, Ustadha Leila Fakira, Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed, and Dr. Rania Awaad to learn the Fiqh of Fasting in the Hanafi, Shafi’i, and Maliki schools of thought. Gain practical insights on how to prepare & equip ourselves for Ramadan spiritually and how to maximize the most out of this blessed month.

Sunday, Feb. 18 | 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST | MCC Conference Room | Women & Girls Ages 12+ | In-person & Online | Register at mcceastbay.org/fiqh

No babysitting option | Refreshments will be provided in the Banquet Hall.The event will not be publicly live-streamed.Schedule:

3 p.m. to 4 p.m. – General Session

Break for Asr/Tea

4:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Fiqh Sessions

The Rahmah Foundation and MCC East Bay are sponsors for this event.

– More Getting Ramadan for Ramadan reminders: https://mcceastbay.org/ramadan-ready

– More Ramadan sermons & talks: https://mcceastbay.org/ramadan-reminders

– More videos in collaboration with Rahmah Foundation: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/rahmah-foundation

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

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Ustadha Mona ElzankalyBorn in Cairo, Egypt, and raised in Southern California, Ustadha Mona Elzankaly graduated from the University of California, Riverside, with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics in 1994.

In 1998, Ustadha Mona began seeking sacred knowledge at the Zaytuna Institute in Hayward, CA. She later traveled internationally, seeking sacred knowledge. She has studied under many eminent scholars, such as Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Shaykh Khatri, and Shaykh Abd Allah. Bayyah, Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi, Shaykh Salik b. Siddina, Imam Zaid Shakir, Habib Umar b. Hafiz, Habib Ali al-Jifri, and other scholars from Syria, Yemen, and Egypt.

Ustadha Mona obtained different Ijaazahs in Tajwid and books of hadith, Aqidah, and Maliki Fiqh. In 2008, she completed the four-year Zaytuna Seminary pilot program and received a baccalaureate in Islamic Studies. In 2014, she completed a four-year Islamic Shari’a program at al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt.Ustadha Mona began teaching in 2002, both privately and publicly. She has taught for Zaytuna Institute, Sisters Deen Intensive, Dar al-Zahra Tarim Yemen, The Rahmah Foundation, and Meadows of al-Mustafa. She currently teaches an Islamic studies program for ladies at Nur al-Iman.

Ustadha Leila FakiraBorn and raised in the US, Leila Fakira has lived most of her life in California. After an inspiring first trip to the Holy Lands, Leila left her job as a Business Systems Analyst after more than 14 years in accounting to focus more intently on her Islamic Studies and be involved in her children’s education. Allah blessed her with a yearning to learn her deen, and Allah granted her tawfeeq by guiding her to Zaytuna Institute, where she studied Arabic, Shafi’ Fiqh, Shamail, Seerah, and more.

Leila has a strong background in Shafi’ Fiqh and was encouraged to teach by Imam Zaid Shakir, Dr. Rania Awad, and Shaykh Yahya Rhodus after studying Reliance of the Traveler, Fiqh Al-Ibaddat, and Safinat Al-Nijah respectively. She also studied Rislat Al-Jamia’a with Shaykh Abdur Karim Yahya, AbuShuja with Imam Jamal Hysaw, and other Shafii teachers, male and female, online.

Leila studied and completed the Tajweed reading of the Qur’an a few times with Ustadha Noha & Ustadha Aya from Egypt. Also, she did her initial reading of the Qur’an with Ustadha Nawar Taleb-Agha and was permitted to teach basic Qur’an reading & basic tajweed.

Leila has studied Arabic with Imam Zaid Shakir, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, Ustadha Aya (from Egypt), and Ustadh Usama Canon, Seerah & Shama’il with Shakyh Yayha Rhodus & Almaqasid, and Tafsir and Inner Sciences Imam Zaid Shakir, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, and Habib Hussain (online). She continues to study online with various teachers overseas to continue her Arabic studies and Inner Sciences.

Ustadha Shamira Chothia AhmedBorn and raised in California’s Central Valley, Alimah Shamira Chothia Ahmed is passionate about educating and empowering Muslim women to reach their highest spiritual potential through acquiring sacred knowledge.

