MCC East Bay

Spiritual Development from the Stories of the Qur'an | Shaykh Hamza Abdul-Malik
2024-12-28 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join Shaykh Hamza Abdul-Malik to explore the inspiring Qur’anic stories and learn how to apply their lessons to enhance our spirituality across different facets of life. We will examine how family relationships shape our spirituality, the influence of our surroundings on spiritual growth, the connection between wealth and spiritual development, and our broader life journeys.
Saturday, Dec. 28 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | RSVP for lunch (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) at mcceastbay.org/stories | Join in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
Shaykh Hamza will also give the 12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. Khutbah on Friday, Dec. 27.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About the Speaker:
Imam Hamzah Abdul-Malik is a graduate of Al-Azhar University in Egypt; he has studied and taught Islam for over 15 years. He memorized the Holy Qur’an and served as a teacher for Islamic schools and mosques in Georgia, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, and the Middle East. He also obtained a Master’s in Islamic Studies and Leadership from Bayan Claremont. He co-founded Midtown Mosque in 2015 to revitalize blighted areas in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2017, he founded Miraaj Academy to teach Qur’an and leadership skills to Muslim American youth. He conveys knowledge and religious teaching through experiential learning, focusing on internalizing concepts learned. He also recited the Quran at Muhammad Ali’s funeral in 2016.

The Art of Contemplating the Qur’an | Shaykh Hamza Abdul-Malik
2024-12-27 18:30 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join Shaykh Hamza Abdul-Malik for an enlightening exploration of the three levels of contemplating the Qur’an: reflection, realization, and recollection. Throughout this engaging session, we will delve deeply into these levels, thoughtfully engaging with selected Qur’anic ayahs, illuminating each stage and enhancing our spiritual understanding.
Friday, Dec. 27 | 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | Join in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
Shaykh Hamza will also give the 12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. Khutbah this Friday.
On Saturday, Dec. 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., join Shaykh Hamza to explore the inspiring stories in the Qur’an and learn how to apply their lessons to enhance our spirituality across different facets of life. Learn more here.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About the Speaker:
Imam Hamzah Abdul-Malik is a graduate of Al-Azhar University in Egypt; he has studied and taught Islam for over 15 years. He memorized the Holy Qur’an and served as a teacher for Islamic schools and mosques in Georgia, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, and the Middle East. He also obtained a Master’s in Islamic Studies and Leadership from Bayan Claremont. He co-founded Midtown Mosque 2015 to revitalize blighted areas in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2017, he founded Miraaj Academy to teach Qur’an and leadership skills to Muslim American youth. He conveys knowledge and religious teaching through experiential learning, focusing on internalizing concepts learned. He also recited the Quran at Muhammad Ali’s funeral in 2016.

Girl Scouts of the USA (Troop 30875) Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-12-27 12:30 - 15:00, 2024-12-20 12:30 - 15:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
MCC Girl Scout troop (30875) is raising funds for their Silver Award project. They will create sensory boards for a couple of medical organizations to help children alleviate anxiety in a stressful situation at the doctor’s office. The group needs to raise money for their Silver Award project to make these boards (4 boards so far) and will be selling baked goods (cookies, brownies, rice krispie treats).
Visit their table this Friday to support their cause.

Uyghur Foundation Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-12-27 12:30 - 15:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Uyghur Foundation is a nonprofit that provides humanitarian and financial aid for Uyghur orphans and families in need, as well as programs to help Uyghurs preserve their unique identities and culture. Visit their table this Friday to learn more about the work they are doing and how you can support them.

Hand To Hand Sadaqah Group Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-12-27 12:30 - 15:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Hand to Hand Sadaqah Group is a nonprofit collecting donations for a winter drive for Afghanistan. All proceeds will be distributed directly to the needy in Afghanistan. Please visit their table this Friday to learn how you can support their cause.

