MCC East Bay

Private Event
2024-09-07 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-13 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Conference Room

Women's Weekly Pilates Sessions | Seema Duhan
2024-09-08 08:00 - 09:30, 2024-09-21 08:30 - 10:00, 2024-09-22 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
2024-09-09 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
2024-09-11 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-18 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 September '24 Session | MCC's Mommy & Me Program
2024-09-12 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-09-19 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

Principles of Religion: Manners III | Ustadha Nihad Hemmoudeh
2024-09-12 12:30 - 13:15, 2024-09-19 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

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

Fatima Zara Helping Hand Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-09-13 13:30 - 16:00 | CA
Fatima Zara Helping Hand is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the less fortunate break the cycle of poverty and achieve dignity by providing access to the necessities of life, including food, water, shelter, health and wellness opportunities, and education. Their mission is carried out by developing global initiatives to support the most vulnerable communities. Their mandate includes local volunteers on the ground to help execute programs while offering a personal connection to those in need.

Averroes High School Tables at Three Jumu'ahs
2024-09-13 13:30 - 16:00 | CA
Join Averroes High School on Sunday, October 6th, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, at Ohlone College for the Averroes High School Supporters Event as they celebrate ten years of graduates. All are welcome to attend and support our community’s future leaders!” Please visit their website or table to purchase tickets.

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

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

Sidi Mahdy Amine 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.

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

– Sidi Mahdy Amine delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

3:40 p.m. – 4 p.m.

– Ustadh Omar Naisan 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 Mahdy: http://mcceastbay.org/mahdy
– More Ustadh Omar: HTTP://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

Rabi’ Al-Awwal Mawlid: Nabi-ur-Rahma: The Prophet of Mercy (ﷺ)
2024-09-13 18:00 - 22:45 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
The East Bay Annual Mawlid features talks and recitations (Nasheeds) with the theme “Nabi-ur-Rahma: The Prophet of Mercy (ﷺ).” Our special guests this year are Dr. Ali Ataie and Shaykh Faraz Khan.
We will have talks, counsels, and recitations (Nasheeds) about “The Guiding Light: Muhammad ﷺ” with Qari Amar Bellaha, Ustadh Tarif Arabi, and Bay Area Munshids. Sidi Syed Mubeen Saifullah will be the MCC for the evening.
6 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. | Friday, September 13 | MCC Prayer Hall | No RSVP needed to join post-Maghrib Mawlid program (only for pre-Mawlid dinner (capped at 600 guests & babysitting) | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
San Ramon Valley Islamic Center, Islamic Center of Livermore, Ta’leef Collective & MCC East Bay proudly present this Rabbi’al Awwal Annual Mawlid.
Program Schedule

5:45 p.m. – Asr congregational prayer
6 p.m. – Burda Shareef with Ustadh Tarif Arabi (Prayer Hall)
6:30 p.m. – Dinner service begins (men in Sunday School parking lot and women in Conference Room/Kindergarten area)
7:22 p.m. – Maghrib prayer congregational prayer
8 p.m. – Qur’an Recitation (Qari Amar Bellaha), Talk (Ammu Tarif), Nasheeds (Sidi Mahdy Amine and team) (no RSVP needed to join this pre-Mawlid program)
9 p.m. – Isha congregational prayer
9:20 p.m. – Talk/presentation (Dr. Ali Ataie) (no RSVP required to join this main Mawlid program)
10 p.m. – Talk (Shaykh Faraz Khan)
10:45 p.m. – Qur’an recitation and closing dua by Qari Amar Bellaha

This is a family-friendly event. Bring the entire family. Complimentary babysitting during the Mawlid program begins at 8 p.m., and goodie bags will be given to all kids at the end of the event. RSVP for the main program complimentary babysitting at mcceastbay.org/mawlid-babysitting
The Tri-Valley Annual Mawlid ’24 coincides with the weekend of 12th Rabi ul Awwal 1444.

– Watch YouTube Livestream: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– Watch Facebook Livestream: https://mcceastbay.org/facebook
– Watch past Mawlid celebrations hosted at MCC: https://mcceastbay.org/mawlid
– More Dr. Ali: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/ali
– More Shaykh Faraz: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/faraz
– More Sidi Mubeen: https://mcceastbay.org/syed
– More Sidi Mahdy: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/mahdy
– More Qari Amar: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/amar
– More Sidi Tareef: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/tarif

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
The Mawlid is a joyous expression of the greatest blessing from Allah.
Mawlid (or Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif) is the observance of the birth of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is commemorated in Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar.

