*Rescheduled* Remosqued: Cultivating Intentional Community | Imam Ahmed Deeb & Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi
2024-01-21 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-UraE5oAyQ

What is community? How should it feel and look like? How did the Prophet (peace be upon him) develop the communal culture of the model community in Madinah? This interactive workshop will examine these and more through an integrated framework of community psychology and the Sunnah. Join us to be part of this groundbreaking community effort examining loneliness, governance, and a sense of community in the American mosque. Learn more at https://www.remosqued.com

5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Isha) | Sunday, Jan. 21 | MCC Conference Room | In person only; event not live-streamed or recorded

Join us for light refreshments at 5:30 p.m. before the program from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Isha is at 8 p.m.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

– More Sidi Ahmed Deeb: https://mcceastbay.org/ahmad– More Ustadha Hosai: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/hosai

This is part of a series of interactive talks happening across masjids and Islamic centers in the Bay Area to redefine and reenergize the concept of community in our mosques. This program will not be live-streamed at the speakers’ request.

Learn more at https://www.remosqued.com

Imam Ahmad Deeb has been serving communities from an early age under the training and mentorship of his father, Shaykh Abdallah Deeb. After finishing his bachelor’s in Psychology at 19, he traveled to Cape Town, SA, and completed formal seminary training. He returned to the USA and completed his M.A. in Islamic Studies and Leadership at Bayan’s foremost accredited Muslim graduate school. His thesis topic was “Re-forming Islamic Reform: Ma’loom min al-Dīn bil Darūrah, the Theology of Law, and the Epistemological Limits of Ijtihād.”

His academic interests and love of community work led him to community psychology, where he is a doctoral candidate and researcher. He co-founded Itqaan Institute, a premier Qur’an learning institute led by his father. He is co-founder and instructor of Pillars Seminary—a part-time institute that aims to provide the general public with formal, balanced, and structured training in Islam. Most recently, with his father and Shaykh Ismail Bowers, he established Shifaa Community, a virtual intentional community that promotes holistic wellness and structured religious guidance. In his free time, he continues his study of the Islamic tradition with scholars worldwide and provides consulting to communities across the country.

– More Sidi Ahmed Deeb: https://mcceastbay.org/ahmad

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

Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi co-founded MH4M (http://mentalhealth4muslims.com), established in 2010. For nearly 20 years, she has been actively involved in the Bay Area and Southern California Muslim community, working and volunteering for many notable organizations. Learn more about her at http://hosaimojaddidi.com

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

Munir Safi cut his teeth as a breaking newspaper reporter for several years in his home state of Missouri before finding a second career in Islamic nonprofit management after he moved to California. He has served the MCC East Bay community since 2016. He oversees the facility, programming, events, classes, congregation support, website, marketing, communications, A/V and media, social media, interfaith, community, prison outreach, and supporting MCC’s varied social services.

What is Remosqued?Be a Voice of Change and Improve Your Communities.

Participate in a groundbreaking academic study on what community means for American Muslims, what it should look like, and how our spaces should be governed. It will integrate community psychology with Islam and the voices of those who take the survey at HTTP://remosqued.com

What do you get?

01 Make history by being part of a landmark study to improve masjid communities across America and beyond

02 You are immediately entered into a raffle to win free prizes like an iPad, gift cards, free A-Z consulting for your community, and more!

03 Enjoy an exclusive podcast conversation on community with Imam Ahmad Deeb and special guests this summer for all who finish the survey

04 Be the first to receive a copy of the book as soon as it’s published

05 See your needs and concerns reflected in the first-ever psychological, academic study on American Masajid!

Women’s Seerah Bookclub (in-person) | Ustadha Leila Fakira
2024-01-22 11:00 - 12:30, 2024-01-29 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

Principles of Religion | Ustadha Nihad Hemmoudeh
2024-01-23 12:30 - 13:15, 2024-01-30 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

Women’s Seerah Bookclub (virtual) | Ustadha Leila Fakira
2024-01-23 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-01-30 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-02-06 18:30 - 20:00 | 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

The Soul's Journey (virtual) | Sidi Shahryar Abbasi
2024-01-24 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-01-31 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-02-07 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

Mommy and Me Winter Session | MCC's Mommy & Me Program
2024-01-25 10:00 - 11:00
In this five-week fall session, our toddlers and pre-schoolers (ages 1-5) will develop love for Islam, Allah (swt), and RasulAllah (saw) through book reading, sing-alongs, Parachute Time, activities, and more!

Thursdays, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, & 2/22 | 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Conference Room | $70 for five sessions or $20 per session | Register at HTTP://mcceastbay.org/happyhearts

These Mommy & Me sessions are designed for girls and boys ages one to four who are accompanied by a female guardian. Moms, grandmothers, and so on are welcome. This is also a great opportunity to connect with other moms and caretakers in the MCC community.

Our Mommy and Me sessions begin with dua and a salaam/greeting song and end with the Fi-Amanillah song and kid-favorite parachute time.

Questions? Happy Hearts Playgroup Facilitator Sr. Khadija at mommyandme@mcceastbay.orgMCC 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

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Dublin Library
2024-01-26 12:30 - 14:50
For MCC’s Jumu’ah services on Friday, January 26, 2024:

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

Ustadh Ibrahim Qureshi delivers this sermon at MCC.

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

– Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali delivers this sermon at MCC.

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

– Hafiz Abdullah Ayyaz 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 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 Ibrahim: https://mcceastbay.org/ibrahim

– More Dr. Abdullah: https://mcceastbay.org/abdullah

– More. Hafiz Abdullah: https://mcceastbay.org/abdullah-ayyaz

– 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

Soul of My Soul Exhibit Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-01-26 12:30 - 15:00
Soul of My Soul Exhibit is hosting an art exhibit on Sunday, Jan. 28th, at Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave, Pleasanton, bringing attention to the genocide in Palestine via children’s art. See more here: https://mcceastbay.org/event/activism-art-for-people-of-palestineDuring this Jumu’ah at MCC on Friday, January 26, Soul of My Soul volunteers will be at a table in the MCC Foyer during the three MCC Jumu’ahs, where children can contribute to this display by drawing on the spot.