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Rosewood
2024-12-27 12:30 - 14:50 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m

Shaykh Hamza Abdul-Malik delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

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

– Shaykh Hamza Abdul-Malik delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

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

– Ustadh Omar Naisan delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

– Ustadh Omar Naisan delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

*Please attend at 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. at MCC to avoid heavier second-service congestion whenever possible, or please attend the off-site MCC Jumu’ah service, that is, each week at the Rosewood Commons, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton. Rosewood is a four-minute drive from MCC.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 11:40 p.m. at Rosewood Conference Center: https://mcceastbay.org/rosewood

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

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

For MCC’s four Jumu’ah services on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024:

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

Shaykh Hamza Abdul-Malik delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

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

– Shaykh Hamza Abdul-Malik delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

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

– Ustadh Omar Naisan delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

– Ustadh Omar Naisan delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

*Please attend at 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. at MCC to avoid heavier second-service congestion whenever possible, or please attend the off-site MCC Jumu’ah service, that is, each week at the Rosewood Commons, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton. Rosewood is a four-minute drive from MCC.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 11:40 p.m. at Rosewood Conference Center: https://mcceastbay.org/rosewood

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

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

Monthly Mawlid Al Habib | Celebratory Gathering of Salutations on Our Beloved Prophet ﷺ
2024-12-21 18:30 - 20:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Connect more with Muhammad (peace be upon him) as we gather on the third Saturday of each month in remembrance and dhikr.
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Saturdays | MCC Conference Room | Join us in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
Dates for Monthly Family Mawlid at MCC East Bay

Saturday, November 16, 2024
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Saturday, February 15, 2025
No session during Ramadan in March ’25
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Saturday, May 17, 2025

– Watch past mawlid celebrations at MCC: http://mcceastbay.org/mawlid
– More sessions about “The Kingdom of the Heart” (book used in sessions): http://mcceastbay.org/kingdom
– More Sidi Tariq Samady: http://mcceastbay.org/tariq
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
The Mawlid is a joyous expression of the greatest blessing from Allah.
We take this blessed opportunity monthly to remind ourselves of the three sacred rights that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ requires from us, instilling in us a deep sense of respect and reverence.

– Marifah – Recognizing who the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is
– Muhabbah – Loving the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
– Ittiba’ – Obedience to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ

The second two (loving and obeying) are not entirely possible without truly recognizing the first – who the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was. This recognition enlightens us and deepens our knowledge of his teachings.

– Past mawlid celebrations at MCC: http://mcceastbay.org/mawlid

– More sessions about “The Kingdom of the Heart” (book used in sessions): http://mcceastbay.org/kingdom
– More Sidi Tariq Samady: http://mcceastbay.org/tariq
“Within every human being is a Kingdom. The heart is the ruler of this Kingdom, and the rest of the body are its subjects. If the heart rules with justice and excellence, the body will perform good actions, and the Kingdom will flourish. If the heart neglects its duties, the body will disobey Allah, and the entire Kingdom will suffer the consequences. Allah ﷻ made this Kingdom so crucial that through it, the eternal and everlasting dominion of the next life is either gained or lost.” The Kingdom of the Heart by Habib ‘Umar Bin Hafiz gives the reader a deeper understanding of the importance of cultivating the spiritual kingdom of the heart. Readers will gain a deeper appreciation of how outward actions have spiritual consequences. Some of the topics covered are: •⁠ ⁠The Tongue & Its Effects •⁠ ⁠Looking at Creation with Love & Mercy •⁠ ⁠The Impact of Shaking Hands •⁠ ⁠Attending to the Ending of Our Lives •⁠ ⁠The Impact of Intention This book uniquely shows the direct correlation between outward actions and the heart, giving us insights into how various actions impact the state of our hearts. Ultimately, it gives us a way to internalize the wisdom and purpose of acts of devotion, resulting in the purification of the heart and nearness to Allah ﷻ.

*Canceled* Monthly Special Needs Support Circle | Maristan Clinician Zainab Khan
2024-12-21 13:00 - 15:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For parents, families, and caregivers of individuals with special needs, join us every third Saturday of the month for a wellness circle with a trained Maristan clinician. We will discuss challenges, resources, and strategies for providing the best care for our families and ourselves.
Muhsen Calbuddies will be present to provide respite care (signup required).