– Past Tri-Valley and East Bay AlMawlid alNabawi Celebrations: https://mcceastbay.org/mawlid
– More about celebrating the Prophet (peace be upon him)’s day of birth: https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/innovation-bida-and-celebrating-the-prophets-birthday-mawlid
– In Defense of the Mawlid – Shaykh Abu Nahla Al Wazani: https://mcceastbay.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/In-Defense-of-the-Mawlid-Shaykh-Abu-Nahla-Al-Wazani.pdf

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Shaykh Faraz Khan is a scholar of Ashʿarī and Maturidi philosophical theology with field specialties in Hanafi Jurisprudence, Prophetic Biography, Hadith, and Logic. At Zaytuna College, he has taught Kalam Theology, Creedal Theology, Prophetic Biography, Readings in Muslim Spirituality, and Logic in the Islamic Tradition. Shaykh Faraz also serves as the coordinator of the Honors Program, in which he has taught Kalam, Prophetic Biography, Logic, Tafsir, and Hadith. After completing undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin, he moved to Amman, Jordan, in 2004 and read classical texts with distinguished scholars in Ashʿarī and Māturīdī scholastic theology, Hanafi jurisprudence, prophetic narration, logic, and other religious sciences, receiving scholarly authorization (ijāza) after seven years of full-time study.
Ustadh Ali Ataie is a perennial student and researcher who has been involved in interfaith activities for over two decades. He holds a Master’s in biblical studies focusing on New Testament and biblical languages. He also holds a PhD in cultural and historical religious studies from the Graduate Theological Union. His doctoral work focused on Muslim hermeneutics of biblical texts, especially the Gospel of John. He lives in San Ramon, CA, with his wife Roya and three daughters. Learn more about him at https://zaytuna.edu/academics/faculty/ali-ataie
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 internationally for his recitation’s beauty, clarity, and excellence and is one of the Bay area’s foremost Qur’an teachers. Hafiz Amar leads MCC’s Taraweeh prayers each Ramadan.
Amu Tareef is an international scholar who studied traditional Islamic Sciences at Al-Fath Institute, al-Azhar branch in Syria. Affectionately known to the community as ‘Ammu (or Uncle), he was born and reared in Damascus, Syria. His teachers include Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghuri, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Shaykh Dr. Mustafa al-Khin, and Shaykh Dr. Samer al-Nass.
Please also attend the SBIA Mawlid on Saturday, Sept. 14:
SBIA’s Annual Mawlid: In the Prophetic Footsteps
SBIA Presents the 2024 Annual Mawlid on Saturday, September 14th.
Speakers:

Shaykh Faraz Khan
Shaykh Abdullah Misra
Nasheeds by Ahbab al-Habib – Listen on YouTube
Qur’an Recitation by Qari Zakariae El-Mekkaoui

The event begins with Asr at 6 pm, followed by dinner. Nasheed & talks after Maghrib.

Monthly Sisterhood Hike | Sisters in the Outdoors
2024-09-14 07:00 - 09:00 | CA
Join us at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Sep. 14, for a hike at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore to get to know other sisters in the community and enjoy the great outdoors. No children, please (female teens, okay). Let us know you are coming: https://mcceastbay.org/rsvp
If sisters want to walk around more, they can do it depending on their interest/time. The hike will be cancelled if there are not enough RSVPs or depending on the weather.

– When: Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024
– Time: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. – Please arrive a little early to park and find the group. The group can wait till 7:10 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: There is a $6 parking fee.
– Location: https://g.co/kgs/7HoZLPr
– Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/east-shore-loop-to-lake-del-valle?sh=kyrhg8
– Distance: 4.4 miles
– Difficulty: Moderate
– Misc: Wear hiking shoes if possible. There will be a small water crossing, and your shoes might get wet. Bring a small breakfast/ Lunch sandwich or something to eat. Carry enough water, a hat, and a light jacket. Please download All Trails map (free version) in case you decide to return in the middle of the hike. This will be very helpful in navigating back to the parking lot.
– RSVP: By Friday, Sep. 13, please let us know you are coming for this hike: https://mcceastbay.org/rsvp

