MCC East Bay

Eid Al- Adha Bazar
2021-09-07 | CA
Before the Eid day festivities, come to MCC to do some shopping from community vendors at our Annual Eid Bazar.
1 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Saturday, July 2 | MCC Banquet Hall (free to enter; masks required)
Admission is free. Bring the entire family.
Come get henna art and shop for jewelry, clothes, soaps, hijabs, Islamic books, Islamic dolls, abayas, and more!
Don’t miss this opportunity to support our local vendors and do a little shopping before Eid.
FOR VENDORS:
Limited vendor spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the Parking Lot. Complete the interest form at mcceastbay.org/bazar-eidadha
For questions about this Bazar, please email bazar@mcceastbay.org or call Sister Shazia Ashraf at (925) 640-2967.

Pleasanton City Council Muslim Proclamation
2021-09-07 19:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7, the Pleasanton City Council joins communities throughout the State of California in recognizing the month of August 2021 as Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. The event is virtual only.

The MCC encourages all congregation members to watch the livestream and express our appreciation. We especially encourage residents who live in the City of Pleasanton to attend in person. Please also leave a public comment: http://www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/cals/default.asp

7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Tuesday, Sept. 7 | Watch online with these options:

Join the meeting using this URL: https://cityofpleasanton.zoom.us/j/91294937422
Pleasanton residents only: The virtual meeting will be broadcast live on Channel 29 and at https://www.tri-valleytv.org
Watch live on the City’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCityofPleasanton
To join by phone dial +1 (669) 900-6833 or +1 (253) 215-8782. When prompted: Enter Webinar ID 91294937422
If you wish to speak on an item listed on this agenda or under public comment, please complete and submit a speaker card here or at https://forms.cityofpleasantonca.gov/f/SpeakerCard by 7:00 p.m. the day of the meeting.

The Proclamation is the second agenda item so please be on time at 7 p.m. to the meeting. Sr. Spojmie Nasiri and Br. Munir Safi will speak on behalf of Pleasanton Muslims.

This is the second year the Pleasanton City Council has done so. Keep an eye out for Dublin, San Ramon and Livermore City Council virtual proclamations in the coming weeks.

Last year, then-Vice Mayor Karla Brown presented the Proclamation, which acknowledges the rich history and guiding virtues of American Muslims, and commends Muslim communities in California for the lasting positive impact they have made, and continue to make, toward the advancement of the state and the nation. Watch that recording: https://youtu.be/AtAhIyvchpI

The Pleasanton City Council follows in the steps of other City Councils in the San Francisco Bay Area, like Santa Clara, Union City, Oakland, San Jose, and Redwood City.

Our gratitude to Sr. Sameena Usman from CAIR – San Francisco Bay Area. She has been facilitated these Bay Area-wide Proclamations. Our gratitude to Sr. Eman Tai for facilitating the Dublin Proclamation: https://youtu.be/5yLuSj2w-w0

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Practical Spirituality
2021-09-08 20:00 - 21:00, 2021-09-15 20:00 - 21:00, 2021-09-22 20:00 - 21:00, 2021-09-29 20:00 - 21:00 | Lighthouse Mosque, 620 42nd Street, Oakland, CA, 94609, United States
Are you feeling stuck in your relationship with Allah? Feeling unsure about how to progress spiritually while balancing the hustle and bustle of life?
Join us for a virtual weekly class with Sidi Shahryar Abbasi focused on practical spirituality. Each week, we discuss a topic to help us traverse the spiritual path and ultimately achieve nearness to Allah (SWT). The topics range from how to make intentions, devotions and daily duas (supplications), easy shortcuts to maximize your rewards, the importance of good character, how to balance spirituality as a working professional, and much, much more.
We will primarily be focusing on the text “The Book of Assistance” by the great Saint and Knower of Allah, Imam Abdullah Ibn Alawi Al Haddad.
8 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wednesdays | Sept. 8 to Summer ’22 (except in Ramadan) | Watch at https://mcceastbay.org/live and watch past series recordings at https://mcceastbay.org/practical

More Sidi Shahryar: https://mcceastbay.org/shahryar
Download Imam Al-Haddad’s “Book of Assistance”: https://mcceastbay.org/assistance
Download Practical Spirituality Resources: https://mcceastbay.org/awraad
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 “Deceptive Desires” Series: https://mcceastbay.org/desires

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

MCC Indoor & Outdoor Jumu'ahs
2021-09-09 08:00 - 17:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For our Friday, September 10 Jumu’ah services, masks are required to attend while inside MCC and no RSVP necessary:

1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Shaykh Abdullah bin Hamid Ali delivers this sermon.