Soul of My Soul is organizing this outdoor art exhibit in Pleasanton for the people of Palestine. The goal is to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis, push people to action, and provide reliable resources to the public to promote further education on Gaza and Palestine.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

WhoOur organization group comprises Yosra, Sadaf, Deana, Dina, Zainab, and Omeera. We are a group of moms who decided something needs to be done about all this! We are not all Muslims or Arabs, but we are all humans.

Project goals

Short term: a permanent ceasefire

Defunding Israel

The name of our organization is flexible enough to continue after a ceasefire is reached and also to allow us to highlight other issues of the occupation or create new displays and exhibits.

Exhibit goals

Expose those who only consume mainstream media to more of the story

Push people to action – write to politicians, sign petitions, BDS, attend protests

Present new sources and accounts people can follow so that they can continue their education after the event

We need to keep these goals in mind when consistently creating this exhibit. Everything must be done with intention and detail.

Overarching Theme

We want this to be quiet, calm, reflective.

Protests are loud and in your face.

This appeals to the human side of people, and the main goal is humanizing the victims.

We are also highlighting specific atrocities committed by Israel through the stories of the people whom they have killed.

Brand

We want to have a “brand” for several reasons:

It helps us market our events in newspapers when advertising an “upcoming event.”

It helps give us legitimacy when applying for permits

Allows people to visit our site and access resources that were shared at the event

Can encourage people to bring friends and family to our next event

List of Displays

We will have a variety of displays that are different in terms of color, size, positioning, medium, etc. This is intentional as it encourages people to walk through the exhibit, engage and interact with each unique display, and learn something new.

Each display will have a large poster with the piece’s name, the artist’s name, and an explanation of the issue the display is highlighting. Beside this large poster is a small (8.5” x 11”) paper that directs people to a QR code. Each QR code takes people to a relevant video or news article to the display they are viewing. All QR codes will be provided at the end and listed on our website so people can reference them later.

Dr. Rania Awaad’s Weekly Friday Evening Halaqa
2024-01-26 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-02-02 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.

The Dajjalic System | Sidi Mohammed Ishaaq
2024-01-26 19:00 - 21:00
Join us for a short talk with Sidi Mohammed Isaaq on how secular ideologies create a Dajjalic worldview impacting our minds, well-being, and relationships, and discuss ways to counter this through the Prophetic worldview.Friday, Jan. 26 | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | MCC Prayer Hall | Join in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live– More Sidi Mohammed Isaaq: https://mcceastbay.org/isaaqSidi Isaaq will also teach a one-day intensive at MCC on Fortifying the Self on Sunday, Jan. 28, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Register for it at https://mcceastbay.org/fortification

About the Speaker

Mohammed Isaaq is the founder and instructor of Claritas Universal and the globally renowned Knowing Yourself programs.Mohammed was born and raised in Birmingham, UK. Following his postgraduate studies in education, he has had the privilege of pursuing his studies under various teachers in the UK and abroad, including Morocco, Jordan, and Yemen. He is currently a student of Islamic Psychology at the Cambridge Muslim College.Upon his return to the UK in 2017, he has been teaching alongside other community projects and has now delivered programs in over 40 countries to a worldwide audience of over 35’000 participants.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

East Bay Tahajjud Tigers: Tahajjud, Witr & Fajr in Congregation
2024-01-27 05:15 - 06:30
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 on a Saturday morning 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 | 5:15 a.m. to 6:30 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:5:00 – doors open5:15 – Tahajjud starts (Huffaz will recite Juz #2 – second half)6:00 – Fajr Adhan6:05 – Snacks are served6:30 – Fajr iqamah6:45 – cleanup

Private Event
2024-01-27 10:00 - 19:00
Banquet Hall, Prayer Hall, PCPH, and classrooms.

Muslim Singles Meet and Greet | Invitation Only Event
2024-01-27 12:00 - 17:00
* Full. Please register for the next event on Saturday, June 8: https://mcceastbay.org/event/muslim-singles-meet

We’re back! Following the phenomenal success of our five previous quarterly HOD Live events at MCC, we are thrilled to invite you again to HOD Live on January 27th, 2024. This single event is not just a social gathering; it’s a proven pathway to meaningful connections.

Why HOD Live at MCC is Unmissable:

Record of Success: The last HOD Live event at MCC led to 65% of attendees finding a match. We’ve asked Half Deen to return due to the overwhelmingly positive reception and success rate.

Selective and Balanced Participation: Attendees are carefully selected to maintain a 1:1 male-to-female ratio and to match age preferences. This isn’t a walk-in event; it’s a curated experience with assigned seating based on compatibility.

Exclusive Opportunity for MCC Community: Before opening registration to the wider Half Deen community, we give our MCC family a 24-hour head start to secure your spots. Remember, spaces are limited, and the demand is high.

National Appeal: With 24% of attendees traveling from out of state, HOD Live events have a nationwide draw. Don’t miss this chance to participate locally in an event that’s nationally recognized for its success.

Act Quickly to Secure Your Spot

I wanted to personally let you know about the event before Half Deen notifies its members so you can sign up. To be part of this unique experience, sign up promptly. If you’re within the sought-after age range, Half Deen will reach out to confirm your participation. Delaying might mean missing out on this opportunity, as others are eager to take available spots.

As a quick reminder, attendees are selected based on a mutual age preference, ensuring everyone present is within the age range most sought after by participants. This method ensures no attendee is placed awkwardly, and the maximum age may vary for each event. This prioritizes comfort and compatibility over simply filling the room.This event is more than a chance to meet; it’s a step towards finding a compatible partner in a respectful, Islamic setting. We’re excited to offer this again at MCC and look forward to another successful gathering.

Register now by clicking here or going to BabaAli.com and be part of our story of successful matches!

Are you a single Muslim or Muslimah looking for the right partner to form a happy marriage? Then this event is for you.

Every four months, MCC East Bay teams with the much-lauded Half Our Deen platform (and Baba Ali) to run a thoughtful, fun, private quarterly matrimonial event that is a profound departure from the tired traditional match-making session and that uses personality questions & fun activities to help our singles sisters and brothers get closer to finding a spouse.

This is an appropriately done matrimonial event – from thoughtfully screening every application, an equal ratio of men to women, and a fair chance for all to engage in a fun and exciting way through activities that melt the awkwardness of a singles mixer. This event is co-hosted with MCC, and the event venue will be shared only with approved applicants.