Sr. Aparna Khan and Sr. Sohaila will be leading this hike. If you have trouble finding the group on the day of the hike, please call or text Sr. Aparna at (408) 480-6584 or Sr. Sohaila at (925) 786-7698. Please remember that we cannot hold all the group, so we request you to please be on time.
For future hikes, please subscribe to the MCC newsletter and/or add your phone number to the Women’s Hiking WhatsUp group.
Please wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes, carry a water bottle, a small snack, a hat, sunglasses, and hiking poles if you have one.
Questions? hiking@mcceastbay.org
About this trail:
Experience this 4.4-mile out-and-back trail near Livermore, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 9 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are January through October.

Marriage Workshop: Tools for a Thriving Marriage | Ali Ardekani (Baba Ali)
2024-09-14 10:30 - 11:30 | CA
Open to everyone: Before our Quarterly Matrimonial Event this Saturday, join Ali Ardekani for an insightful workshop on what to look for in a partner and the tools to improve our marriage.
Saturday, Sep. 14 | 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | MCC Prayer Hall | Free | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
If you have not registered for our Singles Event this Saturday, don’t miss this opportunity! Sign up here.
Ali Ardekani, best known by his stage name Baba Ali (Persian: بابا علی), is an Iranian-born American comedian, games developer, businessman, and actor. Although born into a Persian family from Ardakan, Ardekani was raised in a secular, irreligious household in Los Angeles. In 2011, Ardekani founded the Muslim matrimonial website Half Our Deen. Ardekani has traveled the world doing stand-up to a wide range of Muslim and non-Muslim audiences. He has performed over 400 events worldwide, including in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, for audiences as large as 40,000. His work has been reviewed in The New York Times, USA Today, and Los Angeles Times and featured in seven episodes of DirecTV’s The Fizz News. In 2015, he starred alongside Omar Regan in the comedy film American Sharia. Ardekani avoids grandstanding and politicizing issues by simply telling it like it is. However, instead of mocking Islam, he uses a comical approach without using offensive material. His sharp-witted style takes a realistic look at the everyday issues Muslims face, including being a Muslim teen in America, attending Muslim weddings, and dealing with cultural issues that have impacted Muslims.
– More Ali Ardekani: https://mcceastbay.org/baba-ali
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Muslim Singles Meet and Greet
2024-09-14 12:00 - 16:30 | CA
Register Now

Calling all single sisters & brothers! Following the phenomenal success of our six previous quarterly HOD Live events at MCC, we are thrilled to invite you again to HOD Live on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. This single event is not just a social gathering; it’s a proven pathway to meaningful connections.

Why HOD Live at MCC is Unmissable:

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

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

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

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

Act Quickly to Secure Your Spot

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

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

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

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

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

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

12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Saturday, Sept. 14 | MCC East Bay Conference Room | $100/person (fewer than 70 spots available) | Register at https://mcceastbay.org/singles

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

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

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

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

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

What to expect?

Fun

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

Filtered

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

Proven

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

Private

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

FAQs from MCC

Who can register?

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

Who is the moderator?

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

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

https://youtu.be/bHsyJCpSQJ0

https://www.youtube.com/embed/bHsyJCpSQJ0?enablejsapi=1&wmode=opaque

Why is MCC collaborating with Half Our Deen?

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

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

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions? shakera@halfourdeen.com

I cannot afford the registration fee.

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

Is there an age limit?

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

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

Is lunch offered?

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

Will I still receive confirmation of whether I am on the waiting list?

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

Do I need a HalfOurDeen membership to attend the event?

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

How do you screen applicants?

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

Why was my application not accepted?

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

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

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

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

If you have not received a payment submission email after completing your application, we are receiving a high volume of applications and are still processing them. If you still haven’t heard from us within 30 days of the event, no candidates match your criteria at this particular event. If you have any questions about the selection process, please watch this https://youtu.be/NqHiZXhWtcw

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

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

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

To keep in line with Islamic principles, chaperones will constantly monitor our event, ensuring that all interactions are kept professional and focused. They will also be there to help facilitate conversation and answer questions as necessary.

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

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

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

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

Is there a dress code?

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

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

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

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

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

FAQs from HOD

How is the Offline process different?

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

Why do I need a Half Deen membership to attend?

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

What happens if the event is sold out?