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

2:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. – OUTDOOR ONLY

Hafiz Sami Rehman delivers this sermon.

Outdoor in canopies in the MCC parking lot. No parallel indoor services offered.
No social distancing in first canopy near sermon speaker for men and no social distancing for first row for women. All other space is social distancing required.
Masks are optional.
Please check Friday afternoon weather forecast and take precautions against heat.

3:40 p.m. to 4 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Hafiz Sami Rehman delivers this sermon.

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

Whenever possible, please attend 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. prayer to avoid heavy first-prayer congestion. Jumu’ah service parking at all three services is in the MCC parking lot and the neighboring HP lot. Map

– Watch these three sermons live from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Shaykh Abdullah: https://mcceastbay.org/abdullah
– More Hafiz Sami: https://mcceastbay.org/sami

For parents attending with young children, MCC offers a private mothers and fathers room with an audio and visual connection to Prayer Hall. Parents can watch the sermon and pray while in the company of other parents with young children. The mothers/fathers prayer room are just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Alameda County reports COVID-19 cases are still happening.
We are cautiously indoors for the five daily prayers and for two of the three Jumu’ah services. The second Jumu’ah is outdoors in the MCC parking lot, weather permitting. Learn more at https://mcceastbay.org/prayer

Your Connection to Allah: Why Is It Difficult These Days | Dr. Haifaa Younis
2021-09-10 20:00 - 21:15 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
**Watch the talk at https://youtu.be/LdAAZDKVG44
In partnership with The Rahmah Foundation, MCC is proud to host Dr. Haifaa Younis at this gathering about connecting to Allah and withstanding the difficulties of our time.
Dr. Haifaa is a national speaker known for igniting the love of Islam and Qur’an through her teachings. She will speak about “Your Connection to God Withstanding Difficulties Today”.
Saturday, Sept. 10 | 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. | MCC Prayer Hall or watch at https://mcceastbay.org/live
Event schedule:

7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Meet & greet with Dr. Haifaa (sisters only in Conference Room)
7:30 p.m. – Maghrib prayer (Prayer Hall)
8 p.m.- 9:15 p.m. – Dr. Haifaa halaqa for sisters & brothers (Prayer Hall)
9:15 p.m. – Isha prayer (Prayer Hall)

Open to all. No RSVP needed.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
In person event. Dr. Haifaa’s talk will also be streamed live on MCC Facebook and YouTube channels. Masks required on while in the MCC facility.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Haifaa Younis is an American Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist with roots from Iraq. Her pursuit of Islamic knowledge initiated when she began to study with various Islamic scholars from across the United States while she simultaneously attended individual courses and lectures on subjects including Aqeeda, Fiqh, usual Fiqh, Hadeeth, and Tazkiyah (purification of the soul). From the United States, she moved to Saudi Arabia where she graduated from the Mecca Institute of Islamic Studies (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) and Al-Huda Qur’an Memorization School (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) where she completed the memorization of the Qur’an. She is the founder and Chairman of Jannah Institute and currently teaches seminars on the thematic commentary of various chapters of the Holy Qur’an and their practical relevance in our day-to-day living. Additionally, she offers retreats on key topics that inspire hearts, combining the inner essence of Islam with an outward expression of practice. Dr. Haifaa is passionate about spreading the word of Allah (SBW) and igniting the love of Islam and the Qur’an through her teachings. Learn more about her at https://www.jannahinstitute.com

