The Purpose of Fasting | Ustadh Ibrahim Qureshi
2024-03-02 15:30 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Throughout the year, we drift apart and away like beads on a slippery surface, a broken tasbih, waiting to be linked again. With Ramadan approaching, how do we reconnect ourselves?

Geared towards youth and young professionals but open to all, join us as we chart your game plan for a fantastic, fruitful Ramadan.

3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Saturday, March 2 | MCC Conference Room | Free

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

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

About the speaker

Ustadh Ibrahim Qureshi Ibrahim Qureshi is a teacher and translator of Islamic texts specializing in Islamic ethics. He holds a B.A. and M.A. from Zaytuna College in Islamic theology and philosophy. Under the tutelage of scholars in Jordan, he is studying Hanafi fiqh, legal theory, and Sufism. He also is working on translating and publishing works in these fields.

#TeamFajr Monthly Sunday Breakfast & Qur'an Khatam
2024-03-03 06:00 - 07:00 | 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 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.”

Monthly Sisterhood Hike | Sisters in the Outdoors
2024-03-03 07:30 - 10:30 | Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont, 94555
Join us from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 3, for a Saturday morning hike at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Union City to get to know other sisters in the community and enjoy the great outdoors. This will be our last monthly hike before Ramadan. We will resume after Ramadan inshaAllah. No children, please (female teens, okay). Let us know you are coming: https://mcceastbay.org/rsvp

If sisters want to walk around more, they can do it depending on their interest/time. The hike will be cancelled if there are insufficient RSVPs, depending on the weather.

– When: Sunday, March 3, 2024

– Time: 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Please arrive a little early to park and find the group. The group can wait till 7:40 a.m. and will start the hike. Please be on time since we cannot hold the group.

– Carpool: We highly recommend carpooling. No carpool from MCC is available for this hike. Carpool encouraged others on this hike.

– Parking: Street parking at the intersection of Paseo Padre/ Patterson Ranch.

– Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park

– Trail: Bayview and Meadowlark Trail Loop

– Distance: Around 7 miles (even though the above map shows 4.9, we will walk to and from the parking).

– All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/bayview-and-meadowlark-trail-loop

– Difficulty: Moderate, not stroller friendly.

– Misc: It is going to be cold, be prepared. Pack a snack and water for yourself. Wear hiking shoes if possible. There will be a small water crossing, and your shoes might get wet. Bring a small breakfast/ Lunch sandwich or something to eat. Carry enough water, a hat, and a light jacket. Please download All Trails map (free version) in case you decide to return in the middle of the hike. This will be very helpful in navigating back to the parking lot.

– RSVP: By Friday, March 1, please let us know you are coming for this hike: https://mcceastbay.org/rsvp

Sr. Aparna Khan and Sr. Sohaila will be leading this hike. If you have trouble finding the group on the day of the hike, please call or text Sr. Aparna at (408) 480-6584 or Sr. Sohaila at (925) 786-7698. Please remember that we cannot hold all the group, so we request you to please be on time.

For future hikes, please subscribe to the MCC newsletter and/or add your phone number to the Women’s Hiking WhatsUp group.

Please wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes, carry a water bottle, a small snack, a hat, sunglasses, and hiking poles if you have one.

Questions? hiking@mcceastbay.org

About this trail:

Discover this 4.9-mile loop trail near Union City, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 41 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, road biking, and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

*Canceled* Practically Preparing for Ramadan: Thrive This Ramadan | Imam Tahir Anwar
2024-03-03 14:00 - 16:00 | CA
Join Imam Tahir Anwar for a pre-Ramadan Sunday afternoon workshop for practical spiritual tips and insights on what we can do to leverage this upcoming Ramadan for the maximum benefit of our Hereafter.

1:30 p.m. (Zuhr) to 3:30 p.m. | Sunday, March 3 | Free | MCC Conference Room | Join us in-person only or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live

This workshop will give you helpful tips to maximize your time effectively and efficiently to achieve all your spiritual, intellectual, and physical goals this Ramadan, inshaAllah. Join us to transcend the Ramadan grind and maintain spirituality in a busy life.