Having graduated as valedictorian from a large public high school, her studies led her — following a brief soul-searching stint at Georgetown University — to seek sacred knowledge from scholars on three continents — Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Ustadha Shamira began her journey in seeking sacred knowledge at the women’s Dar-ul-Uloom Mu’eenal Islam seminary in South Africa, and completed the five-year intensive ‘alima program at Ja’mia Al-Imam Muhammad Zakariyya, one of Britain’s first and most renowned Islamic universities for women. After that, she continued her Arabic and Qur’anic studies in Damascus, Syria, where she obtained an ijāzah in Tajwīd of the Ḥafṣ recitation from the late eminent Syrian scholar Shaykh Ḥasan al-Kurdī.

In 2005, Ustadha Shamira taught Hanafi fiqh for women at the Zaytuna Institute in California and, since then, has taught various Islamic sciences in venues across North America. In 2008, she earned a Master’s Degree in Demographics and Social Analysis from the University of California at Irvine, focusing on the identity formation of the Muslim-American population.

In 2013, Ustadha Shamira specialized in the detailed rulings of menstruation, lochia, and abnormal discharge under the direction of Mufti Abdur Rahman Ibn Yusuf Mangera and assisted in compiling Imam Abu Hanifa’s Al-Fiqh al-Akbar Explained.

Shamira is a wife and mother of five children. She is passionate about empowering women in their childbearing years to gain closeness to their Lord through her spiritual birth consultations and virtual doula services.

Ustadha Shamira is a co-founder of the Rahmah Foundation and currently teaches for Nur al-Iman, a full-time girls’ shariah program with Ustadha Mona Elzankaly based in the Bay Area.Ustadha Dr. 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. She is on the faculty of Zaytuna College, where she teaches courses in Shafi’i fiqh and women’s issues in fiqh and has helped develop and co-direct the Tajweed and Hifz program.

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

– More from Dr. Rania: https://mcceastbay.org/rania – More Dr. Rania’s Friday Evening Halaqas: https://mcceastbay.org/womens-halaqa

Women’s Seerah Bookclub (in-person) | Ustadha Leila Fakira
2024-02-19 11:00 - 12:30, 2024-02-26 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

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Dublin Library
2024-02-23 12:30 - 14:50
For MCC’s four Jumu’ah services on Friday, February 9, 2024:

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

– Shaykh Talal Ahdab delivers this sermon at MCC.

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

– Shaykh Talal Ahdab delivers this sermon at MCC.

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

– Sidi Qur’an Hodge at the Dublin Library this Friday.

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

– Sidi Qur’an Hodge delivers the sermon at MCC.

Please attend at 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. to avoid heavier second-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 first and fourth Jumuah 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 Shaykh Talal: https://mcceastbay.org/talal

– More Sidi Qur’an: https://mcceastbay.org/quran-hodge

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

MCC Girl Scouts 30875 Sells Cookies @ MCC Jumu’ahs
2024-02-23 12:30 - 15:00
Our little Tri-Valley Muslimahs in Girl Scouts Troop hosted a backpack and toy drives for our community’s most deserving families.

We now sweetly support these young girls: by purchasing cookies for you and your family this Friday. Girl Scout cookies are now halal-certified.

You can also gift a cookie box to needy families served by the MCC Food Pantry by purchasing a box after Jumu’ah and placing the cookies in the Toy bin in the MCC lobby. The cookies will be gifted from parents of Zakat-eligible families to their children on Eid morning.

MCC supports our Girl Scouts Troops that we proudly host in their annual cookie sales to support educational programming, community projects, and more. Indulge your sweet tooth while supporting a great cause!

Help the Girls Scouts fulfill their tradition of giving back to the community while expanding their experiences as leaders, entrepreneurs, and explorers by supporting their cookie sales.

