MCC East Bay

Locked Up: The Power of Islam in Prison | Ustadh Jesse Maroney
2024-08-23 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Did you know that Islam is the fastest-growing religion in prisons in the U.S.? Yet, this large community of incarcerated Muslims is often forgotten and neglected. Listen to an inspirational talk about how this group struggles behind bars to keep their faith and how you can help by donating items, visiting, and offering solace to these sisters and brothers. Join us to learn more and how to get involved!
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Friday, August 23 | MCC Conference Room | Join us in person or watch online at mcceastbay.org/live
Ustadh Jesse will also deliver the 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. sermons at MCC East Bay on Friday, Aug. 23.
Link Outside is a Muslim prison outreach organization that has been transforming lives across the United States since 2010. It provides spiritual, moral, and educational support to incarcerated men and women in North America.
About Ustadh Jesse
Ustadh Jesse Maroney’s journey to Islam began during a nine-year prison sentence, during which time he embraced a faith that would transform his life. Upon his release, he delved into Islamic studies and emerged as a dynamic public speaker dedicated to uplifting the underserved and challenging societal stigmas.
Jesse’s influence is substantial. He has 12 years of experience teaching in both the free community and American penal institutions. He deepened his knowledge through the guidance and works of Shaykh Faisal Hamid Abdur Razak and Shaykh Al-Yacoubi. Additionally, he earned an Islamic Studies certificate from Shaykh Mustafa Umar at California Islamic University.
Today, Ustadh Jesse is a prominent Islamic lecturer, delivering Friday sermons (khutbah) at various Islamic centers across Southern California. He is also the in-house imam at Masjid Umar ibn Al-Khattab in downtown Los Angeles. From 2017-19, he taught Islamic studies in California state prisons, where his classes were recognized for offering credit towards reducing inmates’ sentences.
Jesse Maroney’s dedication and expertise continue to inspire and educate, profoundly impacting the communities he serves.

– More talks about prison support: http://mcceastbay.org/incarcerated
– More topics addressing community & social justice issues: http://mcceastbay.org/community
– How MCC supports prisoners in California: http://mcceastbay.org/prison

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
What happens when faith lacks guidance?
This question takes on a life-changing significance in the harsh world of incarceration.
For Jesse Maroney, the answer came during a decade behind bars in Danbury, Connecticut.
Jesse faced more than just the routine challenges of prison life every morning in his cell.
He would wake up with questions about his faith, yearning for authentic learning, but there were no knowledgeable individuals to turn to.
The few Islamic books available were often outdated or incomplete, leaving Jesse and others like him to piece together their understanding from fragmented sources.

The turning point in Jesse‘s incarceration came when he received educational materials and letters from respected scholars and community members.
These materials were more than just books and CDs; they were lifelines.
They offered Jesse a chance to understand his faith accurately and profoundly, fostering a sense of hope and belonging that had been missing for so long.

Women's Weekly Pilates Sessions | Seema Duhan
2024-08-24 08:30 - 10:00, 2024-08-31 08:30 - 10:00, 2024-09-01 08:00 - 09:30, 2024-09-02 08:30 - 10:00, 2024-09-07 08:30 - 10:00, 2024-09-08 08:00 - 09:30 | CA
For Sisters Only: Join us for a transformative body and mind experience every Saturday and Sunday morning with a Professional Yoga and Pilates Instructor. Stretch your muscles, shape your body, and relax your mind.
The recommended age is 20+ for Pilates Classes.
Sat. (8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.) & Sun. (8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.) | Weekly with a break in Ramadan ‘25 | Conference Room | Max 15 attendees per session | $15/session or $100/monthly | Register at mcceastbay.org/pilates
Pilates Classes
Pilates is based on six principles: breath, concentration, center, control, precision, and flow. It is designed to transform muscles and bones while strengthening the core. Regular practice of Pilates not only reshapes the musculoskeletal system but also helps regulate emotions. This class is highly beneficial for individuals over the age of 20 years. Participants will learn how to control muscle movement and maintain poses while regulating their breathing. Regular Pilates practice increases muscle endurance against daily wear and tear and enhances flexibility. Starting age is 20 years. All props will be provided except the Yoga mat and foam roller.
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 Instructor:
Seema Duhan represented her university in athletics at the national level in India. A health enthusiast, she began learning yoga and Pilates a few years ago and, inspired by the transformation in her own body, decided to teach Pilates and stretching to fellow Muslim sisters to promote body awareness. Seema is currently pursuing her Pilates Instructor certification.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Women’s Seerah Bookclub (in-person & virtual) | Ustadha Leila Fakira
2024-08-26 11:00 - 12:30, 2024-09-09 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 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