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

What criteria do you screen applicants by?

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

Something came up. I cannot make it.

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

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

Why is your event venue private?

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

Event Safety:

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

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

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

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

Temperature Checks: Attendees must submit contactless temperature checks before entering the venue hall.

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

Half Deen Live Matrimonial Event – Pleasanton, CA – Sept. 14, 2024

If you want to attend another speed-dating event, this event is not for you. Speed dating doesn’t work. HOD Live does, so the Muslim Community Center (MCC) and Muslim Marriage Canada are partnering up with HOD and bringing HOD Live to Pleasanton, California, on Sept. 14, 2024! Read below for HOD’s unique match-making process.

About HOD:

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

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

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

The MCC and Muslim Marriage Canada are partnering up with Half Deen to bring you a Muslim Singles event using the HOD Live Process in Pleasanton, CA, on Sept. 14, 2024.

Here is how it works:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Private Event
2024-09-18 14:00 - 21:00 | CA
Banquet Hall & Conference Room

MAITRI Tables @ MCC Jumu’ahs
2024-09-20 13:30 - 16:00 | CA
Maitri is a South Asian agency that helps survivors of domestic violence lead lives of dignity and self-sufficiency through holistic programs. They provide free, confidential, culturally responsive services to Muslim and other women from South Asian countries who are experiencing domestic violence and need legal, housing, and other resources. Help is available in different languages and at a place near you.
Please visit their booth for information about the transitional home and other services.

Islamic Center of Contra Costa Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-09-20 13:30 - 16:00 | CA
The Islamic Center of Contra Costa (Omar Farooq Masjid) community has outgrown its current facility. It is currently in a purchase agreement to purchase property to expand the women’s section, classrooms for Hifz and madrasa students, and daily prayer rooms. The center hopes that an expansion will better serve the youth, immigrants, and Muslims in our community.

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Rosewood
2024-09-20 13:30 - 16:00 | CA
For MCC’s four Jumu’ah services on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024:

*Heavy parking congestion. Kindly avoid this service 🙂 *

Dr. Ali Dia delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

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

– Sidi Shahryar Abbasi delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center.

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

– Dr. Youssef Ismail delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

3:40 p.m. – 4 p.m.

– Hafiz Abdullah Ayyaz 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 Dr. Ali: http://mcceastbay.org/ali-dia
– More Sidi Shahryar: mcceastbay.org/shahryar
– More Dr. Youssef: http://mcceastbay.org/youssef
– More Hafiz Abdullah: http://mcceastbay.org/abdullah-ayyaz

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

Attorneys @ Jumu'ah: Free Legal Clinic
2024-09-20 14:30 - 17:00 | CA
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, Sep. 20 | 2:30 p.m. to 5 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 18th
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 ranging 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 members of our community and works with local nonprofit organizations to help immigrants.

The Splendor of Islamic Calligraphy | Haji Noor Deen
2024-09-20 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join Haji Noor Deen Mi Guang Jiang for a Friday evening workshop and demonstration on Islamic calligraphy, followed by an exhibition about the splendor of Islamic calligraphy.

Friday, Sept. 20 | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | MCC Banquet Hall | In-person only, $20/person | For ages 12 and up| Capped at 25 attendees | Register at mcceastbay.org/calligraphy

Haji Noor Deen Mi Guang Jiang is a renowned master of Arabic calligraphy. He brings immense learning in traditional thought and Islamic art to a modern audience, juxtaposing them in a new calligraphic style. Learn more about him on his website: https://www.hajinoordeen.comQuestions? events@mcceastbay.org

His calligraphy will be displayed in the MCC Foyer from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. MCC is excited to bring him and has absorbed most of the cost of his visit so more people across the Bay Area can learn his fantastic technique and art. Dr. Mustafa Bserki will translate from Arabic into English for Haji Noor’s MCC visit.

This is part of MCC’s monthly Family Night series, where we invite influential American Muslims who positively impact our communities.

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

A Haji Noor Deen’s Unique Fusion of Eastern and Western Calligraphy The Chinese and Arabic calligraphic traditions have often been compared as the two of the world’s finest manifestations of the written word. When combined, the result is an artistic piece that is a work of incredibly unique beauty.