These wellness circles are a safe place for special needs caregivers to connect and share experiences. It allows caregivers to share their joys and frustrations, ask questions, form friendships, and more.
Saturday, Nov. 16 | 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Conference Room | In-person only | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/wellness-circle
Co-sponsored by Muhsen, Maristan, & MCC East Bay
Respite care will be provided. Snacks and refreshments were provided as well.
These special needs wellness circles are held every third Saturday of the month:

Saturday, August 17 (Facilitated by Zainab Khan)
Saturday, September 21 (Facilitated by Zainab Khan)
Saturday, October 19 (Facilitated by Wajma Nasir)
Saturday, November 16 (Facilitated by Zainab Khan)
Saturday, December 21

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Monthly Men's Hike | Del Valle Regional Park
2024-12-21 08:00 - 12:00 | Del Valle Regional Park, 7000 Del Valle Rd, Livermore, CA, 94550, United States
For Brothers! Join a brotherhood that hikes through life’s ups and downs, finding strength and community in the great outdoors. Our Monthly MCC Brothers Hike caters to various fitness levels and explores East Bay’s serene landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to start, we welcome you to share in this journey of fellowship and discovery.

Saturday, December 21 | 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Del Valle Regional Park | No children, please (teenage boys, okay) | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/brothers-hike
If brothers want to walk around more, they can do it depending on their interest/time. The hike will be canceled with insufficient RSVPs, depending on the weather.

– When: Saturday, December 21, 2024
– Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Please arrive early to park and find the group. The group can wait till 8:10 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: $6
– Meeting Point: Del Valle Arroyo Road Staging Area
– Trail: Arroyo Rd Staging Area to East Shore and Heron Bay Trails
– Distance: Around 7.6 miles.
– Difficulty: Moderate.
– Misc: Pack a snack and water for yourself. Wear hiking shoes if possible. Bring a small breakfast/ Lunch sandwich or something to eat. Carry enough water, a hat, and a light jacket. Please download the All Trails map (free version) if you decide to return in the middle of the hike. This will be very helpful when navigating back to the parking lot.
– RSVP: By Friday, December 20, please let us know you are coming for this hike: https://mcceastbay.org/brothers-hike

Mohammed Kadoura leads these monthly hikes for the brothers. If you have trouble finding the group on the day of the hike, please call or text Br. Mohammed at (617) 935-7347. Please remember that we cannot hold all of the group, so we request you to please be on time.
For future hikes, please subscribe to the MCC newsletter and add your phone number to the Men’s Hiking WhatsApp group.
Please wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes, carry a water bottle, a small snack, a hat, sunglasses, and hiking poles if you have any.
Questions? hiking@mcceastbay.org
About this trail:
This hike around the northern part of the lake is removed from the busy swim beaches in the southern part of the lake; enjoy the wilderness feel and explore a part of Del Valle you may not have seen before. The contrast in scenery from the ridge of East Shore Trail and the lakeside Heron Bay Trail provides a diverse recreational experience. This hike features several steep climbs and descents and is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. There is a drinking fountain but no restrooms at the trailhead. Be sure to carry plenty of water on your hike.

Religious Zionism & the End Times | Sidi Omar Naisan
2024-12-20 19:00 - 21:00 | CA
Sidi Omar Naisan will provide an in-depth exploration of the history and origins of Religious Zionism, examining how its aims and objectives relate to the events of the end of time as described in the Torah, the Injīl, and the Qur’ān.
This topic—”Religious Zionism & The Eschaton in the Abrahamic Traditions: The End of Time in Our Times“—is the dissertation study for Sidi Omar, who is completing his Ph.D. at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.
Sidi Omar will also analyze recent developments in Palestine and the broader implications of the Zionist project, illustrating how these dynamics influence the current global landscape and contribute to the unfolding of foretold Islamic eschatological prophecies in real-time.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Friday, December 20, 2024 | MCC Prayer Hall | Join us in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
– More Sidi Omar: http://mcceastbay.org/omar
Omar Naisan is a Ph.D. student in the Historical & Cultural Studies of Religion program at the Graduate Theological Union. He holds a Master of Arts in New Testament and is also from the Graduate Theological Union. His published MA thesis is titled “Decrypting the Son of Man Problem: An Inquiry into the Dominant Approaches to the Son of Man Problem and its Conspicuous Application in Mark 8:27-31.” His interests include comparative theology, philology in religious corpora, and historical-critical studies of religious canons.