12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Saturday, January 27 | Exact address is TBA to registered attendees only (the venue is in Pleasanton) | $100/person (fewer than 70 spots available) | Registration now open at https://mcceastbay.org/singles

If you cannot make this event, sign up for our notification list for the next quarterly event: https://mcceastbay.org/wait

MCC has a standing policy that financial need should not hold a person back from benefiting from any event held in the MCC facility or cosponsored by MCC. To request a discounted or full financial waiver, please visit https://mcceastbay.org/scholarship

This event breaks from ineffective speed-dating matrimonial events and traditional match-making. This game-oriented event caters to the need for more creative and effective ways to meet and learn about others. Many premarital and personality questions are incorporated into the event activities to allow for a quick dip into meaningful relationship questions.

The Bay is filled with Muslim singles, and we will sell out.

Questions? shakera@halfourdeen.com or events@mcceastbay.org

What to expect?

Fun

We don’t play musical chairs because relationships aren’t based on 3-minute conversations. So, instead, we have exclusive fun games and activities designed specifically for marriage-minded Muslims to help you naturally learn about each other. (Here is a sneak peek into an actual live event)

Filtered

We are the only Muslim organization that filters our applicants and hand-picks every attendee. This allows us to select members most likely to be compatible and helps ensure we have a balanced number of men and women at every event.

Proven

61% of the attendees at our last event found a match. No other single event even comes close to the success of HD Live, so it’s no surprise that about 25% of attendees travel (including flights from outside the state and country) to attend this exclusive event.

Private

Our close-door events are at undisclosed locations because we take privacy very seriously. We believe that the only people that should know you’re attending the event are the people attending the event. In addition, our HD Live app allows you to show interest without the fear of rejection since matches are privately sent at midnight and only if the interest is mutual.

FAQs from MCC

Who can register?

This event is designed for Muslim singles from Northern California to meet privately and casually. Space is limited. Muslims from all states can apply, but priority will be given to singles residing in Northern California, particularly the San Francisco Bay Area. If our single sisters and brothers give positive feedback, MCC cohosts these matrimonial events quarterly.

Who is the moderator?

Baba Ali, the co-founder of Half Our Deen, is an Iranian-born American comedian, game developer, businessman, and actor. He is the co-founder of the revolutionary matchmaking site Half Our Deen, an alternative to the Muslim dating apps we see today. He is also the founder of Ummah Films, a Muslim film company that attempts to provide Halal entertainment to Muslims and non-Muslims. Baba Ali rose to prominence within the online Muslim community with Ummah Films, which discusses various Islamic topics using humor.

Baba Ali has traveled the world doing stand-up to a wide range of Muslim and non-Muslim audiences. He has performed all over the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, performing for audiences as large as 37,000 and all ages. He has been reviewed in The New York Times, USA Today, and Los Angeles Times and featured in seven episodes of DirecTV’s The Fizz News. Ali Ardekani is a video blogger to his viewers as Baba Ali.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=bHsyJCpSQJ0%3Fenablejsapi%3D1%26wmode%3Dopaque

Why is MCC collaborating with Half Our Deen?

Half Our Deen is an expert in the Muslim matching department and has a system that works. Their website and offline match-making events use personality matching to help connect like-minded Muslims and create lasting matches. For the last 11 years, the site has explicitly catered to marriage-minded Muslims and has over 2500+ success stories. Our event is modeled on their successful system.

MCC East Bay is pleased to offer our single community in the Bay Area the ability to use Half Our Deen’s resources to search for a spouse. HOD is unique in its ability to offer personality testing, high privacy standards, and offline events, which we believe will enhance the process for our single Muslims.

Everyone deserves to find true love and happiness in marriage. MCC is privileged to be a part of your life story by helping to facilitate this chance to meet the right person!

How does it work?

Fill out the brief application telling us about yourself and who you are looking for. You will receive an email with the following steps within a few days. You must add shakera@halfourdeen.com to your contacts to prevent bouncebacks and spam/promotional archiving.

If your application is accepted, you will need to register for the event and make your payment to secure your seat.

The event will take place at a private location near Pleasanton, California. Exact location details will be provided only to accepted attendees before the event.

Questions? shakera@halfourdeen.com

I cannot afford the registration fee.

MCC has a standing policy that financial need should not hold a person back from benefiting from any event held in the MCC facility or cosponsored by MCC. To request a discounted or full financial waiver, please visit https://mcceastbay.org/scholarship

Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit. This event is for adults 18+. Your selection for the event depends on attendees in the same range apply for this event.

To increase the chances of successful matches, we use a selection process to ensure quality and compatible candidates are in attendance. The goal is compatibility. For example, if most applicants indicate that the maximum age they are looking for in a spouse is 40, and you are older, your application would not be accepted. However, please don’t let this deter you from applying for our future events, as acceptance criteria change based on who is used for each event.

Is lunch offered?

We will have snacks, coffee, and tea. We will not have time for a full-fledged meal. Please ensure you have a hearty meal before the event begins at noon.

Will I still receive my confirmation if I am on the waiting list?

If it is determined that no compatible matches for you will be in attendance at the event, you will be placed on a waiting list. As we receive more applications, the criteria might change, and there will be a chance that you are still invited to the event. We do our best to invite as many matches as possible to increase everyone’s chances of meeting the right person. If you still haven’t heard from us in the weeks leading into the event, no candidates matched your criteria at this particular event. Please be patient and try again at another MCC matrimonial event (sign up for our newsletter at https://mcceastbay.org/newsletter).

Do I need a HalfOurDeen membership to attend the event?

You do not need a membership with HalfOurDeen to apply for this event; however, accepted applicants must complete their profile on HOD to attend. You will need a profile on HalfOurDeen to participate since a unique online/offline interaction characterizes this singles event. If you’re not already a member of HalfOurDeen, no problem. HalfOurDeen is providing a 90-day free trial membership for all MCC event attendees. Please note that your trial membership ends after 90 days so you won’t be charged until the 31st. You can cancel right after the event if you choose. One particular advantage is that after meeting individuals at the event, you can learn more about them through their online profiles before connecting. A HOD-free membership will allow you to view anyone’s profile, which is also registered with the site. This way, there is no need to exchange personal information at the event, and all follow-up communication can be done safely through the HOD website after the event.