Noor Deen’s mastery has brought him lecture and workshop invitations from institutions worldwide, including Harvard University, Cambridge University, UC Berkeley, MIT, the Bukhari Institute, Islamic College in Zhengzhou, China, the Zaytuna Institute in California, and many others. Currently, Noor Deen is developing his gallery, “The Chinese House for the Arts of Islamic Arabic Calligraphy,” and the “Arabic Calligraphy Creative Centre” at the National Academy of Painting and Calligraphy in Henan Province, China. Check out more about Haji Noor Deen at https://www.hajinoordeen.comBe ready to be amazed to see Haji Noor Deen bring your name to life on the canvas!

Haji Noor will also speak at Los Gatos Islamic Center and ISEB masjid in Fremont.

Dr. Rania Awaad’s Weekly Friday Evening Halaqa
2024-09-20 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Ustadha Dr. Rania Awaad holds a weekly women’s gathering on Friday evenings to discuss navigating contemporary issues. This program runs in parallel to the Friday night girl’s halaqa.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Every Friday from September 20, 2024, to February 21, 2025, | MCC Conference Room | Free; no registration or RSVP required to attend in person | To join virtually, register at https://mcceastbay.org/zoom

– More Dr. Rania: https://mcceastbay.org/rania
– Watch past Dr. Rania’s Friday Evening Halaqa recordings: https://mcceastbay.org/womens-halaqa
– Join Dr. Rania’s WhatsUp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HlHmFFnGbwvCvLl6uGD1C4
– The Rahmah Foundation’s Holiday Calendar: https://mcceastbay.org/rahmah-calendar

The Fall session runs from Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, to May 23, 2025, with no halaqas on Friday, November 29, December 27, March 7, 14, 21, 28, and April 4), and we restart from April 11, 2025 to May 23, 2025. See calendar.

Free weekly babysitting is provided in Room 23. Facility map: https://mcceastbay.org/facility-map

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

This halaqa is hosted parallel to our girls’ program in partnership with The Rahmah Foundation.

Ustadha Rania Awaad was raised in the U.S. and began her formal study of the traditional Islamic sciences when her parents permitted her to travel to Damascus, Syria, at 14. Her desire to continue studying the Deen resulted in multiple trips back to Damascus, interspersed between her high school, college, and medical studies. She was honored to receive Ijazah (authorization to teach) several branches of the Shari’ah sciences at the hands of many renowned scholars, including many female scholars. She has received Ijazah to teach Tajwid in the Hafs and Warsh recitations from the late eminent Syrian scholar Shaykh Abu Hassan al-Kurdi. In addition to completing several advanced texts of the Shafi’i madhhab, she is licensed to teach texts of Maliki fiqh, Adab, and Ihsan. Currently, Ustadha Rania teaches online and local classes for The Rahmah Foundation, Rabata. She is on the faculty of Zaytuna College, where she teaches courses in Shafi’i fiqh and women’s issues in fiqh and has helped develop and co-direct the Tajweed and Hifz program.

Ustadha Rania is also a medical doctor with a specialty in Psychiatry. She completed her Psychiatric residency and fellowship training at Stanford University, where she is currently on the faculty as a Clinical Instructor in the Stanford Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences department. Her medical interests include addressing mental health care concerns in the Muslim community- particularly that of Muslim women and girls. She has been awarded grants from the NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) to research this topic and has presented her findings at several medical conferences. Other ongoing endeavors include compiling manuscripts addressing female-related mental health and medical issues from a fiqh-oriented perspective. She is the Director of the Rahmah Foundation, a non-profit organization that teaches traditional Islamic knowledge to Muslim women and girls. In this capacity, she also heads the Murbbiyah Mentoring Program, which trains young women to teach and mentor Muslim girls and teens. Ustadha Rania is both a wife and a mother; she has been counseling and teaching women classes on Tajwid, Shafi’i Fiqh, Ihsan, marriage, and raising children since 1999.

Learn more about Dr. Rania and her work at http://med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/research/MuslimMHLab.html

Every Friday evening, the MCC bustles with activity. MCC hosts four halaqas to increase God-consciousness for youth, women, and men.