Attorneys @ Jumu'ah: Free Legal Clinic
2024-12-20 13:00 - 15:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
During the third and fourth Jumu’ah services at MCC, Legal Attorney Erum Choudhry will be providing a free fifteen-minute consultation in the following areas:

Islamic Estate Planning
Immigration: Family-based, employment-based, Citizenship
Bankruptcy: Chapters 7 and 13

Appointments are required to receive a free consultation. No walk-ins will be allowed. Please sign up at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
Friday, Dec. 20 | 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | MCC Meeting Room | Appointment required (no walk-ins); RSVP at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
MCC will hold legal clinics on the following days:

2024:

October 25th
November 15th
December 20th

2025:

January 17th, 2025

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Erum Choudhry has more than ten years of legal experience. She graduated from Cornell Law School in 2002. She served as a senior attorney/associate with boutique law firms in Silicon Valley and well-established law firms in Northern California. She counsels clients from individuals, families, and startups to Fortune 500 companies, major hospitals, and multinational corporations.
She is committed to helping each client with a personalized solution. She is well equipped with the tools like experience, staff, empathy, and compassion to help communities grapple with boom-bust challenges, whether immigration, bankruptcy, or estate planning matters. She picked these areas of practice because these areas of law allow her to understand her clients, serve the community, and help them enjoy a stress-free life.
She enjoys interacting with her clients and audience. She is a frequent speaker at local community and youth events. She provides pro bono services to underprivileged community members and works with local nonprofit organizations to help immigrants.

MCC Boy Scout Troop 981 Table @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-12-20 12:30 - 15:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
MCC Muslim Boy Scout Troop 981 is fundraising for their end-of-year week-long summer camp. They plan to sell Nachos and other items to help pay for their trip. Please visit their table this Friday to support them.

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Rosewood
2024-12-20 12:30 - 14:50 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m

TBA delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

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.

– Ustadh Quran Hodge delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

– Ustadh Quran Hodge delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

*Please attend at 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. at MCC to avoid heavier second-service congestion whenever possible, or please attend the off-site MCC Jumu’ah service, that is, each week at the Rosewood Commons, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton. Rosewood is a four-minute drive from MCC.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 11:40 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 Quran: https://mcceastbay.org/quran-hodge

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

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

For MCC’s four Jumu’ah services on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024:

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

TBA delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

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.

– Ustadh Quran Hodge delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

– Ustadh Quran Hodge delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

*Please attend at 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. at MCC to avoid heavier second-service congestion whenever possible, or please attend the off-site MCC Jumu’ah service, that is, each week at the Rosewood Commons, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton. Rosewood is a four-minute drive from MCC.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 11:40 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 Quran: https://mcceastbay.org/quran-hodge

For parents attending with young children indoors at the main MCC facility, we offer private mothers’ and fathers’ rooms with an audio and visual connection to the Prayer Hall. Parents can watch the sermon and pray while working with other parents and young children. The mothers’ and 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
2024-12-20 12:00 - 15:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Soul of My Soul will be selling Palestinian-themed books and jewelry to raise funds needed to hold events raising awareness for Palestine around the Bay Area. Visit their table to learn more about their work and how you can support them.

Gathering of the Hearts | Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi
2024-12-19 18:30 - 20:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi for our monthly in-person and online gathering for women (ages 18+) to commune, reflect, discuss, and gain strength and support from each other.
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Monthly on Thursdays | Free; no registration required | Conference Room or watch live online at https://mcceastbay.org/live
In this class, we use “Purification of the Heart” and “Foundations of the Spiritual Path” By Sidi Ahmad Zarruq, Translated by Hamza Yusuf. Download the book at HTTP://mcceastbay.org/foundations
Watch past session recordings at https://mcceastbay.org/muslimah-purification
We discuss spirituality, self-development, relevant and contemporary topics, and issues related to Muslim women’s roles and responsibilities in today’s knotted-up world. We also examine “Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms, and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart” by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf.