Trapped in to-dos and endless appointments, everything we do becomes a task to be checked off quickly, even our worship. So, how can we be spiritual if we’re so busy? Prepare for the sacred month with our two dear community teachers as they present practical tips to connect with Allah and rise above the grind this Ramadan.

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

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

– More Imam Tahir: https://mcceastbay.org/tahir

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Born in London, England, he has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1983. After completing his religious studies, Imam Tahir has served the Bay Area Muslim community since 2000. In addition, he is the founding board member of Averroes High School, the Bay Area’s first Muslim high school. He is currently the chairman of the board of NISA, North-American Islamic Shelter for the Abused, an organization that works towards alleviating issues related to domestic violence. He has a passion for community service. He served on the Human Rights Commission for the City of San Jose for over 5 years and on the Human Relations Commission for the County of Santa Clara for one year. He also leads a group for Hajj each year.

Education: Hafidh & Qira’ah (Hafs ibn Asim) – Darul Uloom Falah e Darain, Gujarat, India B.A., Islamic Law (Shariah) Darul Uloom Falah e Darain, Gujarat, India, 1999.

– More Imam Tahir: https://mcceastbay.org/tahir

Imam Tahir Anwar is an American Muslim scholar and preacher. Born in London, England, he has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1983.

After completing his religious studies, Imam Tahir has served the Bay Area Muslim community since 2000. He also teaches Islamic Law at the renowned Zaytuna College, America’s first Muslim liberal arts college in Berkeley, CA.

In addition, he is the founding board member of Averroes High School, the Bay Area’s first Muslim high school. He is currently the chairman of the board of NISA, North-American Islamic Shelter for the Abused, an organization that works towards alleviating issues related to domestic violence.

He has a passion for community service. He served on the Human Rights Commission for the City of San Jose for over 5 years and on the Human Relations Commission for the County of Santa Clara for one year. He also leads a group for Hajj each year.

– More Imam Tahir: https://mcceastbay.org/tahir

Imam Tahir Anwar is an American Muslim scholar and preacher. Born in London, England, he has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1983.

After completing his religious studies, Imam Tahir has served the Bay Area Muslim community since 2000. He also teaches Islamic Law at the renowned Zaytuna College, America’s first Muslim liberal arts college in Berkeley, CA.

In addition, he is the founding board member of Averroes High School, the Bay Area’s first Muslim high school. He is currently the chairman of the board of NISA, North-American Islamic Shelter for the Abused, an organization that works towards alleviating issues related to domestic violence.

He has a passion for community service. He served on the Human Rights Commission for the City of San Jose for over 5 years and on the Human Relations Commission for the County of Santa Clara for one year. He also leads a group for Hajj each year.

CAIR Immigration Clinic at MCC
2024-03-03 14:00 - 17:00 | CA
CAIR-SFBA is hosting several upcoming immigration clinics. During this clinic, attorneys will provide free legal assistance with naturalization and fee waiver applications. Meet 1:1 with immigration attorneys to answer your immigration questions.

To register for the clinic, please sign up here: bit.ly/CAIRWorkshop.

Sunday, March 3 | 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | In-person only

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

During this clinic, attorneys will provide:-Presentation on the citizenship process and eligibility.-Free legal consultation to determine eligibility.-Free legal assistance with Naturalization and Fee Waiver applications.-Interpretation services in Arabic, Dari/Persian, and Spanish.

What to Bring:-Green Card and Social Security card.-Passport(s).-Job history and home addresses for the last five years.-List of trips abroad in the last five years.-Family information for all children and spouses (current and former).-Arrest records, if arrested and/or cited.-To apply for Fee Waiver or Reduced Fee: Latest tax return and/or proof of public benefits (such as food stamps, cash aid, SSI, etc.)

Questions? event@mcceastbay.org

Women’s Seerah Bookclub (in-person) | Ustadha Leila Fakira
2024-03-04 11:00 - 12:30 | CA
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

Ramadan Proclamation | Dublin City Council
2024-03-05 17:30 - 18:00 | CA
Join us as the City of Dublin officially proclaims and recognizes the month of Ramadan.

Tuesday, March 5 | 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. | 100 Civic Plaza in Dublin, CA | Free; in-person only

Please be seated by 5:30 p.m. as the meeting will begin promptly.