Purification of the Heart: A Call for Inner Healing | Sidi Shahryar Abbasi
2024-08-28 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-04 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-11 19:00 - 20:00 | CA
Wednesdays, Starts May 1 | 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Walnut Creek Islamic Center | Join in-person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live

Join Sidi Shahryar Abbasi every Wednesday at 7 p.m. virtually to dive into the popular text Purification of the Heart by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, where we will have an opportunity to go over the following:

Delve into the heart’s role in personal governance

Explore traditional Tazkiya practices for spiritual purification

Identify common spiritual diseases and learn specific remedies

Cultivate tranquility, wisdom, and patience, mirroring Prophetic (saw) qualities

Develop emotional resilience, enhance relationships, and navigate challenges with wisdom aligning with the Sunnah

We will also cover Imam Al-Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum Al-Din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences), books 20-22.

Hosted at Walnut Creek Islamic Center. Streamed on MCC media channels. Watch past sessions at https://mcceastbay.org/healing

– More Sidi Shahryar: https://mcceastbay.org/shahryar– Sidi Shahryar’s “The Soul’s Journey” Series: https://mcceastbay.org/journey– 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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_miz9RAhI8c&list=PL9uyRQTMUugnOmH0oww_n0yUo6hEjEMUL&index=1

Mommy and Me Fall '24 Session | MCC's Mommy & Me Program
2024-08-29 10:00 - 11:00 | CA
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, 8/1, 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, & 8/29 | 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Conference Room | $70 for five sessions or $20 per session | Register at 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.org
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

Principles of Religion: Manners III | Ustadha Nihad Hemmoudeh
2024-08-29 12:30 - 13:15, 2024-09-05 12:30 - 13:15, 2024-09-12 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 made publicly available on MCC’s YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

Ustadha Nihad is using the book, “The Forty in the Fundamentals of Religion” by Al-Ghazali. This is part three of the “Principles of Religion” series, which will focus on praiseworthy characteristics.
12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. PST | Thursdays | 12 consecutive weeks from Aug. 15 to Oct. 31, 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-series More 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

Private Event
2024-08-29 19:00 - 21:00 | CA
Banquet Hall

Afghan Relief Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-08-30 13:30 - 16:00 | CA
Afghan Relief is a US-based 501(c3) Charity that helps widows and orphans in Afghanistan. They are currently assisting with the food crisis and flood victims in Afghanistan. Stop by their table to learn how you can support their work.

Muslim Community Association Tables @ MCC Jumu'ah
2024-08-30 13:30 - 16:00 | CA
MCA in Santa Clara is hosting a fundraising dinner on September 7th for its expansion project, which will include Islamic High School and Middle School. The exciting lineup of speakers includes Shaun King, Sami Hamdi, Imam Siraj Wajah, Omar Offendum, and Zahra Billoo. To take advantage of their early bird tickets, buy tickets on their website before August 4th or visit their table in the foyer at MCC this Friday.

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Rosewood
2024-08-30 13:30 - 16:00 | CA
For MCC’s four Jumu’ah services on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024:

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

Ustadh Ibrahim Qureshi delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

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

– TBA delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center.

2:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.

– Ustadh Ibrahim Qureshi delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

3:40 p.m. – 4 p.m.

– Sidi Shaan Mukhtar delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

*Please attend at 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. @ MCC to avoid heavier first-service congestion whenever possible, or attend the off-site MCC Jumu’ah service each week at Rosewood Commons, 4400 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton.Please note that the former HP lot (now Pleasanton School District) is no longer available to our congregation. Please come to the second or fourth Jumuah to ease up parking congestion or (better yet) attend our weekly parallel satellite prayer at 1:40 p.m. at Rosewood Conference Center: https://mcceastbay.org/rosewood

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

– More Ustadh Ibrahim: http://mcceastbay.org/ibrahim
– More Sidi Shaan: 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 and young children. The mothers’ and fathers’ prayer room is just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

#TeamFajr Monthly Sunday Breakfast & Qur'an Khatam
2024-09-01 06:00 - 06:40 | 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.
2024 Sunday Monthly Khatam with Qari Amar:

-January 7, 2024
– February 4, 2024
-March 3, 2024
-May 5, 2024
-June 2, 2024
-July 7, 2024
-August 4, 2024
-September 1, 2024
-October 6, 2024
November 3, 2024
-December 1, 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 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.”

