Private Event
2025-12-13 12:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Conference Room

Exploring AI Together: Hackathon | MCC East Bay AI Program Event
2025-12-21 19:00 - 20:45 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States

Isra & Me’raj '26: The Sacred Ascension
2026-01-16 18:00 - 22:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
On ⁠Friday, January 16, 2026, or Saturday, January 17, 2026, join us for a faith-affirming evening to learn lessons from the Prophet’s blessed heavenly ascension: Al-Isra wal-Mi’raj.
The Bay Area Muslim community annually commemorates a momentous occasion in the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ life: the miraculous Night Journey to Jerusalem and Ascension to Heaven (al-Isra wal-Mi’raj).
Muslims choose to fast on the day of Isra and Mi’raj to commemorate this blessed day and earn extra rewards.
We will have a community Iftar before the program from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Maghrib on this day is at 5:42 p.m. Register for Iftar at mcceastbay.org/isra-miraj-iftarPlease note that Iftar tickets are non-refundable.
6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Friday, January 16 or Saturday, January 17 | MCC Conference Room | Join in person or watch virtually at https://mcceastbay.org/live

– Past talks commemorating Al Isra Wal Miraj: https://mcceastbay.org/isra
– More Sheikh Faraz Khan talks: https://mcceastbay.org/faraz

Schedule

5:40 p.m. – Break the fast/ Iftar
5:50 p.m. – Maghrib
6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Dinner
7:10 p.m. – 8 p.m. Zikr
8:00 p.m. – Isha
8:15 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. — Program

This event is organized by the San Ramon Valley Islamic Center (SRVIC), Islamic Center of Livermore (ICL), and Muslim Community Center – East Bay.
Muslims worldwide remember this event as one that changed the course of history. Allah bestowed the tremendous honor of this journey and the command of Prayer (salah) upon His Messenger – a perpetual gift and source of comfort for Muslims until eternity.

This session is also an excellent way to begin spiritually preparing ourselves for Ramadan and to enliven our spirits to get through the uncertainty we are facing now.

More about this special night

Isra Mi’raj is celebrated on the 27th of Rajab. This night happened in 621, the year of sadness (‘Aam ul Huzn), when Abu Talib & Khadijah (RA) died. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) rode Buraq (a white steed) during his journey, and Allah enjoined 50 prayers and later reduced them to five.

He met different Prophets on the journey:

– 7th Heaven met Ibrahim (AS)
– 6th Heaven met Musa (AS)
– 5th Heaven met Harun (AS)
– 4th Heaven met Idris (AS)
– 3rd Heaven met Yusuf (AS)
– 2nd Heaven met Isa (AS) & Yahya (AS)
– 1st Heaven met Adam (AS)

MI’RAJ – Ascend to heaven, where he speaks to GodISRA’ – Night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Private Event
2026-01-31 08:00 - 17:00 | CA
Conference Room & Classrooms

Nisf Sha’ban (15th of Shaban - Laylatul Bara’a) '26 | A Night For Asking Forgiveness
2026-02-03 18:00 - 20:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
The Prophet (saw) said, ′Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban and then forgives all His slaves except for two types of people: those who attribute partners to Allah and those who have rancor for their fellow Muslims’. [Ahmad]
At Maghrib (sunset) on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 or Wednesday, February 4, 2026, or , marks the night of the 15th Sha’ban, also called Laylat al-Bara’ah, Laylat an-Nisf min Sha’ban, and Shab-e-Barat. We also highly encourage you to fast on this day.
Join Qari Amar Bellaha for a recitation of Surah Al-Yaseen three times on one of the five blessed nights when duas are accepted, according to Imam Nawawi. Join us in this annual commemoration of laylatul-bara’ah (the Night of Innocence).
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Tuesday, February 3 or Wednesday, Feb. 4 | MCC Conference Room | Join us in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
Program:

– 5:30 p.m.: Maghrib prayer
– 6:05 p.m.: Qari Amar Bellaha recites Surah Yaseen three times
– 7:05 p.m.: Dinner/Iftar (for those fasting) – Please RSVP for dinner only (not needed just for the program) at mcceastbay.org/shaban-dinner
– 8 p.m.: Isha prayer