The MCC encourages all congregation members to attend in person and express our community’s appreciation. We especially encourage residents who live and/or work in the City of Dublin.

This Proclamation acknowledges the rich history and guiding virtues of American Muslims and commends Muslim communities in California for the lasting positive impact they have made, and continue to make, toward the advancement of the state and the nation.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Women’s Seerah Bookclub (virtual) | Ustadha Leila Fakira
2024-03-05 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-03-12 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
2024-03-06 19:00 - 21:00 | CA
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

Annual Eid Toy Drive for Zakat-Eligible Families
2024-03-08 08:00 - 2024-04-05 08:00 | CA
Please help us spread cheer to families in need during this blessed time by donating new unwrapped gifts (in person or online) to the MCC Girl Scouts’ 6th Annual Toy Drive.

This year, we are collecting over 650 toys for local zakat-eligible families, including many refugee families assisted by MCC East Bay.

Help us ensure every child receives a gift in time for Eid by making donations or dropping off your gifts on March 1 – 25. This gives us time to sort and pack individualized gifts appropriate for each family.

There are four ways to bring a smile to a child’s face this Eid:

– Ship to MCC via our Amazon wish list at https://mcceastbay.org/wishlist. Please use this list as a guide for the types/numbers of toys requested. We encourage you to shop elsewhere when possible and to boycott brands like Walmart and Fisher-Price.

– Donate using Cheddar Up (secure link) or drop off cash/checks (made out to “Girl Scouts”) marked “Toy Drive” or gift cards to the MCC office.* These can be handed to Aminah on Fridays (9 am – 4 pm).

– Drop off toys at MCC (bins are located in the lobby) (MCC doors are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily) or Northstar School.

– Ship toys/gift cards from any online retailer to: MCC Girl Scouts, 5724 W. Las Positas Blvd., #300, Pleasanton, CA 94588

Please avoid:

– Electronics or electronic accessories requiring children to have access to a particular device

– Previously used items

– Clothing

– Dollar store or similar quality toys

– Toys of a violent nature (guns, swords, etc.)

– Toys that may be construed as having an inappropriate nature

– Makeup, nail polish, ‘tattoos’

Remember that we hope to share gifts these children may not typically have access to. If you donate a toy that needs batteries, please attach a set.

We are grateful to all our interfaith community partners for their support, year after year.

*MCC Girl Scouts will use funds collected to purchase toys or wrapping supplies for the drive. Any extra funds received will be used for school supplies for the same group of children for the next school year.

Questions for Girl Scouts Troops 30875 and 32705? girl-scouts@mcceastbay.org

BSA Troop 119 Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-03-08 12:30 - 14:50 | CA
Boy Scout Troop 119 from Fremont will sell Ramadan date gift boxes for ten dollars to raise funds for their yearly activities.

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Dublin Library
2024-03-08 12:30 - 14:50 | CA
For MCC’s four Jumu’ah services on Friday, March 8, 2024:

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

Sidi Mahdy Amine delivers this sermon at MCC.

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

– Sidi Mahdy Amine delivers this sermon at MCC.

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

– Hafiz Yaseen Mahmood at the Dublin Library this Friday.

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

– Hafiz Yaseen Mahmood 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 Mahdy: https://mcceastbay.org/mahdy

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

Islamic Center of Livermore Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-03-08 12:30 - 15:00 | CA
Islamic Center of Livermore is doing a Ramadan Fundraiser on March 16 at Chandni Restaurant in Fremont to purchase a property that will become a mosque. They are collecting donations for the downpayment.Purchase tickets here.About Islamic Center of Livermore:

Here at the Islamic Center of Livermore we want to help encourage Muslims to better their lives by acquiring knowledge about their religion as well as developing a love for Islam. To strengthen the Ummah we must form bonds with the members of our community. ICL hosts monthly guest speakers, a biweekly food pantry for the less fortunate, community iftars during Ramadan, and many other programs to bring the community together. By creating a strong bond within the community, we are able to help those in need and create a friendly environment for those who have just arrived. A big part of our effort to build the community is to be able to inspire and educate the Muslim youth. ICL provides a weekly Islamic school every Sunday during the regular school year, that way the Muslim youth in Livermore can get their regular education as well an Islamic education.