Gaza in Hearts: Mindful thoughts on how to support Palestine | Sidi Sami Hamdi
2024-09-01 08:00 - 17:00 | CA
Join us at SRVIC on Sunday, Sep. 1, to hear from Sidi Sami Hamdi about effective strategies for supporting Palestine.
Sunday, Sep. 1 | 6:30 p.m. | San Ramon Valley Islamic Center | In-person only

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

Sidi Sami 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.

Mommy and Me September '24 Session | MCC's Mommy & Me Program
2024-09-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-09-12 10:00 - 11:00 | CA
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, 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, & 11/14 | 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Conference Room | $70 for five sessions, $135 for 10 sessions or $20 per session | Register at mcceastbay.org/happyhearts
Please note that there will be no class on 10/10.
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.org
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

Blood Drive @ Jumu’ah
2024-09-06 10:30 - 16:30 | CA
As people of faith, it is in our blood to help. Be part of a lifesaving journey to save up to three lives with a 15-minute blood donation.

The MCC community has saved nearly 350 lives! This is our 28th blood drive during Jumu’ah, and each one has always been fully or near-fully booked!

Let’s continue that trajectory at this blood drive and keep all our American Red Cross guests busy when they set up in our Banquet Hall from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on a Friday. Sign up at: https://mcceastbay.org/blood-drive

In 2024, MCC will proudly host these quarterly blood drives during Jumuah services from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with our friends at the American Red Cross:

Friday, March 1, 2024

Friday, May 31, 2024

Friday, September 6, 2024

Friday, December 13, 2024

A Power Red donation targets O-, O+, A-, and B—only. It takes 20-30 minutes because donors give two units of concentrated Red Blood Cells, and platelets and plasma are returned.

Blood donors report feeling a sense of great satisfaction after making their blood donation. Why? Because helping others in need feels good.

If you have visited India, Pakistan, or another high-risk malaria country and returned within the last 12 months, you are not eligible to donate blood. See the latest travel-related restrictions to blood donation eligibility.

Every person who donates blood at MCC will receive a voucher for a free meal at iniBurger—Gourmet Burgers in Pleasanton. MCC congregation members Leeza and Abdullah Popal, who own these establishments, generously donate these vouchers to encourage community and congregation participation.

MCC Youth: If you are 16 to 18, here are the donor requirements and parental authorization form link.

On the morning of the blood drive, please complete the Rapid Pass online and bring the print-off to speed up the check-in process. Complete at https://mcceastbay.org/rapid

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Rosewood
2024-09-06 13:30 - 16:00 | CA
For MCC’s four Jumu’ah services on Friday, Sep. 6, 2024:

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

Sidi Shahryar Abbasi delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

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

– Hafiz Ameen Ahmed delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center.

2:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.

– Ustadh Mohammed Abdul Baseer delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

3:40 p.m. – 4 p.m.

– Hafiz Ameen Ahmed delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

*Please attend at 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. @ MCC to avoid heavier first-service congestion whenever possible, or attend the off-site MCC Jumu’ah service each week at Rosewood Commons, 4400 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton.Please note that the former HP lot (now Pleasanton School District) is no longer available to our congregation. Please come to the second or fourth Jumuah to ease up parking congestion or (better yet) attend our weekly parallel satellite prayer at 1:40 p.m. at Rosewood Conference Center: https://mcceastbay.org/rosewood

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

– More Sidi Shahryar: http://mcceastbay.org/shahryar
– More Ustadh Mohammed: https://mcceastbay.org/mohammed
– More Hafiz Ameen: http://mcceastbay.org/ameen-ahmed

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

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Darul Qasim College - Bay Area Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-09-06 13:30 - 16:00 | CA
Darul Qasim College has opened a branch in Fremont. They are offering part-time Islamic classes, including Arabic, fiqh, and hadith. Registration for the Fall is ending soon. They will have scholars visiting MCC from their school to go over the admission process.

Mending Hearts: The Prophetic Model | Shaykha Ieasha Prime
2024-09-06 19:00 - 21:00 | CA
Join Ustadha Ieasha Prime to uncover the profound wisdom of healing hearts amidst adversity, conflict, and interpersonal connections, emulating the Prophetic example. Shaykh Dr. Rania Awaad moderates the discussion.
Friday, September 6, 2024 | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | MCC Prayer Hall | Women & Men Ages 12+ | Free; RSVP at mcceastbay.org/heal | Join in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
Sponsored by The Rahmah Foundation & MCC East Bay.