– More Ustadha Hosai: https://mcceastbay.org/hosai
– ‘Purification of the Heart’ Series: (Adults): https://mcceastbay.org/heart-purification
– ‘Purification of the Heart’ Series: (Women): https://mcceastbay.org/muslimah-purification
– ‘Purification of the Heart’ Series (Teens): https://mcceastbay.org/purification
– ‘Agenda to Change our Condition’ Series: https://mcceastbay.org/agenda
– ‘Modern Muslim Parenting’ Series: https://mcceastbay.org/islamic-parenting

This is a discussion-based group, and participation is not only encouraged, but it is required.
Sorry, no babysitting provided. The in-person option is for women only, or the virtual option so anyone can watch live on:

– YouTube: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– Facebook: https://mcceastbay.org/facebook
– Instagram: https://mcceastbay.org/instagram

About Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi:
Hosai Mojaddidi is the co-founder of mentalhealth4muslims.com, where she advocates for and writes about various mental health-related topics tailored for Muslims. She has served the American-Muslim community for nearly 20 years as an activist, writer/editor, mediator, interfaith organizer, and public speaker, covering a variety of topics, including women’s issues, marriage/family, education, self-development, interfaith bridge-building, spirituality, etc.
In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing, blogging via social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter), doing arts and crafts, visiting gourmet coffee shops, and exploring the countless beautiful parks, beaches and nature preserves throughout Northern California where she lives with her husband, two sons, and fish named Max.
These monthly sessions are live-streamed and recorded. Watch past Ustadha Hosai recordings at https://mcceastbay.org/hosai
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Building Healthy Marriages, Relationships, and Homes in Islam | Sidi Shahryar Abbasi
2024-12-18 18:30 - 19:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join us for a new 6-week mini-series on Wednesdays, where we delve into the spiritual and practical aspects of building healthy marriages and relationships according to Islamic teachings. This series is designed to offer insights into creating harmonious homes rooted in Islamic values.

Foundations of Islamic Marriage: Explore the Quranic principles that define marriage as a bond of peace, love, and mercy. Understand the significance of equality, mutual respect, and shared responsibilities between spouses.
Spiritual Harmony in Family Life: Explore how spiritual practices like prayer can enhance marital bonds and create a home filled with tranquility and spiritual growth.
Communication and Conflict Resolution: Learn effective communication strategies inspired by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasizing kindness, patience, and forgiveness as tools for resolving conflicts.
Nurturing Love and Compassion: Discover how to cultivate love that sustains and grows through acts of kindness, empathy, and compassion. Understand the importance of maintaining emotional and physical closeness.
Balancing Rights and Responsibilities: Gain insights into balancing personal rights with responsibilities towards your spouse and family, fostering an environment of mutual support and accountability.

This class is ideal for individuals seeking to strengthen their home environments, marital relationships, or marriage preparation. By integrating Islamic teachings into daily life, participants will learn to build homes that reflect the core values of Islam—peace, love, and unity.
Wednesdays, Starts Nov. 6 | 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | Join in-person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live.
– More Sidi Shahryar: https://mcceastbay.org/shahryar
– Sidi Shahryar’s “Building Healthy Relationships” Series: https://mcceastbay.org/harmony
– Sidi Shahryar’s “Purification of the Heart” Series: https://mcceastbay.org/healing
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
Sidi Shahryar is an experienced teacher, speaker, mentor, and coach. He is passionate about helping individuals build healthy relationships and cultivate spiritual growth. He provides practical guidance and insights rooted in Islamic teachings, while addressing contemporary challenges faced by Western Muslim. Send him questions at: ask.abu.taha@gmail.com and learn more about him at https://www.tiktok.com/@islamic_spirituality.