By building this community we are paving a way for future generations.

MECC Bay Youth Table @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-03-08 12:30 - 15:00 | CA
Youths from Middle Eastern Country Care will sell shirts for Palestine. They will have about 100 t-shirts on sale for $20 or $30 each. All profits will be going to Gaza.

Youth Halaqa for High School Boys | Muhammed Constantino
2024-03-08 18:30 - 20:00 | CA
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
2024-03-08 19:00 - 21:00 | CA
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.

Eighth-Annual Pre-Ramadan Eid Bazar
2024-03-09 11:00 - 17:00 | CA
Before Ramadan begins, do some shopping for Eid ul-Fitr. Come to MCC to shop & support local community vendors at our Eighth-Annual Eid Bazar.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Saturday, March 9 | MCC Foyer (free to enter)

Admission is free. Bring the entire family.

Come get henna art and shop for jewelry, clothes, soaps, hijabs, Islamic books, Islamic dolls, abayas, and more!

Don’t miss this opportunity to support our local vendors and do a little shopping before Eid.

FOR VENDORS:

Limited vendor spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the MCC Foyer. Complete the interest form at mcceastbay.org/bazar-eid

For questions about this Bazar, please email bazar@mcceastbay.org or call Sister Shazia Ashraf at (925) 640-2967.

Young Men Pre-Ramadan Manliness Conference
2024-03-09 13:00 - 17:00 | CA
Assalamu Alaikum. The response from Tri-Valley parents of teen boys regarding this new initiative has been overwhelming. *We are positively full for in-person attendance.* The waitlist is open for in-person attendance. Otherwise, the live-stream option is still open: https://mcceastbay.org/kickstart

For young men ages 13-19! Join your fellow brothers for an inaugural conference to kick start the first of many regular programs on the art of manliness in the Islamic tradition. We’ll discuss chivalry, cars, Ramadan, and practice prophetic grappling.

Futuwwa (Arabic: فتوة, “young-manliness”) is a conception of adolescent moral behavior around which myriad institutions of Medieval confraternity developed. With characteristics similar to chivalry and virtue, these communal associations of Arab men gained significant influence as stable social units that exerted religious, military, and political influence in much of the Islamic world.

Saturday, March 9 | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | $20/person; men ages 13-19 only | Space limited to 130 young men (once full only live stream option open) | Register at mcceastbay.org/kickstart

Snacks and light refreshments are provided.

A joint effort of Walnut Creek Islamic Center, San Ramon Valley Islamic Center, and Muslim Community Center East Bay.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

Agenda:-1:00 – 1:30: Arrival & Registration-1:30 – 2:00: What is Futuwwa? – Imam Bilal ibn Yusuf -2:00 – 2:50. Parallel Workshop 1:

Group 1: What Every Young Man Should Know About How Cars Work

Group 2: Prophetic Grappling + Jiu Jitsu Workshop

-2:50 – 3:15: Networking Break & Snacks-3:20- 3:40: Your Best Ramadan Yet – Imam Hassan-3:40 – 4:40 Parallel Workshop 2

Group 2: What Every Young Man Should Know About How Cars Work

Group 1: Prophetic Grappling + Jiu Jitsu Workshop

-4:45 Asr-5:00 Closing Du’aQuestions? events@mcceastbay.org

Pre-Ramadan Storytime for Children | Sr. Eman Kourtam
2024-03-10 18:00 - 19:00 | CA
A Joyful Ramadan Story and Planner for kids! Zain and Mima are so excited that Ramadan is here!

They want to fast, just like their parents. Their Mama tells them they can try but explains that Ramadan is not only about fasting. Ramadan is also about being the best people we can be! Join Zain and Mima as they learn about the best Ramadan manners!Join us for a read-aloud for children to learn the significance of Ramadan and how to make it the best Ramadan ever inshaAllah!6 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Sunday, March 10 | MCC Conference Room | Free | For parents & all youth, particularly ages 5 to 10 | Join us in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live

We will have books for sale on-site at a discounted price in the MCC Lobby.

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

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

Skygazing for Ramadan Moon
2024-03-10 19:00 - 20:30 | CA
Revive the Sunnah to go outside and look for the new crescent moon in the evening sky that will mark the beginning of Ramadan.