– More talks in partnership with The Rahmah Foundation: https://mcceastbay.org/rahmah-foundation
– More Ustadha lesha Prime: https://mcceastbay.org/prime
– More Sheikha Dr. Rania Awaad: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/rania

Also, on Saturday, September 7, at the Lighthouse Mosque in Oakland, Shaykha Prime will speak from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. about “Fostering Our Love For The Beloved.”
Ieasha Prime is the Director of Women’s Programming at Dar al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Virginia and the founder of DC Muslim Women’s Conference. She converted to Islam more than 20 years ago after being a Youth Ambassador to Morrocco and Senegal. There, she developed a thirst for knowledge that would cause her to sit at the feet and learn from some of the top Islamic Scholars of our time. After participating in several circles of knowledge in the US, Ieasha pursued religious studies abroad. She studied Arabic and the Qur’an at the Fajr Institute in Cairo, Egypt. Later, she moved to Hadramaut, Yemen, and enrolled in Dar al Zahra, an Islamic University for Women. There, she studied Aqeedah, Quran, Hadith, Arabic, Jurisprudence (Fiqh), Islamic law, Purification of the Heart, and other religious-related learning. She has received several scholarly licenses (ijaza). The work that she is most committed to and enjoys has been the development of Islamic programming, Islamic Studies curriculum, and Rites of Passage programs for youth and adults. The majority of her life has been spent as an educator and activist. She is most passionate about combining Islamic studies, cultural art, activism, and service to train leaders to rise above whatever challenges stand in their way and that of the community they serve. In addition to her full-time work, she is the co-founder and Executive Director of Barakah INC, an organization committed to training Muslim women in traditional Islamic sciences with a focus on modern application. Sister Ieasha is recently known for participating in the National Women’s March and the courses she teaches on traditional knowledge, the challenges of race and gender in the Muslim community, and Spirituality. Ieasha Prime is a proud wife and mother of three children.

Dr. Rania Awaad was born in Cairo, Egypt, but moved to New York at age three because her mother was recruited as a translator for the United Nations in Manhattan, and her father was a physician.
Dr. Awaad is “particularly passionate about uncovering the historical roots of mental health care in the Islamic intellectual heritage” (“Profile, Rania Awaad, MD”). Dr. Awaad was the first female professor of Islamic law at Zaytuna College in Berkeley, California. While at Zaytuna, she taught Shafi’i jurisprudence, women’s jurisprudential issues, and the Quran. She pursued her psychiatric residency training at Stanford and completed a postdoctoral clinical research fellowship with the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Shaykha Dr. Awaad is recognized nationwide as a leader in Muslim mental health and has been invited to present her work at national conventions in Washington, DC by Presidents Obama and Biden, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Health & Human Services (HHS), and Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Dr. Awaad successfully established the US’s first Muslim Mental Health Community Advisory Board (BAMMH CAB). In addition, she has established multiple Muslim mental health clinics as well as custom-tailored clinical and educational training programs for clinicians and religious and community leaders to address the mental health needs of Muslim communities.
Dr. Awaad has multiple recognitions that reflect her consistent contributions to the Muslim community and humanity.
Honors & Awards:
Department Faculty Professional and Leadership Award, Stanford University School of Medicine (2021)
Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award, Stanford Psychiatry Residency Program (2021)
Stanford Leadership Development Program, Stanford University (2020-2021)
Top 25 Faith and Spiritual Influencers of 2020 Award, HolyTV (2020)
Community Achievement Award for exceptional commitment to promoting mental health wellbeing, ACCESS California (2019)

Private Event
2024-09-07 10:00 - 14:00 | CA
Conference Room

Refugee Foster Care Information Session
2024-09-12 18:30 - 19:30 | CA
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County’s Refugee Foster Care seeks Bay Area families willing to welcome refugee youth into their homes.
Refugee Foster Care supports unaccompanied refugee minors fleeing persecution and violence. They are seeking nurturing families to welcome refugee youth into their homes.
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Thursday, Oct. 3. | To join the interactive Zoom information session, RSVP at mcceastbay.org/foster-care
Co-sponsored by Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County & MCC East Bay
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County’s Refugee Foster Care is a long-term foster care agency that brings youth from all over the world directly from refugee camps or urban settings and those youth that flee from Central America and are put in a shelter in the United States.
The Refugee Foster Care is a federally funded program, and Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County has a great staff team to support the families.
Questions? Claire Collins, ccollins@catholiccharitiesscc.org or (408) 325-5107

– Catholic Charities Poster
– Family Mentor Program
– Money Matters Age