Private Event
2024-12-15 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-14 18:00 - 20:30, 2024-12-01 18:00 - 19:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Conference Room

Parent Education Night: Spiritual Abuse in the Muslim Community
2024-12-13 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Asalamu’alaikum Beloved Community Members,

In light of troubling recent events of spiritual abuse across the country, MCC joins our national discussion on this challenging topic to ferret out spiritual predators in the Muslim community and protect our communities, particularly our children.
Shaykh Rami Nsour and Sidi Shaan Mukhtar, passionate local congregation members helping our community understand this type of abuse, will lead this conversation.
Parents: Please join us for practical and spiritual tools to talk about this type of abuse with your children.
The national discourse in the Muslim community prompts this discussion. Alhamdulliah, no spiritual abuse incident has happened at MCC.
The MCC Board will also update you on additional precautionary security measures we are implementing to ensure our community center remains a safe space for everyone, especially children.
This vital education night is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13. Please mark your calendars. You can join us in person or watch live virtually.
Spiritual abuse is quite common in our communities and is often missed because of our inability to see it and correct it. It’s also missed because of the shame associated with abuse. It ends with awareness and action.
What is Spiritual Abuse?
This is when individuals misuse their authority within religious settings to manipulate, control, or harm others. This leaves deep and lasting impacts on the victim by shaking the foundation of their faith. Some victims feel disconnected from the beliefs meant to bring peace and healing.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Asalamu’alaikum Beloved Community Members,

In light of recent events of spiritual abuse in the Muslim community nationally, MCC is organizing a town hall meeting to discuss additional measures we are taking to ensure our community center remains a safe space for everyone, especially children.Join us on Friday, Dec. 13, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. to discuss the additional steps we are implementing and address questions and concerns. More details to come!
We welcome you to make suggestions and volunteer to ensure the safety of children. Together, we can foster a compassionate, accountable space for all.

In addition to the town hall, here are the steps that MCC is taking to ensure that our center provides a safe environment for every member of our community:

Any new hire is required to complete a background and reference check (our Sunday School volunteers also currently get background checked);
Addressing these topics candidly in Jumu’ah Khutbahs (Friday sermons);
As mandatory reporters, requiring staff and volunteers to take training for misconduct prevention and identification;
In collaboration with our mental health partner Maristan, MCC will hold healing circles;
No counseling of the opposite gender will take place in a closed space at MCC or without a Mahram present;
Meetings between opposite genders must not occur in closed spaces but in public, open spaces, such as rooms with open doors and visible windows. No Imam, Shaykh, or staff member is exempt from this policy. We require all children under 18 to be supervised at all times;
Increased security and video surveillance around the facility;
MCC vets the background of new speakers, presenters, and Khateebs;
We will host an educational family night for parents, Sunday school teachers, and staff on safety measures and recognizing misconduct.

Please do not leave children unattended at the facility. Please pick up your child on time after their class, halaqa, or activity is over, and do not drop them off early.
If you see any misconduct, please don’t hesitate to reach us at
mcc-listens@mcceastbay.org

Resources For Healing, Support & Recovery

Maristan – offers specialized programs and support for individuals affected by spiritual abuse. Maristan has a counseling office at MCC.
The Hurma Project – Dedicated to safeguarding the sanctity of individuals within religious spaces.
In Shaykh’s Clothing – an organization dedicated to helping Muslims understand and recover from spiritual abuse.
The FYI’s Spiritual Abuse Toolkit – Provides guidance and resources for identifying and healing from spiritual abuse.
Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab: Psychological Sequelae of Spiritual Abuse – Research and insights into the psychological impact of spiritual abuse.

Spiritual Abuse Resources

Insights into the Psychology of Spiritual Abuse: A paper co-authored by Dr. Rania Awaad on the psychology of spiritual misuse.
Preventing Child Abuse: What Can You Do?: The trauma, secrecy, and shame for victims and tips for parents to help prevent sexual abuse within our community.
Information on Mandatory Reporting: Certain community members/professionals are legally bound to report child abuse and neglect concerns.