Join us in the MCC parking lot at sunset (7 p.m.) on Sunday, March 10, and join in the excitement when the young crescent moon (hilal) ushers in the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Due to rain and cloudy weather, we will not have the Tri-Valley Stargazers on site.

523 Southern Halal BBQ & Halal Bites of Chicago food trucks will sell dinners from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

MCC adheres to the traditional principle that Islamic lunar months begin and end based on confirmed, verified naked-eye sightings of the new crescent moon globally. MCC will confirm the start of Ramadan on the evening of March 10 in its newsletter (subscribe at https://mcceastbay.org/newsletter).

If the moon is sighted, the first night of Taraweeh will be after Isha (9 p.m.) on Sunday, March 10, and the first day of fasting will be Monday, March 11.

If the moon is not sighted, then the first night of Taraweeh will be after Isha (9 p.m.) on Monday, March 11, and the first day of fasting will be Tuesday, March 12.

Both the MCC website (mcceastbay.org) and the MCC’s automated phone menu (925-485-1786) will announce the start of Ramadan by 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 10.

Since sunset will be at 7:14, we will likely be able to see the new moon by about 8.

MCC observes the beginning and end of months following the sighting of the crescent moon.

The du’a to recite if the crescent is sighted:

اللَّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالأَمْنِ وَالإِيمَانِ، والسَّلامَةِ والإِسْلامِ، وَالتَّوْفِيقِ لِمَا تُحِبُّ وَتَرْضَى، رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكَ اللهُ

Allaahumma ahillahu ‛alaynaa bil-amni wal-eemaani, was-salaamati wal-islaami, wat-tawfeeqi limaa tuḥibbu watarḍaa, rabunaa wa rabbuk-allaahu-

O Allah, let the crescent loom above us in peace and faith, safety and Islam, and in agreement with all that You love and pleases You. Our Lord and your Lord is Allah.

(Source: Sunan Al- Tirmidhi)

Qari Amar Bellaha will also be in the Hayward Hills this Wednesday evening to see the crescent moon. If sighted, he will read the special dua from high atop the hills and head down to lead the Taraweeh prayers on Wednesday evening at 9:15 p.m. He will be live streaming his moonsighting atop the Hayward Hills at https://mcceastbay.org/live

Al Ghazali for Children | Sr. Aisha Gray Henry
2024-03-11 16:00 - 17:00 | CA
For children ages 5 to 12: Children’s Author Aisha Gray Henry, the charismatic founder of the Ghazali’s Children Project, talks to our children about the timeless teachings of Al-Ghazali in this four-part Ramadan workshop series.

This Ramadan, children will be read a story from the Al-Ghazali series (book 24), which talks about fasting of the tongue, what we say, and what we listen to.

Mondays | 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. PST | Free | Register at mcceastbay.org/ghazali-workshop

Monday, March 11Monday, March 18Monday, March 25Monday, April 1

Sponsored by Fons Vitae and MCC East Bay.

More Sister Virginia Gray Henry: https://mcceastbay.org/aisha

Parents are encouraged to join their children. Children of any age may join. The sessions are especially recommended for children 5 to 12. Sr. Aisha also highly encourages parents to have “The Book of Knowledge for Children” on hand during these sessions. Purchase the series here.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf says about this book: “This work can help our Muslim children have a more humane and universal understanding of the ethics and teachings of Islam through Imam al-Ghazali. I believe the work is highly relevant and very likely life-altering for those who will be exposed to it early.”

Watch Sister Aisha’s visit to the MCC Sunday School here.

About the Author

Aisha Gray-Henry is the Founder and Director of the charitable foundation and publishing company Fons Vitae. Fons Vitae is currently engaged in the monumental task of bringing out Ghazali’s Ihya in readable English for parents and teachers and adapting it to accommodate children’s workbooks, school curricula, and an instructional DVD. The Book of Knowledge and The Principles of the Creed educational sets are available and used internationally, with Purity and Prayer nearing completion. Included is a children’s interactive website, HTTP://GhazaliChildren.org, a pilot school project, and a prison program. Translations into Urdu, Arabic, and Malay are underway. The Fons Vitae Ghazali Project has been launched with great acclaim in Morocco, Canada, Indonesia, England, and the USA.