How do you screen applicants?

During the application process, applicants will answer a questionnaire that tells us a little about them and what they are looking for (or not looking for). Answers are then compared to the answers of all other applicants to determine who can attend to increase the chances for successful matches based on compatibility and personality matching.

Why was my application not accepted?

To increase the chances of successful matches, we use a selection process to ensure quality and compatible candidates are in attendance. The goal is compatibility. For example, if most applicants indicate that the maximum age they are looking for in a spouse is 40, and you are older, your application would not be accepted. However, please don’t let this deter you from applying for our future events, as acceptance criteria change based on who applies for each event.

Can I bring a family member or a friend to the event?

No. This event is specifically tailored to the applicants who apply and are accepted based on the information provided during the application process. Everything from the games played to the seating chart is specific to those who have secured a spot. That is why only those who have applied and been accepted can attend. Moreover, this is a private event, and to protect the privacy of others, only those who have been accepted will be given specific event details that must not be shared with anyone. Please encourage your friends who want to attend to apply! To keep this event as private as possible, the candidates are the only people allowed to attend it. Our committee members will do their best to keep all interactions focused and constantly monitored throughout the event.

What should I do if I haven’t received a confirmation email?

If you have not received a payment submission email after completing your application, we are receiving a high volume of applications and are still processing them. If you still haven’t heard from us by Feb 28th, no candidates were matching your criteria at this particular event. If you have any questions about the selection process, please watch this https://youtu.be/NqHiZXhWtcw

How is this event different from other Muslim matrimonial events that have taken place in NorCal?

We are making every effort to ensure that our event is done professionally organized manner that aligns with Islamic principles. Unlike other events, we will thoroughly vet all applicants via a detailed application. This process will ensure that the attendees are serious about marriage and that there are enough attendees of the opposite gender potentially compatible with *you* and your preferences. We will try our best to have as close to a 50:50 ratio of females to males as possible.

We will have a wide variety of structured activities that will help you get to know the potential in a low-key, pressure-free, and fun way. Our activities will be structured so people of all personality types can easily participate. So whether introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in the middle, you can participate in all the activities quickly—and, more importantly, get to know the potential in the process. You can also have the peace of mind of knowing that no one will have the spotlight on them at any time.

In order to keep in line with Islamic principles, our event will be constantly monitored by chaperones who will ensure that all interactions are kept professional and focused. They will also be there to help facilitate conversation and answer questions as necessary.

Can I be sure that the information on my application will be kept private?

Absolutely. This is our Amanah (trust), and we will not release your information to anyone without your permission. Your application will only be reviewed by the HOD Offline staff.

I am worried that others might discover I will be at this event. How will the event be kept private?

The only people who know that you will be at the event…are those at the event (and, of course, the people you tell). The MCC Matrimony Committee or HOD Offline will not inform anyone of your attendance. We are also keeping the event location private. Once you have fully registered and paid, the venue address will only be sent to you. So please do not share the event location with anyone!

Is there a dress code?

Our only dress code is that your clothing must be by Islamic principles (clothes cannot be revealing, tight, or see-through). Other than that, feel free to express your personality! Remember that you want to protect yourself best while remaining modest and genuine.

I do not wear a headscarf in public. Do I have to wear one to the event?

Although we highly encourage everyone to dress as closely by Islamic principles as possible, we will not ask that you wear a headscarf, as the event is not in a masjid prayer space. That said, anyone dressed inappropriately will not be allowed to participate in the event.

What precautions are you taking during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Given the social nature of the event, where attendees will meet new people for the first time and eat, we will require masks for the duration of the event.

FAQs from HOD

How is the Offline process different?

We steer clear of the speed-dating approach. The 3 minutes you give to talk to each person is great if you are looking for a 3-hour relationship. But not so much for a life-long commitment. Right from receiving your application, we screen to ensure only the most compatible attend by screening all our applicants. Our events have an even ratio of men to women, giving everyone a fair chance. By engaging people in fun and exciting activities, we break the ice and eliminate awkwardness. Since all our attendees are also on HOD Online, the follow-up after the event is relatively simple.

Why do I need a Half Deen membership to attend?

One of the unique features of Half Deen Offline is that everyone at the event can be found on Half Deen Online. You can view their profile online if you find someone interesting and would rather learn more about them before showing interest. No personal information exists because follow-up is done safely through our website after the event. You’ll have access to more than 3,000 active profiles. This way, even if you don’t find your ideal match at the offline event, you still have a great chance of finding them online. Our Offline events are for Members Only! You can become one by going to www.HalfDeen.com

What happens if the event is sold out?

We wish we could accommodate everyone! Due to this event’s increasing popularity, the seats fill fast. We keep the ratio of women to men at 1:1. Due to this, we sometimes have to temporarily halt the registration for the gender ahead until we can level the playing field. We ensure that everyone has an opportunity for a match. Keep checking the site to see when and where our next event will be.

What criteria do you screen applicants by?

We believe in quality matches. We don’t set the criteria; our applicants do. We review every application carefully and study your criteria for a spouse. We only invite those who meet your criteria, so you have a great shot right from the start. We are the only Muslim organization that filters our applicants to ensure compatibility, increasing your chances of finding “The One.” InshAllah!

Something came up. I cannot make it.

You can claim that for cancellation and refunds up to two weeks before the event with no conditions. For cancellations and refunds claimed up to one week’s notice, you will be given a refund on the condition of finding an equal replacement for you to attend the event.

Concerning event planning, no refunds will be given after the one-week conditional cancellation cut-off. Please consider that for every person invited, several interested members turned away to keep good ratios and compatibility. If you missed the event, we cannot refund/transfer or give you credit for the next one. We could not refund you if you attended the event because you did not find your match.

Why is your event venue private?

We care about your privacy. Our event location is kept confidential and is only revealed to those who are paid and confirmed. Nobody knows you are at the event except those at the event. We do not accept any walk-ups to the event.

Event Safety:

We’re encouraging our attendees and staff to adopt social distancing and sanitization measures to help keep everyone attending as safe as possible. As events are being scheduled again, their status may change due to the development of safety policies, but we’ll keep you posted if that’s the case.