Addiction is in Our Community | Substance Use Seminar
2021-09-11 12:00 - 13:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Addiction is a disease and yet our community is reticent to talk about substance use, along with the intense stigma families face in seeking treatment for themselves or a loved one.
Families in the Muslim community, especially heightened during the pandemic, are quietly and painfully living in the confusion and chaos caused by alcoholism or drug use in the family.
You are not alone.
Join Dr. Ariana Abid, an addiction specialist, talk about substance use and addiction, along with the intense stigma on families in the American Muslim community face in seeking treatment for themselves or a loved one at a drug or alcohol rehab facility, due to the public nature of an admission of a problem.
12 p.m. to 1 p.m. | Saturday, Sept. 11 | MCC Conference Room or join virtually at https://mcceastbay.org/live
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
This short seminar will be a continuation of our previous session on the use of marijuana and post-pandemic restart of our confidential Substance Use Family Support groups. Learn more at https://mcceastbay.org/support-group
Resources

Al-Anon Family Group (for families with a loved one suffering through an addiction)
East Bay Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous (for those suffering through an addiction)
Alameda County Department of Public Health – Substance Abuse Resource List
Alameda County Behavioral Health – Resource List and Helpline (1-844-682-7215)

Other Suggested Resources

What Is Substance Abuse Treatment? A Booklet for Families
Created for family members of people with alcohol abuse or drug abuse problems. Answers questions about substance abuse, its symptoms, different types of treatment, and recovery. Addresses concerns of children of parents with substance use/abuse problems.
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Happens in the Best of Families
Describes how alcohol and drug addiction affect the whole family. Explains how substance abuse treatment works, how family interventions can be a first step to recovery, and how to help children in families affected by alcohol abuse and drug abuse.
It’s Not Your Fault (NACoA)
Assures teens with parents who abuse alcohol or drugs that, “It’s not your fault!” and that they are not alone. Encourages teens to seek emotional support from other adults, school counselors, and youth support groups such as Alateen, and provides a resource list.
It Feels So Bad: It Doesn’t Have To
Provides information about alcohol and drug addiction to children whose parents or friends’ parents might have substance abuse problems. Advises kids to take care of themselves by communicating about the problem and joining support groups such as Alateen.
After an Attempt: A Guide for Taking Care of Your Family Member After Treatment in the Emergency Department
Aids family members in coping with the aftermath of a relative’s suicide attempt. Describes the emergency department treatment process, lists questions to ask about follow-up treatment, and describes how to reduce risk and ensure safety at home.
Family Therapy Can Help: For People in Recovery From Mental Illness or Addiction
Explores the role of family therapy in recovery from mental illness or substance abuse. Explains how family therapy sessions are run and who conducts them, describes a typical session, and provides information on its effectiveness in recovery.

Travelogue of 1984 Xinjiang
2021-09-12 17:00 - 18:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
In 1984, Jenny White was traveling with friends in China when she heard East Turkestan had just opened to foreign visitors. She immediately took a two-day bus ride to Xinjiang and spent three unforgettable weeks there – taking rare photographs of this beautiful, bustling and isolated region of Uyghur Muslims in China.
Nearly 40 years later and with the tragic cultural erasure in Xinjiang, Ms. White takes us on a cultural homecoming with her photos that are now a testament to a bygone time for China’s Uighur people.
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Sunday, Sept. 12 | MCC Conference Room (no RSVP needed) or watch online at https://mcceastbay.org/live
Bay Area Uyghur Muslims will be on hand to provide context to these photos. Special Uighur dessert (take-home boxes) for guests after event. Facility tours after event.
Free. Everyone welcome! For those attending in person, masks required during duration while inside the MCC facility.
MCC Congregation: Limited space. Note: this event is for neighbors and community members. A congregation member may attend if they bring a friend, neighbor, coworker (if a family would like to attend, they should bring the same number of guests from other faiths please).
Jenny White was born and raised in Oklahoma. After university and graduate school, she spent years traveling through the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. In 1984, Jenny was traveling through China with friends when she heard that East Turkestan had opened up for foreign visitors. Jenny immediately decided to go, and took a solo two-day bus ride – she thinks from Lanzhou. Jenny then spent about three weeks in East Turkestan and had a wonderful, unforgettable time there. Jenny is a retired health policy researcher at the University of California, San Francisco.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Who Are the Uyghurs?
Uyghurs (alternatively spelled Uighurs, Uygurs, etc.) are ethnically and culturally a Turkic people living in the areas of Central Asia commonly known as East Turkistan. The area is vast, constituting one-sixth of the total land area under the control of the People’s Republic of China. The Uyghurs have a rich cultural history going back almost 4,000 years. Before embracing Islam in tenth century, Uyghurs believed in Buddhism, Manichaeism and Nestorian Christianity. Today, Uyghurs practice a moderate form of Sufi Islam and lead predominantly secular lives.
Uyghurs (Uighurs) are Turkic-speaking Muslim people with a population of more than twenty million in East Turkistan, (officially known as Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region of China), which was invaded by China in 1949. Since 2016, the Chinese Government has forced many Uyghurs to renounce their ethnic identity, religion, and culture and imprisoned over one million Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims.