Questions? girl-scouts@mcceastbay.org

NAMI Tri-Valley Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-02-23 12:30 - 15:00
NAMI Tri-Valley provides support, education, advocacy skills, and resources to a person and their families who are affected by mental illness. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and NAMI Tri-Valley serves the Livermore, Dublin, and Pleasanton communities.Learn more about them: https://namica.org/locations/nami-tri-valley/

Friday Family Night: The Boastful Gardener | Sidi Quran Hodge
2024-02-23 19:00 - 21:00
Using the story in the Qur’an, let’s analyze the story of the boastful gardener and how we can see ourselves within this character to manage how we respond when certain situations and challenges arise.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Friday, Feb. 23 | MCC Prayer Hall | Free | Join us in person or watch online or on replay at mcceastbay.org/live

This program is open to all, particularly our youth and young professionals.

More talks for teenagers: https://mcceastbay.org/teens

More sermons & talks with Quran Hodge: https://mcceastbay.org/quran-hodge

About the SpeakerQur’an Hodge is a Bay Area native. He began his Islamic education in 2019, studying Arabic at the Al Maqasid Seminary in Pennsylvania. Sidi Quran continued to Dar Al Mustafa, a Yemeni Islamic university in Tarim, Hadhramaut. At this Islamic seminary founded by Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Sidi Qur’an studied Ibtidaiyya, Hadith, Aqida, Seerah, Nahw, Quran Hifzdh, Kitaba, and Tafseer in classical Arabic.

Sidi Quran Hodge has completed certificates in Taleef Collective’s Refing the Core and Zaytuna College’s Permaculture Program. He is passionate about creatively working on community issues, particularly the challenges Muslim youth face. He lives with his wife and child in Castro Valley.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

East Bay Tahajjud Tigers: Tahajjud, Witr & Fajr in Congregation
2024-02-24 04:45 - 06:00
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Our Lord, Blessed, and Exalted is He, descends (i.e., His mercy and concern descends) to the lowest heaven when the final third of the night remains and says, “Who is there to call on Me so I may answer them? Who is there to ask of Me so I may give them? Who is there to seek My forgiveness so I may forgive them?” [Bukhari]

Join us bi-weekly on Saturday mornings before Fajr to pray 4 units of Tahajjud (Night Prayer) & Witr Prayers in the congregation, followed by Fajr prayer and then light, yummy snacks.

There is no better way to start a day than to pray Tahajjud and Fajr in the congregation along with your loved ones!

These bi-weekly Tahajjud prayers are organized by the youth in our community.

Every other Saturday | 4:45 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. | MCC Prayer Hall | All ages welcome | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/tahajjud-tigers

Light snacks will be provided after the Fajr Adhan in the Banquet Hall.

Tentative Schedule:4:35 a.m. – doors open4:45 a.m. – Tahajjud starts (Huffaz will recite Juz #3 – Second Half (3:15 – 3:92))5:34 a.m. – Fajr Adhan5:40 a.m. – Snacks are served6:00 a.m. – Fajr iqamah6:15 a.m. – cleanup

*Rescheduled* Self-Defense & Boxing Fitness for Sisters | Amber Leibrock
2024-02-24 13:00 - 15:00
*Full. Please join the waitlist.*

Recent tragedies against Muslims across the country & the familiar rise in hate attacks in this Presidential Election year make us duty-bound to learn grappling countermeasures. A professional athlete will show you how to fend off unwanted physical contact, like a Hijab pull. Max 26 attendees. Ages 14+ only. $10/person.

1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Begins after congregational Zuhr at 12:40 p.m.) | Saturday, February 24 | Conference Room | Register at mcceastbay.org/ready | Sisters only

About the PresenterAmber Leibrock is a mixed martial artist who competes in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Featherweight division. Born and raised in the East Bay, she trains with M.J. Hamid, an MCC congregation member and trainer. After her fight with Larissa Pacheco, she went through a tough time and Br. Hamid introduced her to Islam. She took her Shahadah at MCC on July 21, 2023. Since then, she’s been attending Jumu’ah (Friday prayer services) regularly. Ahead of a fight, ESPN did this profile on Sister Amber.“I just see it (Islam) spilling over to my everyday life. How I feel inside, how I feel about myself, how I feel and interact with other people.” – Amber Leibrock in an ESPN fighter profile

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Pathways To Paradise: Embracing Ramadan's Blessings
2024-02-24 16:00 - 22:00
As Ramadan draws near, we are reminded of Allah’s infinite mercy and the numerous ways we can attain it. The multiple gates of Jannah exemplify this mercy, each acknowledging the varied paths we take in our journey toward Allah. In Ramadan, the blessings are magnified, and the nights are filled with divine light. This blessed month offers us a unique opportunity to renew our intentions, to cleanse our hearts, and to embark on a path that leads to Jannah.