Even though MCC aims to implement policies to safeguard those attending classes and programs at the facility, we can only do this with your help.
Please help us ensure that our children remain safe by reporting any concerns about misconduct, volunteering, and talking to your children at home about proper personal boundaries.

From our friends at Maristan:
Assalamu Alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,
In light of recent events, we at Maristan feel it is crucial to address the importance of creating safe, respectful spaces for spiritual and personal growth. Spiritual abuse—when individuals misuse their position of authority within religious settings to manipulate, control, or harm others—has deep and lasting impacts. This form of abuse not only damages individuals but can also shake the foundation of their faith, leading some to feel disconnected from the very beliefs meant to bring peace and healing.
We believe that accountability is essential in addressing these harms. Those who inflict such abuse must be held responsible, not only to support victims but also to protect the integrity of our communities. It’s important to remember that no single person defines our faith. Faith is rooted in compassion, justice, and kindness, and these values should guide how we respond to spiritual abuse and the structures we build to prevent it.
Spiritual abuse can leave lasting psychological impacts, including:

Moral Confusion: The disorienting confusion arises when witnessing a religious figure partaking in harmful behaviors.
Trauma Bonds: A powerful emotional bond that victims may develop with their abuser, complicating their ability to separate from the abuse.
Nonresistance to Prolonged Abuse: A tendency to endure prolonged harm due to the authority figure’s status.
Failure to Report Abuse: Victims often face feelings of fear, guilt, or isolation, making it difficult to seek help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of spiritual abuse, please know that you are not alone. There are resources, safe spaces, and support systems to help you heal, reclaim your well-being, and find safety. At Maristan, we are committed to fostering environments where trust and compassion form the foundation and every individual can feel secure in their faith journey and personal well-being.
Resources for Healing and Support:

The Hurma Project – Dedicated to safeguarding the sanctity of individuals within religious spaces.
The FYI’s Spiritual Abuse Toolkit – Provides guidance and resources for identifying and healing from spiritual abuse.
Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab: Psychological Sequelae of Spiritual Abuse – Research and insights into the psychological impact of spiritual abuse.
Shaykhs Clothing – is an organization dedicated to helping Muslims understand and recover from spiritual abuse.

If you have any questions or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Maristan. Let’s work together to foster compassionate, accountable spaces for all.

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Rosewood
2024-12-13 12:30 - 14:50 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m

Sidi Shahryar Abbasi delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

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

– Ustadh Feraidoon Mojadedi delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

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

– Hafiz Atef Arabi delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

– Hafiz Atef Arabi delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

*Please attend at 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. at MCC to avoid heavier second-service congestion whenever possible, or please attend the off-site MCC Jumu’ah service, that is, each week at the Rosewood Commons, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton. Rosewood is a four-minute drive from MCC.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 11:40 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 Feraidoon: http://mcceastbay.org/feraidoon
– More Hafiz Atef: http://mcceastbay.org/atef

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

For MCC’s four Jumu’ah services on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024:

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

Sidi Shahryar Abbasi delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

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

– Ustadh Feraidoon Mojadedi delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

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

– Hafiz Atef Arabi delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

– Hafiz Atef Arabi delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

*Please attend at 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. at MCC to avoid heavier second-service congestion whenever possible, or please attend the off-site MCC Jumu’ah service, that is, each week at the Rosewood Commons, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton. Rosewood is a four-minute drive from MCC.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 11:40 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 Feraidoon: http://mcceastbay.org/feraidoon
– More Hafiz Atef: http://mcceastbay.org/atef

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

Al-Medina Education Center (MEC) Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-12-13 12:30 - 14:50 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Al-Medina Education Center in Newark is holding its annual fundraising event on Sunday, December 15, at Chandni Restaurant in Newark. Please visit their table this Friday to support the fundraiser and purchase tickets. You can also purchase tickets online here.

School of Freedom Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-12-13 12:00 - 15:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
School of Freedom started at UC Davis to educate girls in Afghanistan through online schooling. They employ female teachers who were let go by the Taliban to continue teaching girls from 7th through 12th grade online. Visit their table this Friday to learn more about their services and how you can support their cause.