Barbers at Saturday market in Kashgar

Traveling storyteller in Turfan

Man riding donkey at local market

Mother and child in Turfan

Bus from Lanzhou in Han China to Turfan

Lunchtime at Saturday market in Kashgar

Two men performing traditional dance in Turfan

Orchestra of instruments at wedding celebration in Kashgar

Local animal market in Kashgar

Father and child with traditional haircut

Cobbler in Turfan

Donkey cart off-road in Turfan

Uighur woman from bus to East Turkestan

Man selling melon slices at Saturday market in Kashgar

Shepard with flock of goat at Kashgar’s airport

Barber at Saturday market in Kashgar

Local market at Turfan

Onlookers at Kashgar’s airport

Mother and child with traditional crib in Turfan

Brother and sister at metal shop

Locals making traditional dish samsa

Young girls in Kashgar

Tea shop in old town of Kashgar

Man sharpening knives for at local market in Kashgar

Man playing traditional Rawap instrument in Kashgar

Man with goat for sale at animal market in Kashgar

Family hardware stall at market in Turfan

Elderly walking along cedar trees in Turfan

Man testing horse for purchase at animal market in Kashgar

Saturday market in Kashgar

Kashgar’s airport

Boys in Kashgar traditional neighborhood

Donkey cart on the way to Bezeklik Caves

Men at Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar

Local hotel Kashgar

Noodle maker in Kashgar

Children at local market Kashgar

Child making noodles

Cemetery in Kashgar, each dome is for one family

Local mercant Kashgar

Statue of Mao in city center of Kashgar

“Parking lot” at local market Kashgar

Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar

Men praying at Id Kah Mosque

Children in Kashgar

Man making wudu inside Id Kah Mosuqe

Muslim Appreciation Virtual Proclamation | San Ramon City Council
2021-09-14 19:00 - 19:30 | CA
At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14, the San Ramon City Council joins communities throughout the State of California in recognizing the month of August 2021 as Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month.
The event is virtual only.
The Proclamation recognizes the amazing contributions of San Ramon Valley Islamic Center (SRVIC) and Tri-Valley Muslims:

– Watch the virtual meeting live (link pending): http://sanramonca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=4218

The MCC encourages all congregation members to watch the livestream and express our appreciation. We especially encourage residents who live in San Ramon to attend in person.
7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Tuesday, Sept. 14
The Proclamation is the first agenda item so please be on time at 7 p.m. to the meeting.
This is the third year the San Ramon City Council has done so. Keep an eye out for Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Livermore City Council virtual proclamations in the coming weeks.
Last year, then-Vice Mayor Karla Brown presented the Proclamation, which acknowledges the rich history and guiding virtues of American Muslims, and commends Muslim communities in California for the lasting positive impact they have made, and continue to make, toward the advancement of the state and the nation. Watch that recording: https://youtu.be/AtAhIyvchpI
The San Ramon City Council follows in the steps of other City Councils in the San Francisco Bay Area, like Pleasanton, Dublin, Fremont, Santa Clara, Union City, Oakland, San Jose, and Redwood City.

Our gratitude to San Ramon Vice Mayor Sabina Zafar for helping facilitate this Proclamation.