Who is Al Ghazali?

An alchemist is a person who can create gold from base metals. It is a quest as old as legend. The truth is that alchemy exists, but not of base metals, but of the human heart.

Imam al-Ghazali (1058-1111 CE) is probably one of the greatest alchemists ever. And in an epoch where the human condition is in its direst straits, never more has there been a need for the chemistry of Imam al-Ghazali.

A theologian, jurist, philosopher, mystic, and polymath, Abu Hamid Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Ghazali is not only ranked amongst Islam’s finest scholars but is one of mankind’s finest students of the human condition. Known as Algazel to the medieval world, he was born in Tus, the Khorasan province of ancient Persia.

When he had the academic world at his feet in his early thirties, he spurned fame and fortune to go into a mode of self-denial and spiritual seclusion that lasted for many years.

Already an acknowledged master of Holy Law, he re-entered society as a practiced Sufi – a true gnostic. A genius, Imam al-Ghazali was fully proficient in Greek and Roman philosophy, and he debunked its central tenets, proving that Revelation was always going to be superior to human reason. Human thinking could never evolve, he wrote, in an existential vacuum.

All this prompted him to write his magnum opus, the Ihya ‘Ulumad-Din (the Revival of the Religious Sciences). Today, it is regarded as one of the classic works on the human psyche. In the Ihya the author explains how to turn one’s base instincts and desires into the golden ideal.

Today’s modern world – devolved of spirituality and fraught with destructive ills such as materialism, multi-national greed, and violence – needs people like Imam al-Ghazali. This is because Imam al-Ghazali teaches a way to balance the body and soul, thus allowing us to reconcile modernity with spirituality in its broadest and most universal sense. (Source: Dome Publishers)

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Nightly Taraweeh Prayers
2024-03-11 21:00 - 23:15 | CA
Based on moonsighting on the evening of Sunday, March 10, the first night of Taraweeh prayers at MCC will begin at 9 p.m. on Monday, March 11.

In Ramadan 2024, Qari Amar Bellaha will recite regular 20 rakats (cycles) at MCC’s nightly indoor Taraweeh, which will begin after Isha at 9 p.m. (first week), and 9:15 p.m. (remaining three weeks). The Taraweeh prayers are also broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube.

Qari Amar will follow this recitation schedule: https://mcceastbay.org/schedule

The Tarawih prayers are held indoors, and there is no social distancing in the prayer hall. Social distancing worship spaces in Banquet Hall & Parent-Child Prayer Hall (women) & Conference Room (men).

After Asr each day, Qari Amar will also virtually recite one chapter online in his sonorous voice. The daily recitation (schedule) is broadcast from 6:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on MCC’s Facebook and YouTube.

– Past Ramadan ’24 Taraweeh live streams: https://mcceastbay.org/taraweeh

– Qur’anic Recitation playlist: https://mcceastbay.org/tarwih

– Qari Amar’s daily Taraweeh recitation schedule: https://mcceastbay.org/recitation

– More Qari Amar: https://mcceastbay.org/amar

– Qari Amar reciting Juz’ Ama 30 (the final chapter of the Qur’an): https://mcceastbay.org/juz-ama

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

For Jumu’ah, Iftars, and Taraweeh prayer, worshippers may park in our neighbor Hewlett Packard’s parking lot (now the Pleasanton School District). The MCC parking security team will stand watch during the prayers each night and direct motorists.

Special Needs Prayer Room During Taraweeh
2024-03-11 21:15 - 23:00 | CA
For our beloved special-needs families!

We want you to enjoy Ramadan just like everyone else. Alhamdulillah, this year, during the daily Taraweeh prayers, MCC is providing a prayer room (Room 16) just for special needs children and adults. We will also live-stream the Taraweeh prayers in the room for everyone. We are not providing respite care at the moment.Daily | 9:15 p.m. to 11 p.m. | Classroom 16 | RSVP by emailing help@mcceastbay.org

Daily Juz Recitation
2024-03-12 18:15 - 19:00 | CA
In Ramadan 2024, Qari Amar Bellaha will recite regular rakats (cycles) at MCC’s nightly indoor Taraweeh, beginning after Isha at 9 p.m.