Mask Recommended: We recommend attendees wear a mask during the event and in public areas (exceptions made while seated during snacks)

Clean Venue: Steps to sanitize surfaces throughout have been taken before the event.

Social Distancing: The recommended six feet of distance is suggested throughout the event for a safe distance event.

Temperature Checks: Attendees will be asked to submit contactless temperature checks before entering the venue hall.

Hand Sanitizer Stations: Attendees can access various hand sanitizing stations that will be located throughout the venue.

Half Deen Live Matrimonial Event – Pleasanton, CA – 1/27/2024

If you’re looking to attend another speed-dating event, this event is not for you. Speed dating doesn’t work. HOD Live does, so the Muslim Community Center (MCC) and Muslim Marriage Canada is partnering up with HOD and bringing HOD Live to Pleasanton, California on January 27, 2024! Read below for HOD’s unique match-making process.

About HOD:

Being interviewed for hours is both uncomfortable and awkward. We do things differently, and our results are different. HOD’s last event resulted in 65% of the attendees finding a match.

HOD Live is designed for marriage-minded Muslims who are serious about finding their other half. Our events are filled with fun and unique activities and allow you to meet single Muslims in a more natural way.

Please watch the video below showing how the event will take place and how the application process will be. This is a private event, so the exact location of the event will be sent to all those who have a seat at the event.Every attendee will hand-pick to help increase compatibility and have an equal balance of men and women at the event. Our focus is to invite those likely to succeed at this particular event.

The MCC and Muslim Marriage Canada is partnering up with Half Deen to bring you a Muslim Singles event using the HOD Live Process in Pleasanton, CA on January 27th, 2024.

Here is how it works:

1. This event is by invitation ONLY. Fill out the questionnaire below. This helps us determine if you are a good fit for this event.

2. A member of our admin team will review your completed form. After reviewing your application, you will be sent a request for payment if they think you are a good fit for this event.

3. Once payment is received, you will receive a confirmation (within 24hrs) for your seat at the event as well as the exact location of the event.

****The biggest incentive to signing up early is that you get priority seat selection. This gives you the best opportunity to sit at the table of your preferred age range ****

The price to attend the Singles event is $100 US.

If we do not receive a payment response within 24 hours, your seat will be forfeited and offered to the first person on the waiting list.

Please note that there are a limited number of seats for this event. There are only 40 seats for each gender. The biggest incentive for registering early is getting priority seating.

Note: Our goal is to ensure a balanced male/female ratio, so if you do not receive an immediate response, it may be because we are trying to ensure gender registration is balanced.

If you have any questions, please email muslimmarriageca@gmail.com or WhatsApp – 1-647-535-2936

To check out other upcoming HOD Live Events, visit: www.babaali.com

Palestine: Strategizing on Sentiments (An SOS Call for Unity) | Sami Hamdi
2024-01-27 19:45 - 21:15
Join our partner community organization, the SRVIC masjid, for a Saturday evening introspection and mobilization of the Ummah. by acclaimed political analyst Sidi Sami Hamdi. Hosted by the East Bay Communities for Peace.

7:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. | Saturday, Jan. 27 | San Ramon Islamic Valley Center, 2232 Camino Ramon San Ramon, CA 94583 | Free, no RSVP required

Cosponsored by SRVIC, MCC East Bay, Darul Islam, and Tanzil SRVIC.

– More talks about Palestine: https://mcceastbay.org/palestinian – MCC Stands with the People of Palestine: https://mcceastbay.org/palestine-update

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

About the PresenterSami Hamdi is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Interest. An experienced geopolitical risk consultant. He has extensive experience in the MENA region, having been a television reporter and talk show host for over ten years.

With the ongoing genocide and ongoing tragedies in Gaza and Palestine, the Tri-Valley Muslim community is fortunate to hear from Br. Sami Hamdi.

This talk is an inspiring journey of awareness and empowerment as we delve into the complexities of Gaza, Palestine, regional players, election 2024, and mobilization of the Ummah locally and globally. See an amazing visit below in November by Sidi Sami with our friends at MCA Bay Area. Please subscribe to their YouTube channel for more excellent content.

This event is not just a discussion and political analysis; it’s a call to action, a beacon of hope, and a roadmap for engagement.

– Exploring Palestine’s Reality: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the current political landscape in Palestine, unraveling the layers that escape the mainstream narrative.

– Political Analysis Unveiled: Sami Hamdi will provide nuanced political analyses, deciphering the forces at play and helping us navigate through the complexities of Gaza, the regional powers, and the powers that aim to inflict Genocide on our brothers and sisters. May Allah SWT protect them.

– Mobilizing the Ummah: Discover your role in the collective empowerment of the Ummah. This isn’t just about understanding; it’s about taking meaningful actions that reverberate globally.

– Staying Motivated in Challenging Times: Find inspiration and motivation to persevere despite what may seem like insurmountable challenges. Discover the strength within yourself and our community.

– Engaging on a Civic Level: Learn practical strategies for civic engagement. Understand how small, collective efforts can lead to significant positive changes.

Activism Art for People of Palestine
2024-01-28 12:00 - 16:00
What is your hope for the children of Palestine? To highlight the struggles and injustices in Palestine, we are encouraging our young artists in the Bay Area to submit art. We will display this art this Sunday.

12 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Sunday, January 28 | Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave, Pleasanton

To submit art, see here. To be an activism art exhibit volunteer, see here. To learn more about this project, see here. You can also do on-the-spot art after MCC’s three Jumu’ahs tomorrow (see here).

Soul of My Soul is organizing this outdoor art exhibit in Pleasanton for the people of Palestine. The goal is to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis, push people to action, and provide reliable resources to the public to promote further education on Gaza and Palestine.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

WhoOur organization group comprises Yosra, Sadaf, Deana, Dina, Zainab, and Omeera. We are a group of moms who decided something needs to be done about all this! We are not all Muslims or Arabs, but we are all humans.

Project goals

Short term: a permanent ceasefire

Defunding Israel

The name of our organization is flexible enough to continue after a ceasefire is reached and also to allow us to highlight other issues of the occupation or create new displays and exhibits..

Exhibit goals

Expose those who only consume mainstream media to more of the story

Push people to action – write to politicians, sign petitions, BDS, attend protests

Present new sources and accounts people can follow so that they can continue their education after the event

We need to keep these goals in mind when consistently creating this exhibit. Everything must be done with intention and detail.