Join Dr. Rania Awaad‘s women’s gathering on navigating contemporary issues from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This wide-ranging Muslimah halaqa is in the MCC Conference Room, and the first hour is live-streamed here (watch past sessions at https://mcceastbay.org/halaqa). This halaqa is organized in partnership with The Rahmah Foundation.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Friday Night Boys High School Halaqa | Sidi Quran Hodge
2024-09-20 19:00 - 21:00 | CA
Join MCC Youth Activities Facilitator Sidi Quran Hodge for weekly Friday evening basketball & halaqa sessions for teen high school boys from 9th through 12th grade.
These sessions aim to craft our next generation of confident, faithful Muslim men. These halaqas are for only high school boys only—no younger boys. The sessions are capped at 30 teens. Once limited spots are full, please join the waitlist.
Pizza is included each week. The first hour is physical activities in the gym (basketball, flag football, or soccer), and the latter hour is a teen halaqa with Sidi Quran.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Fridays | Sep. 20, 2024 to May 23, 2025 (with a break in Ramadan ‘25) | $400/person | Register at mcceastbay.org/boys
The MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a family in the East Bay from benefiting from any offering at the MCC facility. To request a financial waiver, please complete the application at mcceastbay.org/scholarship
Location of Friday evening sessions for high school boys in ‘24 and ‘25:

– September 20, 2024, at MCC East Bay
– September 27, 2024, at MCC East Bay
– October 4, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– October 11, 202, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– October 18, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– October 25, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– November 1, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– November 8, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– November 15, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– November 22, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– November 29, 2024 (no session)
– December 6, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– December 13, 2024, at Fairlands Elementary School in Pleasanton
– December 20, 2024, at Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– December 27, 2024 (no session)
– January 3, 2025, at MCC East Bay
– January 10, 2025, location TBA
– January 17, 2025, location TBA
– January 24, 2025, location TBA
– January 31, 2025, Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– February 7, 2025, Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– February 14, 2025, Donlon Elementary in Pleasanton
– February 21, 2025, location TBA (last session before Ramadan 2025)
– February 28, 2025 (no session – join Moonsighting in MCC parking lot)
– March 7, 2025 (no session)
– March 14, 2025 (no session)
– March 21, 2025 (no session)
– March 28, 2025 (no session)
– April 4, 2025, at Thomas Hart Middle School
– April 11, 2025, location Amador Valley High School
– April 18, 2025, location Thomas Hart Middle School
– April 25, 2025, location Thomas Hart Middle School
– May 2, 2025, location Thomas Hart Middle School
– May 9, 2025, location Thomas Hart Middle School
– May 16, 2025, location Thomas Hart Middle School
– May 23, 2025, location Thomas Hart Middle School

About Sidi Quran
Qur’an Hodge is a Bay Area native. He began his Islamic education in 2019, studying Arabic at the Al Maqasid Seminary in Pennsylvania. Sidi Quran continued to Dar Al Mustafa, a Yemeni Islamic university in Tarim, Hadhramaut. At this Islamic seminary founded by Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Sidi Qur’an studied Ibtidaiyya, Hadith, Aqida, Seerah, Nahw, Quran Hifzdh, Kitaba, and Tafseer in classical Arabic.
Sidi Quran has completed certificates in Taleef Collective’s Refining the Core and Zaytuna College’s Permaculture Program. He is passionate about creatively working on community issues, particularly the challenges Muslim youth face. He lives with his wife and child in Castro Valley.

– More Quran Hodge: https://mcceastbay.org/quran-hodge

Monthly Men's Hike | Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve
2024-09-21 07:30 - 10:00 | CA
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, September 21 | 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. | Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve | 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, August 17, 2024
– Time: 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Please arrive early to park and find the group. The group can wait till 7:40 a.m. and will start the hike. Please be on time since we cannot hold the group.
– Carpool: We highly recommend carpooling. No carpool from MCC is available for this hike. Carpool encouraged others on this hike.
– Parking: Free
– Meeting Point: Las Trampas Public Parking
– Trail: Las Trampas Peak
– Distance: Around 4.5 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, September 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 that you 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:
Head out on this 4.4-mile loop trail near Alamo, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 22 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

Monthly Special Needs Support Circle | Zainab Khan
2024-09-21 11:00 - 13:00 | CA
For parents, families, and caregivers of individuals with special needs, join us every third Saturday of the month for a wellness circle. We will discuss challenges, resources, and strategies for providing the best care for our families and ourselves.

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, Sep. 21 | 11 a.m. to 1 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
Saturday, September 21
Saturday, October 19
Saturday, November 16
Saturday, December 21

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