In addition, Qari Amar will virtually recite one chapter daily in his sonorous voice.

The daily recitation (schedule) is broadcast after Asr prayer daily from 6:15 p.m. to about 7 p.m. on MCC’s Facebook and YouTube.

– Qur’anic Recitation playlist: https://mcceastbay.org/ramadan24

– Daily recitation schedule https://mcceastbay.org/recitation

– Watch Tarawih in Ramadan ’19: https://mcceastbay.org/taraweeh

– More Qari Amar: https://mcceastbay.org/amar

– Qari Amar reciting Juz’ Ama 30 (the final chapter of the Qur’an): https://mcceastbay.org/juz-ama

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

MCC '24 Singles Iftar Week One
2024-03-12 19:15 - 20:30, 2024-03-13 19:15 - 20:30, 2024-03-14 19:15 - 20:30 | CA
MCC is honored to host a nightly dinner for all our single brothers & sisters.

The singles Iftar is suspended only on Saturdays and joins the community-wide Iftar.

The singles Iftar space is in the room next to the kitchen. Map: https://mcceastbay.org/facility-map

Singles Iftar registration for the new week opens at noon on Saturdays:

– Starting Saturday, March 9: RSVP for Tuesday, March 12 to Sunday, March 17 at https://mcceastbay.org/singles-1

– Starting Saturday, March 16: RSVP for Monday, March 18 to Sunday, March 24 at https://mcceastbay.org/singles-2

– Starting Saturday, March 23: RSVP for Monday, March 25 to Sunday, March 31 at https://mcceastbay.org/singles-3

– Starting Saturday, March 30: RSVP for Monday, April 1 to Tuesday, April 9: https://mcceastbay.org/singles-4

RSVP is required each Saturday for the Iftars you plan to attend that week. Nominal $3/person charge. Food is served in takeout boxes to make it easier to take leftovers home.

Free. Optional donation

– Ramadan timetable: https://mcceastbay.org/timetable

– More about events and activities in Ramadan 2024 at mcceastbay.org/ramadan

Youth Kahf Recitation
2024-03-15 12:00 - 12:30 | CA
Listen to a young MCC Hifz/Advanced Qur’an student studying with Qari Amar Bellaha recite the important Friday Surah al-Kahf with English subtitles at noon each Friday in Ramadan ’24.

– March 15: Zidan Khan

These recitations are part of the MCC Mic Check series, a teen-initiated effort when a youth in the East Bay expresses their love for the Qur’an by reciting their favorite verses with melody and beauty. The Muslim Student Association (MSA) at California High School in San Ramon curated this series.

– Watch the recitation on YouTube at mcceastbay.org/live

– Watch the recitation on Facebook at mcceastbay.org/facebook

– Mic Check Youth Qur’anic recitations at https://mcceastbay.org/mic-check

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Reciters in Ramadan ’24:

– March 24: Muhammed Constantino

– March 31: Muhammad Rasyiid Prihardono

Reciters in Ramadan ’23:

– March 24: Muhammed Constantino

– March 31: Muhammad Rasyiid Prihardono

– April 7: Muhriz Munir

– April 14: Ahmad Prihardono

Reciters in Ramadan ’22:

– Rayhan Ali: https://youtu.be/b8aPeterrE0

– Haanee Badal: https://youtu.be/gVMDtxrfIlw

– Umair Shafi: https://youtu.be/JwRnFcdJ6LM

– Zacharia Hamze: https://youtu.be/BUSLlXwlx3g

Reciters in Ramadan ’21:

– Omar Ali: https://youtu.be/bcAnFhVm1w4

– Ahmed Hussayni: https://youtu.be/6_56HU_Ngow

– Yusra Constantino: https://youtu.be/EIn59jQibTM

– Taha Abdullah: https://youtu.be/eU4K3EKB6cE

Surah al-Kahf (Arabic: الكهف, meaning: The Cave) is the 18th chapter (sūrah) of the Quran with 110 verses (āyāt). It is considered by many to be among the most important Qur’anic Surahs due to its doctrine, spirituality, guidance, and storytelling.

Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever recites Surat al-Kahf on Friday will have a light between this Friday and the next.” -As-Sunan al-Kubra