Overarching Theme

We want this to be quiet, calm, reflective.

Protests are loud and in your face.

This appeals to the human side of people, and the main goal is humanizing the victims.

We are also highlighting specific atrocities committed by Israel through the stories of the people whom they have killed.

Brand

We want to have a “brand” for several reasons:

It helps us market our events in newspapers when advertising an “upcoming event.”

It helps give us legitimacy when applying for permits

Allows people to visit our site and access resources that were shared at the event

Can encourage people to bring friends and family to our next event

List of Displays

We will have a variety of displays that are different in terms of color, size, positioning, medium, etc. This is intentional as it encourages people to walk through the exhibit, engage and interact with each unique display, and learn something new.

Each display will have a large poster with the piece’s name, the artist’s name, and an explanation of the issue the display is highlighting. Beside this large poster is a small (8.5” x 11”) paper that directs people to a QR code. Each QR code takes people to a relevant video or news article on their viewing display. All QR codes will be provided at the end and listed on our website so people can reference them later.

Fortifying the Self | Ustadh Mohammed Isaaq
2024-01-28 14:30 - 18:30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jGnv-R6ywE

Join us for a one-of-a-kind journey with Sidi Mohammed Isaaq through the Wird al Latif and witness the transformative effects of prophetic statements, supplications, and affirmations. These practices can shape our worldviews, provide direction, and help us maintain emotional balance, leading to a more empowered mental and spiritual state.Sunday, Jan. 28 | 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | $20/person (light snacks provided), $10/livestream link | Register at mcceastbay.org/fortification

– More Sidi Mohammed Isaaq: https://mcceastbay.org/isaaqSidi Isaaq will also speak the day after at WVMA. There, Sidi Mohammed Isaaq uses faith-based frameworks, contemporary techniques, and the 4 temperaments.

With the incredible success of over 1,000 students benefitting, this in-person workshop will truly be one to remember.

MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attending any activity held in the community center. To request a financial waiver, please complete our financial waiver request: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/scholarship

About the Speaker

Mohammed Isaaq is the founder and instructor of Claritas Universal and the globally renowned Knowing Yourself programs.

Mohammed was born and raised in Birmingham, UK. Following his postgraduate studies in education, he has had the privilege of pursuing his studies under various teachers in the UK and abroad, including Morocco, Jordan, and Yemen. He is currently a student of Islamic Psychology at the Cambridge Muslim College.Upon his return to the UK in 2017, he has been teaching alongside other community projects and has now delivered programs in over 40 countries to a worldwide audience of over 35’000 participants.

Attendee Testimonials

“This has been life-changing for me, and it came at the perfect time! I find healing, hope, and strength in this.” – Sadia, UK.

“It’s just mind-blowing content, gem after gem, and it just keeps getting better” – Shazeeb, UK.

“For someone that cannot commit to anything, especially reading something every day, I can now tell you that I’m reading this every day at Tahajjud time. I’m unsure how I even got to this stage, but something within me has changed. I’m not sure what or where I’ve gotten this strength from, but honestly, I feel much lighter and just happier. Alhamdulilah, my journey in life has actually been about finding myself, and these affirmations have been a blessing. I’m not too bothered about things anymore, I’m always remembering different parts of the wird throughout the day without even realising. No matter what’s happening, I know God is there and in control.” – Hasina, UK.

– More Sidi Mohammed Isaaq: https://mcceastbay.org/isaaq

Mohammed Isaaq is the founder and instructor of the Knowing Yourself program. He is a self-development specialist and a teacher. Mohammed was born and raised in Birmingham, UK. Following his postgraduate studies in education, he has had the privilege of pursuing his studies under various teachers in the UK and abroad, including Morocco, Jordan, and Yemen. He is currently a student of Islamic Psychology at Cambridge Muslim College. Upon his return to the UK in 2017, he has been teaching Islamic medicine, theology, and Arabic alongside other community projects. He has now delivered programs in over 40 countries to a worldwide audience of over 30,000 participants!

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Performing Umrah: A Step-by-Step Workshop | Ustadh Ibrahim Qureshi
2024-01-29 18:30 - 20:00
Join Ustadh Ibrahim Qureshi for a step-by-step workshop covering preparation for the Umrah journey, fiqh, rights & responsibilities, visiting the Prophet ﷺ, and more spiritual aspects. We will set our intention to have sincerity, manner (adab), patience, and gratitude. This open session is most beneficial for people planning to perform Umrah soon.

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Monday, January 29 | MCC Conference Room | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live

Cosponsored by the Foundation for Islamic Scholarship and Teaching (FIST). Hosted by MCC East Bay.

FIST, with the support of the community, is sponsoring 23 individuals to participate in Umrah ’24 on February 11, 2024. Founded in 2016, the Foundation for Islamic Scholarship and Teaching (FIST) is a private, non-profit corporation created to provide financial support and assistance to scholars and students of classical Islam.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

– To sponsor Umrah trips, send donations via Zelle to donate@islamicscholarship.org

– To feed the poor in Madinah, send donations via Zelle to miskinmedina@gmail.com

– To nominate a community hero in the San Francisco Bay Area: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/community-hero

– More Ustadh Ibrahim: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/ibrahim

– More Hajj & Umrah talks: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/hajj

Umrah for the Unrecognized

In our Heroes for Umrah/Hajj program, we take the unsung heroes and unrecognized, long-standing volunteers of our local communities who lack financial means to the blessed cities of Mecca and Medina, accompanied by notable scholars who teach them before and during their travels. Upon return, these heroes present educational reflections for the wider community.

“Those who spend their wealth in the Cause of Allah and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve” – Surah al-Baqara, 2:262

Pervez Qureshi serves as the chairman of the board of trustees for Zaytuna College. He has served as CEO of multiple companies, with decades of experience in the information technology and service industries. He continues to advise technology companies, serves on numerous corporate boards, and is a co-founder and a Board of Trustee member of the Muslim Community Center of East Bay (MCC East Bay), one of the largest Muslim centers in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Dublin Library
2024-02-02 12:30 - 14:50
For MCC’s Jumu’ah services on Friday, February 2, 2024:

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

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

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

– Ustadh Feraidoon Mojadedi 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.