– Past talks at MCC about Nisf Shaban (Laylatul Bara’a): http://mcceastbay.org/shaban
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Ibnul Haj (rahimahullah) states: “The salaf (pious predecessors) would sanctify this night and prepare themselves for it in advance.”
Join Qari Amar Bellaha for a faith-affirming evening to mark one of the five blessed nights when duas are accepted, according to Imam Nawawi. We also highly encourage you to fast on that day and join us for a community Iftar in the evening. Join us in this annual commemoration of laylatul-bara’ah (the Night of Innocence).
– Past talks commemorating Nisf Sha’ban: https://mcceastbay.org/shaban
About Nisf Sha’ban
The month of Shaban is the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The fifteenth night of this month is known as laylatul-bara’ah (the Night of Innocence) or Laylat un-Nisf min Shaban (the Middle Night of Shaban or shab-e-barat).
It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, said: “There are five nights on which dua is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha‘ban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al Fitr and the night before Eid al Nahr (al Adha).” (al Suyuti)
Locally, for those who follow moonsighting, the 15th night of Shaban starts on the evening of Tuesday, February 3rd. This is a special night for making dua and other acts of worship. Our faith also teaches us to fast on the 15th day of Shaban (Tuesday, February 3) and the 16th day of Shaban (Wednesday, February 4th) as recommended acts.
For more information, see the following links: https://muwasala.org/2015/05/17/merits-of-shaban/
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Allah (swt) forgives many of His servants on this night
The primary blessing of this night is that Allah pours His mercy and forgiveness upon the earth from Maghrib until Fajr. The Prophet (saw) described the extent of His forgiveness in powerful language in numerous narrations:
The Prophet (saw) said, ′Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban and then forgives all His slaves except for two types of people: those who attribute partners to Allah and those who have rancor for their fellow Muslims’. [Ahmad]
(In other narrations, he (saw) mentioned more categories of people who wouldn’t be forgiven, including those who severed the ties of kinship and those who disobeyed their parents, among others).
Aishah (ra) also narrated that the Prophet (saw) once remained in Sajdah for so long during this night that she became scared and touched his foot to make sure he was still alive. He (saw) moved his foot, and she heard him reciting the following du’a:

The Prophet (saw) also said to Aishah (ra), ′Allah descends on the night of the middle of Sha’ban to the lowest heaven, and He forgives more than the numbers of hairs on the sheep of Banu Kalb (an Arab tribe renowned for their great flocks of sheep)’. [Ibn Majah and others]
Finally, the Prophet (saw) said that on this night, from sunset until dawn, Allah asks His servants, ′Is there anyone seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision from Me so I may provide for him? Is there anyone suffering so I may relieve his suffering?′ [Ibn Majah]
Therefore, make du’a for forgiveness on the 15th night of Sha’ban. Increase your dhikr, and ask Allah for forgiveness, mercy, relief from suffering, and provision. Remember to forgive anyone you have a grudge against and resolve your problems with them, especially if they are family members so that Allah will forgive you.
Fasting on 15th Sha’ban
There is only one weak hadith regarding fasting on the 15th day of Sha’ban. However, it is from the Sunnah to fast the Bright Days (the 13th, 14th, and 15th) of every month anyway. (You can learn more on our blog about the Bright Days).
Furthermore, it is from the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw) to increase our voluntary fasts during Sha’ban, as this is the month in which actions are raised to Allah:
Prescribed prayers for this night
Again, the hadith regarding prescribed prayers for this night – such as prayers of fourteen raka’at – are weak Hadith, so it cannot be considered a Sunnah practice. However, you can still perform nafl (voluntary) prayers tonight to benefit from its blessings. As Ibn Taymiyyah (rh) says, ‘Some of the pious predecessors used to devote this night (15th Sha’ban) for Salah especially’.
Moreover, the Prophet (saw) always encouraged performing nafl prayers and making du’a at night, particularly during the last third of the night. This is the case for any night in the year.
Is this the Night of Destiny?
Most scholars agree that the night of 15th Sha’ban is not mentioned in the Qur’an.
Some commentators have said that the night of 15th Sha’ban is mentioned in Surah Ad-Dukhan – ‘Indeed, We sent it [the Book] down during a blessed night. Indeed, we were to warn [mankind]. On that night, every precise matter is made distinct. [The Noble Qur’an, 44:3-4]
However, most scholars agree that this ayah refers to Laylat al-Qadr. The opinion that 15th Sha’ban is ‘the Night of Destiny’ – i.e. the night on which your provision and time of death is named – is not strong. And Allah knows best.
Whether mentioned in the Qur’an or not, it is still a blessed night. Umar bin Abd al-Aziz (rh) and others have said, ′Do not neglect four nights in the year, because on those nights Allah pours His mercy upon His slaves: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha’ban, the night before Eid al-Fitr, and the night before Eid al-Adha’.
Thus, we should try to increase our ’ibadah and ask for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness on this night. We should also strive to remove from our hearts any hatred or grudges for our fellow Muslims to receive Allah’s forgiveness on this night.
Remember: Sha’ban is the month in which our annual deeds are raised to Allah – and the night of the 15th Sha’ban is the perfect opportunity to enter Ramadan with our sins forgiven, in that Allah!
Preparing for Ramadan
Sha’ban is a special month, and we shouldn’t neglect its blessings. It is a time when our actions are raised to Allah, where our love for the Prophet (saw) increases, and where we should prepare for the blessed month of Ramadan.
Source: https://muslimhands.org.uk/latest/2019/04/the-importance-of-15th-shaban-night
The blessed month of Sha’ban is loved and honored by our Prophet ﷺ. Usamah ibn Zayd, may Allah be pleased with him, asked, “Ya Rasulallah, I haven’t seen you [voluntarily] fast in a month as much as you fast during Sha’ban.” The Messenger ﷺ replied, “People neglect that month between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which deeds are raised to the Lord of the Worlds, and I like that my deeds be raised while I am fasting.” (Ahmad and Nasa’i)
It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, said: “There are five nights on which dua is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha‘ban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al Fitr and the night before Eid al Nahr (al Adha).” (al Suyuti)
For more information, see the following links:
– https://seekersguidance.org/tag/15th-shaban
– https://muwasala.org/2015/05/17/merits-of-shaban
About Qari Amar:
Raised in Morocco, Qari Amar Bellaha memorized the Qur’an at 17 from Madrasat Imam Nafia. He has ijaza for the Hafs and Warsh recitations of the Qur’an. In 1994 and 1995, he was awarded top prizes in the National Moroccan Tajweed competition. He is recognized for his recitation’s beauty, clarity, and excellence, and is one of the Bay Area’s foremost Qur’an teachers.