4 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Saturday, February 24 | $20/person | MCC Prayer Hall | Limited space (please join waitlist once full) at https://mcceastbay.org/paradise

Sponsored by Miftaah Institute & MCC East Bay

Community vendors, please sign up here.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.orgImam Khalid Latif is the University Chaplain for New York University and Executive Director of the Islamic Center at NYU. Imam Latif has not only managed to solidify the basis of a strong Muslim community at NYU that seeks to emphasize inclusiveness and understanding of others without compromise but has also worked tirelessly to foster dialogue with people of other faiths to clarify misconceptions and encourage mutual education.Shaykh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith is an instructor at Qalam. Shaykh Mikaeel previously served as a resident scholar at the Islamic Society of Annapolis and the Islamic Society of Baltimore. He continued his studies in Jami’a Abu Noor in Damascus, Syria. In 2012, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic Studies at the Dar ul-Uloom Canada in Chatham, Ontario. He is the author of With the Heart in Mind, a book exploring the moral and emotional intelligence of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He resides in Dallas, TX, with his wife and three children.

Shaykh Mohamed Almasmari, of Yemeni descent, was born and raised in Michigan. He memorized the Qur’an early and left to study at Sana’a University after high school. He has led Taraweeh prayers during the month of Ramadan since the age of 18. Now, Shaykh Mohamed Almasmari is the Imam and Khatib at UMMA.

Alauddin El-Bakri began his study of Islam at a young age in North Africa and continued his education in the Islamic sciences in Jordan, learning from predominant scholars in the Muslim world. He has also served as a founding board member of IMAN (Inner City Muslim Action Network) in Chicago, as a book editor for IQRA, and is an advisory board member in many Islamic organizations. Having been trained in both the Islamic sciences and secular education; Shaykh Alaeddin can appeal to various audiences, and his main focus is in helping Muslims develop a deep understanding of the self, life, and faith. He currently serves as Khateeb at Saratoga Masjid in California.

Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi is an educator, author, public speaker, active content creator, spiritual counselor, and mental health advocate with over 25 years of experience serving the Muslim community. She began her Islamic studies at the renowned Zaytuna College, where she was blessed to study with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi, Imam Zaid Shakir, and other visiting scholars. She offers year-round classes on spiritual and self-development for adults and youth through local and national organizations. Ustadha Hosai is a wife and mother of two and resides in California.

Mufti Abdul Rahman Waheed is the Co-Founder, President, and senior instructor at Michigan Islamic Institute, a full-time boarding school. He is also the Co-Founder and instructor at Miftaah Institute, a part-time Islamic Studies seminary that aims to make traditional Islamic scholarship accessible to the masses. In addition to Mufti Abdul Rahman’s role as a Fellow at Yaqeen, he also serves as an Associate Editor on Yaqeen’s Editorial Review Board.

Mufti Abdul Wahab Waheed was born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI. He began Islamic studies at Jaamiah al-Uloom al-Islamiyyah in Canada, where he became a Hafiz at 11. He later started his studies at Al Ihsan Institute located in Vancouver, B.C., specializing in Islamic Jurisprudence and Iftā’ under his professors while teaching Fiqh and Hadith in the same school. Mufti Abdul Wahab is a Co-founder at Miftaah Institute and a Co-Founder and Director at Michigan Islamic Institute.

Mawlana Hamza Mehter was born and raised in New York. He completed his hifz and pursued an education in the Islamic sciences. He dedicated nine years to these studies in Canada, after which he continued to study at Madrasa Arabia Islamia Azaadville in South Africa. He had the good fortune of spending a lot of time in the company of Mawlana Fazlur Rahman Azmi. After that, in 2012, he served as imam at the Islamic Society of West Contra Costa County, Masjid Al Rahman, Richmond, CA, where he remains today. He currently serves as the principal of Universal Mercy Academy.