– Br. Mohammed Abdul Baseer 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 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 Qur’an: https://mcceastbay.org/quran-hodge

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

– More Br. Mohammed: https://mcceastbay.org/mohammed

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

Voting Drive @ Three MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-02-02 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.

Friday Family Night: The Teacher and The Student | Sidi Quran Hodge
2024-02-02 19:00 - 21:00
Using the story of Moses (AS) and Al-Khidr in the Qur’an, let’s analyze ourselves within both characters to manage how we respond when certain situations and challenges arise.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Friday, Feb. 2 | 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

Hijab Day 2024 | Ustadha Maryam Amir
2024-02-03 11:00 - 15:00
MCC marks the World Hijab Day global campaign with the 3rd Annual World Hijab Day Celebration! This year’s theme is “Veiled in Strength”. Join fellow sisters on Saturday, Feb. 3rd, to enjoy an afternoon celebrating the noble Hijab and invite a friend, too!

Shop the bazaar of women-owned clothing vendors, eat a delicious meal from the women-owned food vendors, and participate in the spirit of Hijab and sisterhood. The program will include an interactive talk with Ustadha Maryam Amir and a modest fashion show (first time at MCC)!!

Spots are limited! Click the blue ‘Buy Tickets’ button on your screen above to RSVP today! Or RSVP here!

Share the experience and invite a friend, colleague, or neighbor. Muslims, as well as non-Muslim sisters, are all welcome.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Saturday, Feb. 3 | Limited spots | $10/ Women and girls ages 8+ | Register at https://mcceastbay.org/hijab

Palestine Relief Booth donations: Donate a drink or a snack to be sold at the MCC WHD booth at the event. 100% of the proceeds will go towards relief efforts. Click HERE to sign up today!

#WorldHijabDay #DressedNotOpressed #Hijabista #Hijabismycrown #HijabiStrong #MyhijabmyChoice

“To my surprise, the veil was strangely liberating, an unapologetic form of self-expression.” – [ J. Galvez, Catholic, Philippines]

Event Overview

11 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. –Shop! Eat! Connect! Donate! Vendor and lunch sales at women-owned stalls. Please support the Palestine relief fundraising booth. Visit the booth to support or to donate items to sell. Click the link above to donate a drink or snack to be sold. (All food must remain outside in the Picnic Area)

12:40 p.m – A female-led, women-only Zuhr congregational prayer (Main Prayer Hall)

1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. – Interactive talk with Ust. Maryam Amir & Q&A session (Main Prayer Hall)

2:20 p.m. – MODEST FASHION SHOW!! (Main Prayer Hall) Some dresses from the fashion show will be available for purchase (organized by Asiyah’s Collection)

Vendors: Only women-owned vendors are considered for the Bazaar. Express interest at https://mcceastbay.org/vendor

Volunteers: Limited opportunities for ages 14+ https://mcceastbay.org/hijab-volunteer

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

MCC is proud to support #WorldHijabDay in February to stand against bigotry, discrimination, and prejudice faced by Muslim girls and women worldwide in hijab. In its 11th year, the World Hijab Day Organization has continued to dismantle bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination against Muslim women through awareness, education, and empowerment. Taking part in this event and every bit of support means more victories for our sisters who are unfairly targeted and harassed for their choice of wearing hijab globally. World Hijab Day is a global campaign to promote religious tolerance, cultural understanding, and international solidarity.

The goal of this second-annual event is to provide sisters – both Hijabi and non-Hijabi – with an opportunity to:

Celebrate the Hijab and promote pride in carrying on this noble tradition and campaign for a world where Muslimahs can proudly and freely practice their faith;

Create an environment where sisters feel empowered, supported, and inspired to wear hijab (particularly young girls finding sorority and support)

Host a bazaar where attendees can purchase modest clothing that supports Muslimah-run Islamic businesses and lunch from female-run food vendors.

About the Speaker:

WHERE IT ALL BEGANNazma Khan immigrated to New York City from Bangladesh at a young age. Not knowing the culture or the language, Nazma found herself the only one wearing the hijab (headscarf) in middle school, where she was constantly bullied. This constant discrimination followed her throughout high school and college. After 9/11, her situation got even worse. Now, she was being chased down the street and labeled a ‘terrorist’ for being visibly a Muslim. She realized that many women in hijab in different parts of the world were encountering similar discrimination. She wanted to do something to address the stereotypes and improve circumstances. Therefore, she invited women from all ethnic backgrounds to wear the hijab for a day to foster religious tolerance and cultural understanding. She called this global event ‘World Hijab Day.’ This event is commemorated in over 150 countries every February 1st. https://websitewww.worldhijabday.org

– More Ustadha Maryam: https://mcceastbay.org/maryam

Ustadha Maryam Amirebrahimi received her master’s degree in Education from UCLA. She holds a second bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies from Al-Azhar University. Maryam has studied in Egypt, memorized the Quran, and researched a variety of religious sciences, ranging from Quranic exegesis, Islamic jurisprudence, Prophetic narrations and commentary, women’s rights within Islamic law, and more for the past 15 years. She’s featured in a video series on faith produced by goodcast.net called The Maryam Amir Show. She actively hosts women worldwide who have memorized the Quran to share their journeys through the #FOREMOTHERS campaign. Shaykhah is a SWISS and Hikmah Institutes instructor and has been a bonus lecturer with AlMaghrib, DiscoverU, and more. Major news outlets, including BBC, NPR, and CBS, have interviewed her for her work. Maryam’s focus on spiritual connections, identity actualization, social justice, and women’s studies has allowed her to lecture throughout the United States and the world, including Jerusalem, Mecca, Medina, Stockholm, London, Toronto, and more. She holds a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and speaks multiple languages. – More Shaykha Maryam: https://mcceastbay.org/maryam Maryam Amirebrahimi received her master’s in Social Justice Education from UCLA. Her research focused on the effects of mentorship rooted in Critical Race Theory for urban high school students of color. She holds a bachelor’s in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University, where she served as the President of the Muslim Student Association for two consecutive years. She is pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies through Al Azhar University’s distance learning program. Maryam spent a year studying the Arabic language and Qur’an in Cairo, Egypt, and has memorized the Qur’an. She has been presented the Student of the Year award by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and holds a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Maryam frequently travels to speak and work with different communities to address various spiritual topics and social issues. She writes about social realities, women’s studies, and spiritual connections on the popular online blog http://suhaibwebb.com. Maryam is a dynamic and outspoken proponent of social justice and women’s rights.