In his Majmu’, Imam Nawawi quoted from Imam al-Shafi’i’s Kitab al-Umm that there are 5 nights when du’as (supplications) are answered, one of them being the night of the 15th of Sha`ban.

Nisf Sha’ban (15th of Shaban - Laylatul Bara’a) | A Night For Asking Forgiveness
2027-01-24 17:30 | CA
The Prophet (saw) said, ′Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban and then forgives all His slaves except for two types of people: those who attribute partners to Allah and those who have rancor for their fellow Muslims’. [Ahmad]
At Maghrib (sunset) on Thursday, February 13, 2025, marks the night of the 15th Sha’ban, also called Laylat al-Bara’ah, Laylat an-Nisf min Sha’ban, and Shab-e-Barat. We also highly encourage you to fast on Friday, Feb. 14.
Join Qari Amar Bellaha for a recitation three times of Surah Al-Yaseen on one of the five blessed nights when duas are accepted, according to Imam Nawawi. Join us in this annual commemoration of laylatul-bara’ah (the Night of Innocence).
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Thursday, February 13 | MCC Conference Room | Join us in person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live
Program:

– 5:53 p.m.: Maghrib prayer
– 6:05 p.m.: Qari Amar Bellaha recites Surah Yaseen three times
– 7:05 p.m.: Dinner/Iftar (for those fasting) – Please RSVP for dinner only (not needed just for the program) at mcceastbay.org/shaban-dinner
– 8 p.m.: Isha prayer

– Past talks at MCC about Nisf Shaban (Laylatul Bara’a): http://mcceastbay.org/shaban
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Ibnul Haj (rahimahullah) states: “The salaf (pious predecessors) would sanctify this night and prepare themselves for it in advance.”
Join Qari Amar Bellaha for a faith-affirming evening to mark one of the five blessed nights when duas are accepted, according to Imam Nawawi. We also highly encourage you to fast on that day and join us for a community Iftar in the evening. Join us in this annual commemoration of laylatul-bara’ah (the Night of Innocence).
– Past talks commemorating Nisf Sha’ban: https://mcceastbay.org/shaban
About Nisf Sha’ban
The month of Shaban is the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The fifteenth night of this month is known as laylatul-bara’ah (the Night of Innocence) or Laylat un-Nisf min Shaban (the Middle Night of Shaban or shab-e-barat).
It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, said: “There are five nights on which dua is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha‘ban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al Fitr and the night before Eid al Nahr (al Adha).” (al Suyuti)
Locally, for those who follow moonsighting, the 15th night of Shaban starts on the evening of Thursday, February 13. This is a special night for making dua and other acts of worship. Our faith also teaches us to fast on the 15th day of Shaban (Friday, February 15) and the 16th day of Shaban (Saturday, February 15) as recommended acts.
For more information, see the following links: https://muwasala.org/2015/05/17/merits-of-shaban/
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Allah (swt) forgives many of His servants on this night
The primary blessing of this night is that Allah pours His mercy and forgiveness upon the earth from Maghrib until Fajr. The Prophet (saw) described the extent of His forgiveness in powerful language in numerous narrations:
The Prophet (saw) said, ′Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban and then forgives all His slaves except for two types of people: those who attribute partners to Allah and those who have rancor for their fellow Muslims’. [Ahmad]
(In other narrations, he (saw) mentioned more categories of people who wouldn’t be forgiven, including those who severed the ties of kinship and those who disobeyed their parents, among others).
Aishah (ra) also narrated that the Prophet (saw) once remained in Sajdah for so long during this night that she became scared and touched his foot to make sure he was still alive. He (saw) moved his foot, and she heard him reciting the following du’a:

The Prophet (saw) also said to Aishah (ra), ′Allah descends on the night of the middle of Sha’ban to the lowest heaven, and He forgives more than the numbers of hairs on the sheep of Banu Kalb (an Arab tribe renowned for their great flocks of sheep)’. [Ibn Majah and others]
Finally, the Prophet (saw) said that on this night, from sunset until dawn, Allah asks His servants, ′Is there anyone seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision from Me so I may provide for him? Is there anyone suffering so I may relieve his suffering?′ [Ibn Majah]
Therefore, make du’a for forgiveness on the 15th night of Sha’ban. Increase your dhikr, and ask Allah for forgiveness, mercy, relief from suffering, and provision. Remember to forgive anyone you have a grudge against and resolve your problems with them, especially if they are family members so that Allah will forgive you.
Fasting on 15th Sha’ban
There is only one weak hadith regarding fasting on the 15th day of Sha’ban. However, it is from the Sunnah to fast the Bright Days (the 13th, 14th and 15th) of every month anyway. (You can learn more on our blog about the Bright Days).
Furthermore, it is from the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw) to increase our voluntary fasts during Sha’ban, as this is the month in which actions are raised to Allah:
Prescribed prayers for this night
Again, the hadith regarding prescribed prayers for this night – such as prayers of fourteen raka’at – are weak Hadith, so it cannot be considered a Sunnah practice. However, you can still perform nafl (voluntary) prayers tonight to benefit from its blessings. As Ibn Taymiyyah (rh) says, ‘Some of the pious predecessors used to devote this night (15th Sha’ban) for Salah especially’.
Moreover, the Prophet (saw) always encouraged performing nafl prayers and making du’a at night, particularly during the last third of the night. This is the case for any night in the year.
Is this the Night of Destiny?
Most scholars agree that the night of 15th Sha’ban is not mentioned in the Qur’an.
Some commentators have said that the night of 15th Sha’ban is mentioned in Surah Ad-Dukhan – ‘Indeed, We sent it [the Book] down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]. On that night, every precise matter is made distinct. [The Noble Qur’an, 44:3-4]
However, most scholars agree that this ayah refers to Laylat al-Qadr. The opinion that 15th Sha’ban is ‘the Night of Destiny’ – i.e. the night on which your provision and time of death is named – is not strong. And Allah knows best.
Whether mentioned in the Qur’an or not, it is still a blessed night. Umar bin Abd al-Aziz (rh) and others have said, ′Do not neglect four nights in the year, because on those nights Allah pours His mercy upon His slaves: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha’ban, the night before Eid al-Fitr and the night before Eid al-Adha’.
Thus, we should try to increase our ’ibadah and ask for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness on this night. We should also strive to remove from our hearts any hatred or grudges for our fellow Muslims to receive Allah’s forgiveness on this night.
Remember: Sha’ban is the month in which our annual deeds are raised to Allah – and the night of the 15th Sha’ban is the perfect opportunity to enter Ramadan with our sins forgiven, in that Allah!
Preparing for Ramadan
Sha’ban is a special month, and we shouldn’t neglect its blessings. It is a time when our actions are raised to Allah, where our love for the Prophet (saw) increases, and where we should prepare for the blessed month of Ramadan.
Source: https://muslimhands.org.uk/latest/2019/04/the-importance-of-15th-shaban-night
The blessed Sha’ban is a month loved and honored by our Prophet ﷺ. Usamah ibn Zayd, may Allah be pleased with him, asked, “Ya Rasulallah, I haven’t seen you [voluntarily] fast in a month as much as you fast during Sha’ban.” The Messenger ﷺ replied, “People neglect that month between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which deeds are raised to the Lord of the Worlds, and I like that my deeds be raised while I am fasting.” (Ahmad and Nasa’i)
It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, said: “There are five nights on which dua is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha‘ban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al Fitr and the night before Eid al Nahr (al Adha).” (al Suyuti)
For more information, see the following links:
– https://seekersguidance.org/tag/15th-shaban
– https://muwasala.org/2015/05/17/merits-of-shaban
About Qari Amar:
Raised in Morocco, Qari Amar Bellaha memorized the Qur’an at 17 from Madrasat Imam Nafia. He has ijaza for the Hafs and Warsh forms of Qur’anic recitation. In 1994 and 1995, he was awarded top prizes in the National Moroccan Tajweed competition. He is recognized for his recitation’s beauty, clarity, and excellence and is one of the Bay area’s foremost Qur’an teachers.

In his Majmu’, Imam Nawawi quoted from Imam al Shafi’i’s Kitab al-Umm that there are 5 nights when du’as (supplications) are answered, one of them being the night of the 15th of Sha`ban.