Shaykh Navaid Aziz is a keynote speaker and recognized subject matter expert. He lectures on current and relevant topics from an Islamic perspective. His workshops focus on best practices in sensitivity and diversity training for those engaging with Muslims. He shares his expertise on Muslim extremism, the history of Muslim extremist groups, and community-based intervention and prevention with the courts, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and law enforcement.

Shaykh Tariq Musleh graduated from the prestigious Madinah University, where he attained his Associate’s degree in Arabic and bachelor’s from the College of Sharia. He completed his memorization of the Quran at the age of 13 and received an ijaza from Palestine. He studied Classical Arabic at the Fajr Center in Egypt. Shaykh Tariq has worked as a part-time instructor for Islamic Learning Foundation Chicago, teaching Quran and Arabic studies. He has served in Young Muslims (YM) as a coordinator and murrabi for many years. Shaykh Tariq has also served as the Youth Director for the Islamic Center of Naperville in Chicago and became the Youth Director and Assistant Imam of Mecca Center in Willowbrook, Illinois, in July 2017.

Program Logistics

Check-In

Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. We highly encourage you to arrive early to ensure you get the most suitable seat for yourself, as chair seating will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.You don’t need to print your e-ticket. Our volunteers will have your name on electronic check-in devices.ParkingVolunteers will direct you to the park in the Pleasanton School District parking lot, next to the MCC parking lot. Here is a map. After parking, please walk to the registration tables at the school entrance (marked prayer space on this map).

Nisf-e-Shabaan Program
2024-02-24 18:00 - 19:00
Join Qari Amar Bellaha and a special guest speaker for a faith-affirming evening to learn lessons from one of the five blessed nights when duas are accepted, according to Imam Nawawi. After this program, we highly encourage you to fast this Sunday and join us for a community Iftar in the evening. Join us in this annual commemoration of laylatul-bara’ah (the Night of Innocence). 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Saturday, February 24 | MCC Prayer Hall | Join in-person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live | RSVP for Iftar @ mcceastbay.org/shaban-iftar

Please note that Iftar tickets are non-refundable. Registration for Iftar will close at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23.

– Past talks commemorating Nisf Sha’ban: https://mcceastbay.org/shaban

About Nisf Sha’banThe month of Shaban is the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The fifteenth night of this month is known as laylatul-bara’ah (the Night of Innocence) or Laylat un-Nisf min Shaban (the Middle Night of Shaban or shab-e-barat).

It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, said: “There are five nights on which dua is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha‘ban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al Fitr and the night before Eid al Nahr (al Adha).” (al Suyuti)

Locally, for those who follow moonsighting, the 15th night of Shaban is Sunday night (March 28). This is a special night for making dua and other acts of worship. It is also recommended to fast on the 15th day of Shaban (Monday, March 29).

For more information, see the following links:

Merits of Sha’ban

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah looks at His creation in the night of mid-Sha’ban, and He forgives all His creation except for a mushrik (idolater) or a mushahin (one bent on hatred).”

It is the night our provision for the coming year is determined and a night of forgiveness. Therefore, doing special dhikr prayers at night and asking for forgiveness is recommended. It is also recommended to fast on the 15th of Shaban (Tuesday, March 7).

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

1st Islamic Virtual Cemetery Project
2024-02-25 15:30 - 17:30
Join us on Sunday afternoon for a presentation by the innovative team responsible for creating a virtual perspective of Muslim cemeteries, followed by a shrouding workshop.

We will learn about the project, how it started, and who can benefit from it.Sunday, Feb. 25 | 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | Join in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live

Schedule:3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Shrouding Workshop4:30 p.m. – Asr 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Virtual Cemetery Talk and Q&AAfter the program, we will have a community Nisf-e-Shabaan Iftar from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Register for the Iftar here: https://mcceastbay.org/shaban-iftar

Rehana Markar facilitates the sister’s workshop. Abdur Rehman facilitates the men’s workshop. After the parallel workshops, you can sign up to prepare bodies for burial at the Islamic Society of East Bay’s morgue.

These parallel and separate men’s and women’s workshops are conducted by experienced mortuary volunteers. This is an excellent opportunity for couples.