– More Sheikha Mariam: https://mcceastbay.org/maryam

About Ustadha Maryam Amir, Founder of Qariah App Maryam Amir received her master’s in Education from UCLA. She holds a second bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies from Al-Azhar University. Maryam has studied in Egypt, memorized the Qur’an, and researched a variety of religious sciences, ranging from Quranic exegesis, Islamic jurisprudence, Prophetic narrations and commentary, women’s rights within Islamic law, and more for the past 15 years. She’s featured in a video series on faith produced by goodcast.net called The Maryam Amir Show. She actively hosts women worldwide who have memorized the Qur’an to share their journeys through the #FOREMOTHERS campaign. She is an instructor with SWISS and Hikmah Institutes. Sr. Mariam has been interviewed for her work by major news outlets, including BBC, NPR, and CBS. Maryam’s focus on spiritual connections, identity actualization, social justice, and women’s studies has allowed her to lecture throughout the United States and the world, including Jerusalem, Mecca, Medina, Stockholm, London, Toronto, and more. She holds a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and speaks multiple languages. – More Sheikha: https://mcceastbay.org/maryamMaryam Amir received her master’s in Education from UCLA. She holds a second bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies from Al-Azhar University. Maryam has studied in Egypt, memorized the Qur’an, and has researched a variety of religious sciences, ranging from Quranic exegesis, Islamic jurisprudence, Prophetic narrations and commentary, women’s rights within Islamic law, and more for the past 15 years. She hosts the Quran Champions series on Islam Channel and is featured in a video series on faith produced by Goodcast called The Maryam Amir Show. Major news outlets, including BBC, NPR, and CBS, have interviewed her for her work. Maryam’s focus on spiritual connections, identity actualization, and women’s studies has allowed her to lecture throughout the United States and the world, including Jerusalem, Mecca, Medina, Stockholm, London, Toronto, and more. She holds a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and speaks multiple languages. She created “Qariah: The Women Quran Reciters App,” which is free on Google Play and Apple stores. SOCIAL MEDIA SITES https://www.instagram.com/themaryamamir/ https://www.instagram.com/qariahapp/ https://www.youtube.com/@themaryamamir

Ways to show support and solidarity

1. On this day, men and women can show their support by: – Wearing a hijab or a headscarf (women only)Wrapping winter scarves around their necks– Holding up an “I Support The Right of Hijab” sign on a piece of paperThen, 1. Take a participation selfie 2. Caption it (share your experience) with the hashtag #WorldHijabDay and 3. Tag us @WorldHijabDay.4. Change social media profile pictures to this poster 5. Post solidarity poster on social media platforms with the following caption: “I proudly support #WorldHijabDay 2024, standing in solidarity with Muslim girls and women who face discrimination for wearing the hijab globally. I encourage all my followers to join this important movement. Join the conversation: #VeiledInStrength“6. Upload company’s logo in partnership templates and post it on social media with the following caption: “We proudly announce our support for #WorldHijabDay 2024, observed on February 1st! Our unwavering solidarity stands against bigotry, discrimination, and prejudice faced by Muslim girls and women who wear the hijab. Join the conversation with #VeiledInStrength“

Take the pledge!

#TeamFajr Monthly Sunday Breakfast & Qur'an Khatam
2024-02-04 06:30 - 07:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
“If people knew the reward in praying Fajr & Isha in a congregation, they would go to the Masjid even if they had to crawl” [Bukhari & Muslim]
Join Qari Amar Bellaha on the first Sunday of each month. Pray the pre-dawn prayer in congregation (6:30 a.m.), followed by recitations of Surah Yaseen and Al-Wird Al-Latif (booklets provided) in unison, community dua, and following sunup, Salat al-Ishraq prayer in congregation.
Qari Amar will also lead the Khatam (completion) of the Qur’an. Each month, congregation members complete one Juz of the Holy Qur’an. Please finish your Juz by the first Sunday of each month. Sign up for Juz at mcceastbay.org/juz
This program is also streamed virtually at https://mcceastbay.org/live
Fall & Winter ’23 Sunday Monthly Khatam with Qari Amar:

– August 6, 2023
– September 3, 2023
– October 1, 2023
-November 5, 2023
-December 3, 2023
-January 7, 2024
– February 4, 2024
-March 3, 2024

The benefits and virtues of reciting the Holy Qur’an and sending Salawat upon Rasulullah (S) are numerous. Along with bringing great barakah into our lives, these two acts of ‘ibadah are a means by which Allah elevates our rank in Jannah. Though it may be challenging to make a habit of tilawah and Salawat individually, there is strength in our numbers. Join your MCC community in our goal of collectively completing a completing Qur’an khatam.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

More Qari Amar: https://mcceastbay.org/amar
Imam al-Haddad’s litanies (al-Wird al-Latif): https://mcceastbay.org/wird
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “He who performs the Fajr will be under the protection of Allah.” [Muslim]
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The best prayer before Allah is Fajr prayer on Friday in congregation.”

MCC Townhall: Construction Update
2024-02-04 19:00 - 20:00
In the 14 years since occupying its present facility, MCC has experienced fantastic community growth, Alhamdulliah.

Join us on Sunday night with the Board of Trustees and Construction Committee to get an update on the construction planned inside and outside the facility for 2024.

7 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Sunday, Feb. 4 | MCC Conference Room | Join us in person or watch at mcceastbay.org/live

Optional, complimentary dinner from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. precedes this town hall. Nominal $2/person charge. RSVP at mcceastbay.org/townhall

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

– More Muslim Community Center East Bay campaigns and updates: https://mcceastbay.org/appeals – Support MCC East Bay: https://mcceastbay.org/operations – Support MCC charity outreach: https://mcceastbay.org/zakat-fund – For the return of your Karze-e-Hasana (goodly community loan), please complete this form: https://mcceastbay.org/return

This town hall meeting is also your opportunity to review the vision of MCC and understand our short-term and long-term plans. This update includes the construction of the basketball court that our community voted for last year.