Our gratitude also to Sr. Sameena Usman from CAIR – San Francisco Bay Area. She has been facilitated these Bay Area-wide Proclamations.
Our gratitude also to Sr. Eman Tai for facilitating the Dublin Proclamation: https://youtu.be/5yLuSj2w-w0 & Pleasanton is at https://youtu.be/ZX_MdpThzek
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

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

The Proclamation recognizes the San Ramon Valley Islamic Center and the San Ramon American Muslim Community for its efforts to provide COVID-19 reliefs assistance and declaring its appreciation for the contributions of American Muslims to the San Ramon community. It is presented by Mayor Hudson to Imad Abboushi, President of the San Ramon Valley Islamic Center and Nadia Ann Shahab, Treasurer of the San Ramon Valley Islamic Center.

The Proclamation recognizes the San Ramon Valley Islamic Center as fulfilling the spiritual and cultural needs of San Ramon residents, helping families with food and cash assistance during the COVID-19 crisis and promoting interfaith cooperation by providing an environment for dialogue, education, and fellowship. The full text of the proclamation is below.

American Muslim Appreciation Month
City of San Ramon

WHEREAS, Freedom of religion holds distinction as a cherished and essential right and a fundamental value upon which this nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, Muslims have been part of U.S. history from the beginning and have contributed to the production of wealth and construction of the nation; they are also part of the rich history of the civil rights movement; and
WHEREAS, Muslims are teachers, lawyers, doctors, social workers, tech workers, nurses, and business owners among numerous other valued professions, as well as peace builders, activists, entrepreneurs, and politicians; and
WHEREAS, there is a thriving community of 250,000 Muslims in the Bay Area and over 100 mosques and religious centers; and Muslims pursue diverse professions and make rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States, and have distinguished themselves by fostering greater respect and understanding among all people through faith and services; and
WHEREAS, the shelter-in-place order due to the COVID-19 outbreak forced the temporary closure of Muslim nonprofits, community centers, mosques, schools, businesses, and other establishments. Mosques and community organizations have provided online programming and sermons along with small group prayers outside. They have answered the call for help by donating funds, distributing food, by sewing masks, and by serving on the front lines as healthcare and service workers; and they have educated their congregations about social distancing guidelines and practices to keep the community safe; and
WHEREAS, the San Ramon Valley Islamic Center (SRVIC) in partnership with Support Life Foundation and 47 other Bay Area mosques and organizations have packed and distributed over 100,000 lbs. of food staples and masks to at-risk communities in the Bay Area through their “You Are Not Alone” program. SRVIC has held blood drives with the American Red Cross, and is one of the largest donors to the “Contra Costa Food Bank” donating $25,000-30,000 every year, in addition to the estimated $150,000 in donations to community members in need; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to acknowledge and promote awareness of the myriad of invaluable contributions of Muslims in California and across the country, and extend to them the respect and camaraderie every person deserves.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, the City of San Ramon does hereby recognize the California State Designation of August 2021 as Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month (HR 58) to acknowledge the rich history, contributions, and guiding virtues of Muslims and to commend all Muslim communities in California for the lasting positive impact they have made toward the advancement of our city and country.
Citations:
1. Senzai , Farid , and Hatem Bazian. “The Bay Area Muslim Study: Establishing Identity and Community.” Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. One Nation Bay Area Project, 01 May 2013. Page 9.
2. “SAN RAMON, Calif. (KRON) — A nonprofit in the East Bay is donating more than 50. “kron4.Com: Bay Area Nonprofit Donates 50K Pounds of Food, Supplies to at-Risk Communities.” Islamic Relief USA, 19 May 2020, irusa.org/bay-area-nonprofit-donates-50k-pounds-of-food-supplies-to-at-risk-communities/.
3. “SRVIC Blood Drive March 21.” SRVIC, www.srvic.org/announcement/srvic-blood-drive-march-21/.

MCC Indoor & Outdoor Jumu'ahs
2021-09-16 08:00 - 17:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For our Friday, September 17 Jumu’ah services, masks are required to attend while inside MCC and no RSVP necessary:

1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Sidi Mahdy Amine delivers this sermon.

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

2:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. – OUTDOOR ONLY

Sidi Mahdy Amine delivers this sermon.

Outdoor in canopies in the MCC parking lot. No parallel indoor services offered.
No social distancing in first canopy near sermon speaker for men and no social distancing for first row for women. All other space is social distancing required.
Masks are optional.
Please check Friday afternoon weather forecast and take precautions against heat.

3:40 p.m. to 4 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Sidi Ibrahim Qureshi delivers this sermon.