This workshop’s content and washing simulation are not appropriate for children and adults who are faint of heart.

– MCC’s Islamic End of Life Talks Playlist: https://mcceastbay.org/end-of-life– Islamic burial services in the San Francisco Bay Area’s East Bay: https://mcceastbay.org/funeralQuestions? events@mcceastbay.org

“He who washes a dead body and conceals what he notices of physical defects, he will be forgiven forty times.” [Al-Hakim]

Topic covered in this workshop include :

– What to do when death is occurring?

– Forms required by State of California

– Order of preference for who is preferred to perform the ghusl on the deceased

– What we should do before we start the ghusl (body washing)?

– Preparing the kafan (shroud) and ghusl items (soap, warm water, camphor (powdered dry sidr leaves), cardboard box, etc.

– Preparing and cutting the kafan

– Preparing the body for washing and process of washing the body

– Applying the shroud on the washed body

– What to do after shrouding the body?

We will describe how to perform the Islamic ceremonial process of washing and shrouding a deceased person (mayit) before Janaza and burial.

al-Mayyit (Arabic: الميت) is the term to refer to the deceased in Islam. There are prescribed burial rites to be given upon the death of a Muslim, including the salat al-mayyit, or “prayer of the dead.”

Abdur Rehman is a prolific volunteer who has volunteered to wash and shroud Muslims in the East Bay for more than a decade. A convert to Islam from Hinduism, he brings a unique understanding of the relationship to death and burial in both faith traditions. At mosques, Br. Abdul Rahman demonstrates practical ghusl and shrouding in workshops and he encourages area Muslims to learn how to wash their loved ones. He is a volunteer with the Fremont-based Islamic Society of East Bay’s mortuary. The masjid is also known as Lowry masjid.

Muslim funerals in the East Bay are community affairs, and non-family members partake in several aspects of funerals, from jānazah prayers to burials.

Community members are essential in conducting ghusl, a body-washing ritual on the deceased. In the ghusl ritual, the entire dead body is washed, which requires the helping hands of multiple people to lift and move the body around for washing. Muslim families often need outside assistance from the community to wash their deceased because they don’t have family members trained to perform it or be too emotional to perform it themselves. In such instances, volunteers step up to help families wash their dead.

How Volunteers Become Involved

Many might be surprised to learn that anyone would volunteer to wash the dead body of a stranger.

Ethics of Washing

Washing the body of the dead requires an ethical approach. It is an act that should be carried out in a dignified and respectful manner and it is important that we avoid causing harm to the body. In addition to not harming the body, the ethical approach includes avoiding idle talk around the body, making prayers for the dead individual, and making sure that all the steps of the ghusl are done properly. Under the pressure to finish washing the body in time for the burial.

Lessons from Volunteering (“He is down today, I am tomorrow.”)

The experience from washing during funerals does not simply remain in the wash facilities, but rather the volunteers carry lessons from the experience into their lives. Volunteers say that dealing with death has instilled them with humility. In remembering death while washing, it reminds us of the meaning in life: family, community, living a righteous life, and above all, worshiping her Creator.

Resources

MCC’s Islamic End of Life Talks Playlist

Islamic Will & Trust Templates: Version 1, Version 2, Version 3, Version 4

A Guide for the Muslim Funeral

Practical Ghusl and Shrouding

Islamic Estate Planning (video presentation)

The Islamic Perspective on End-of-Life Care (video presentation)

The Soul’s Journey After Death | Shaykh Alaeddin El Bakri

Resources from TWO GODS Documentary Film

Five Wishes: Advanced Planning Guide

FAQ – Islamic Wills & Trusts

Noor Islamic & Cultural Community Center (NICCC) in Concord – Islamic Mortuary

Washing & Shrouding The Deceased Muslim

When a Muslim dies, it is the responsibility of his family or other Muslims to wash him according to the Islamic rites of washing the deceased. Two or three persons may perform the washing. The person(s) who may wash the deceased should:

– Be a trustworthy, and honest adult Muslim(s).

– Know the Islamic way of washing the dead and be able to carry out the washing.

– Not make any comment on the body of the deceased.