Quarterly Red Cross Blood Drive @ MCC Jumu’ahs
2024-12-13 11:30 - 16:30 | CA
As people of faith, it is in our blood to help. With a 15-minute blood donation, you can be part of a lifesaving journey that could save up to three lives.

The MCC community has saved nearly 350 lives! This is our 29th 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 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on a Friday. Sign up at: https://mcceastbay.org/blood-drive
Here are the Jumu’ah prayer times: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/prayer

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 diversity is important. Now more than ever, the American Red Cross needs the help of black blood donors.

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

Private Event
2024-12-07 12:00 - 15:30 | CA

Living as a True Muslim: Avoiding the Trap of Hypocrisy | Sidi Shaan Mukhtar & Shaykh Bilal ibn Yusuf
2024-12-06 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Learn the spiritual habits that define a sincere believer and how to recognize and avoid behaviors that lead to spiritual downfall. This talk with Imam Bilal ibn Yusuf and Sidi Shaan Mukhtar is for everyone, particularly teens and young professionals.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Friday, December 6 | MCC Prayer Hall | Join us in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About the Speakers
Imam Bilal ibn Yusuf graduated from the seven-year ʿālimiyyah program at Darussalam Seminary in Lombard, Illinois. He also holds degrees in psychology and political science. He is the Imam of the Islamic Center of Walnut Creek (Darul-Islam Mosque) and is pursuing postgraduate studies in Islamic Law and Islamic Theology.
Sidi Shaan Mukhtar was born in the Bay Area and raised in the MCC community as a small boy. Shaan has actively contributed to establishing high school MSAs and youth halaqas at various San Francisco Bay Area mosques. Shaan holds a BA in Political Science from UC Davis and has pursued a passion for Islamic learning. He attended the Ilm Tree Homeschooling Cooperative during middle school, where he studied Islamic Sciences under Shaykh Rami Nsour. During college, Shaan took a gap year to study Arabic in Jordan. In addition to his formal education, Shaan has studied privately with local Bay Area teachers such as Syed Mubeen Saifullah and Shaykh Tarif Arabi. He currently works in tech and resides in the Bay Area with his wife, where he continues to engage in community-building and engagement.

Family Caregiver Peer Support Group | Arzina Ali
2024-12-06 17:00 - 18:15 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Family Caregivers of an Aging Family Member who is 60+: Join us monthly for a peer support group that aims to connect unpaid family caregivers who are caring for an aging adult (60+) where they can share their experience and resources.
Participation is free, and light refreshments will be provided.
Friday, Dec. 6 | 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. | Room 22 | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/caregivers
Dates for 2024/2025:

Friday, Dec. 6
Friday, Jan. 17
Friday, Feb. 21

About the facilitator:
Arzina is a dedicated community member focused on addressing the long-term needs of aging Muslims through strategic partnerships, programming and education, research, and advocacy. Arzina is pursuing an MS in Gerontology at the University of Southern California (USC) and resides in Northern California with her family.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Peace Terrace Academy (ISEB) @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-12-06 12:30 - 15:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Peace Terrace Academy (an Islamic school in Fremont) is holding a fundraising dinner on December 14. Please visit their table this Friday to purchase tickets or purchase online here.

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Rosewood
2024-12-06 12:30 - 14:50 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For MCC’s four Jumu’ah services on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024:

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

Hafiz Rehan Chishty delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

12:40 p.m. to 1:10 p.m.

– Ustadh Omar Naisan delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton

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

– Dr. Will Caldwell delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

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

*Please attend at 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. at MCC to avoid heavier second-service congestion whenever possible, or please attend the off-site MCC Jumu’ah service, that is, each week at the Rosewood Commons, 4450 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton. Rosewood is a four-minute drive from MCC.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 11:40 p.m. at Rosewood Conference Center: https://mcceastbay.org/rosewood

– Virtually watch the three MCC sermons from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Hafiz Rehan: https://mcceastbay.org/rehan
– More Ustadh Omar: https://mcceastbay.org/omar
– More Ustadh Abdul Baseer: https://mcceastbay.org/baseer

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