Note

– If the deceased is a male, then ONLY males should wash him.

– If the deceased is a female, then ONLY females should wash her.

– For a married person, the spouse may perform the washing.

– For a child, either males or females may do the washing.

Place of washing

– The deceased’s body should be washed in a clean, secluded, and private place where clean water and soap are available. Gloves or pieces of cloth are needed.– The body of the deceased should be washed with water and, if available, lotus leaves, or camphor (To be used in the final wash).– The washing should be done three or five, or any more odd number of times if necessary.

Steps of washing

– The body of the deceased should be placed on a table or alike, the deceased’s clothes should be removed, and the body should be covered with a sheet of cloth.

– The head and the upper body should be raised slightly to insure the washing water with exudations from the body flows down and does not run back to the body.

– The Aura (private parts) of the deceased should be covered with a piece of cloth. The Aura of a male is from the belly button to the knee in the presence of males, for the female is the same in the presence of females.

– The washer should start washing by saying:” Bismil – lah “,” In the name of Allah “.

– The washer winds a piece of cloth around his hand, and with this he cleans away any impurities from the body using water. Then he should dispose of this piece.

– The washer should take another piece of cloth around his hand, press lightly the stomach of the deceased so as so to expel, if possible, any remnants from it, and then wash the body of all impurities using water. Then he should dispose this piece of cloth.

– The washer should take another piece of cloth around his hand (may use gloves), and wash the covered private parts, then dispose of this piece of cloth.

– The washer should perform Wudu (ablution) on the deceased without inserting the water in the nose and in the mouth.

– The washer should clean the body with water and soap, if available, starting from the head (hair, face and beard {men}), then the upper right side of the body then the left side, after that the lower right side then the lower left.

– In the case of a female, her hair should be loosened, washed, combed, and be braided in three braids, and placed behind her back.The washing should be done three times, or five times, or seven times, as needed, providing that after washing the head, wash the right side before the left, and the upper parts before the lower ones.

– In the last wash, the washer may use camphor, or some perfume with the water.

– After that the body should be dried with clean towel.

– Then the body should be totally covered with a white sheet.

– You now get ready to start the shrouding.

Special Note: In case the deceased is a female in her menstrual period or have child birth bleeding, padding should be used to prevent blood from leaving the body.

Note:

– It is recommended that those who performed the washing should take a bath .

– It is recommended that those who performed the washing should make Wudu.

– All of this is based on authentic Hadith that Um Atiyah narrated that: ” When the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) died, he instructed us:‘ Wash her three times, or more than that if you feel it is necessary, with water and sidr(good smelling leaves), and then after the last wash apply some camphor to the body , then loosen her hair, wash it, comb it, and make it in three braids laid behind her back ” (Bukhari & Muslim).

Note:

– There is no Islamic teaching of reading the Quran during the Ghusul.

– There is no Islamic teaching of making special dthiker (Certain words to remember Allah) during the Ghusul.

Shrouding The Deceased Muslim

– Shrouding should start Just after washing the body of the deceased. It is recommended to use white sheets from inexpensive material. Extravagance is not recommended in the Kafan (Shroud).Aisha relates that: ” When the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) died, he was shrouded in three white sheets from Yemen” (Bukhari & Muslim).

The shroud (kafan) of a male:The Kafan of a male should consist of three white winding sheets about{7 x 7 feet}, clean and large enough to conceal the whole body, after having been perfumed with incense. Use 4 tie ropes, each 7 feet long. The material of the sheet should not be silk, nor should any gold be used.

Steps of shrouding

– The winding sheets should be spread out one on the top of the other.

– The deceased, covered with a sheet, is lifted and laid on his back on the winding sheets.

– Some scent or perfume may be put on those parts of the body upon which one rests during prostration, that is the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and feet.

– If it is possible the deceased’s left hand should be placed on his chest, then put his right hand on the left hand like the way in the Salat (Prayer).

– The edge of the top sheet is folded over the deceased right side, then the other edge over his left side. Then the second sheet should be folded the same way. The third and the largest sheet should be treated the same way.

– These sheets should be fastened with a piece of cloth {Tie ropes}, one above the head, another under the feet, and two around the body.