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

Whenever possible, please attend 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. prayer to avoid heavy first-prayer congestion. Jumu’ah service parking at all three services is in the MCC parking lot and the neighboring HP lot. Map at https://mcceastbay.org/hp

– Watch these three sermons live from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Sidi Mahdy: https://mcceastbay.org/mahdy
– More Sidi Ibrahaim: https://mcceastbay.org/ibrahim

For parents attending with young children, MCC offers a private mothers and fathers room with an audio and visual connection to Prayer Hall. Parents can watch the sermon and pray while in the company of other parents with young children. The mothers/fathers prayer room are just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Alameda County reports COVID-19 cases are still happening.
We are cautiously indoors for the five daily prayers and for two of the three Jumu’ah services. The second Jumu’ah is outdoors in the MCC parking lot, weather permitting. Learn more at https://mcceastbay.org/prayer

Maintaining Tradition in a Post-Modern World | Imam Zaid Shakir
2021-09-17 19:00 - 22:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
After long last, the “People’s Imam” returns in person to the Bay Area. Our community hearts were connected with Imam Zaid Shakir only virtually during the pandemic.
At this spiritual community homecoming, join Imam Zaid as he speaks on “Maintaining Tradition in a Post-Modern World” and he reflects on what has happened to our world has changed since March 2020 and where we are now headed as a community.
7:15 p.m. (Maghrib) to Isha (9 p.m.) | Friday, Sept. 17 | MCC Prayer Hall
– More Imam Zaid: https://mcceastbay.org/zaid-shakir
About Imam Zaid Shakir
Born in Berkeley, California and raised in the Atlanta and Hartford projects alongside six other children, Imam Zaid Shakir converted to Islam in 1977, and today is one of the foremost Islamic scholars in the west.
He found Islam while in the U.S. Air force, spending time reading and learning about various faiths and practices, from Christianity to Transcendental meditation, but says he chose Islam because of its social aspects:
“Transcendental meditation gives you peace of mind…but it didn’t do anything for anybody else, so I had to keep looking,” Shakir explains at a recent lecture at a Brooklyn mosque. “I was literally searching for truth, and I made various stops along the way and I found what I believed was the truth.”
Imam Zaid began his study in the United States, earning a BA with honors in International Relations at American University and an MA in Political Science at Rutgers University, but continued his education in the Middle East, studying Arabic, Islamic law, Quranic studies, and spirituality at Syria’s prestigious Abu Noor University. Yet he returned to the United States seven years later, settling in Connecticut, co-founding Masjid al-Islam, where he served as Imam, the Tri-State Muslim Education Initiative, and the Connecticut Muslim Coordinating Committee.
“You have an American Muslim culture emerging, which is very important, because then you can get a unique understanding of the religion that would allow the American Muslim to take his or her rightful place amongst the various Muslim communities of the world”
In 2003, Shakir moved to Hayward, California to serve as scholar in residence and lecturer at Zaytuna Institute, a non-profit, educational institute focused on Islamic studies and surrounding topics. In 2005, Zaytuna Institute published Shakir’s collection of essays, SCATTERED PICTURES: REFLECTIONS OF AN AMERICAN MUSLIM.
Imam Zaid Shakir is a co-founder, serves on its Board of Trustees, and senior Faculty Member of Zaytuna College located in Berkeley, CA. He is amongst the most respected and influential Islamic scholars in the West. As an American Muslim who came of age during the civil rights struggles, he has brought both sensitivity about race and poverty issues and scholarly discipline to his faith-based work.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Private Event
2021-09-18 17:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Private event in Prayer Hall & Banquet Hall.

Private Event
2021-09-23 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Conference Room

MCC Indoor & Outdoor Jumu'ahs
2021-09-24 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For our Friday, September 24 Jumu’ah services, masks are required to attend while inside MCC and no RSVP necessary:

1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus delivers this sermon (he is also holding a workshop on Saturday: https://mcceastbay.org/event/yahya-rhodus

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

2:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. – OUTDOOR ONLY

Hafiz Sami Rehman delivers this sermon.

Outdoor in canopies in the MCC parking lot. No parallel indoor services offered.
No social distancing in first canopy near sermon speaker for men and no social distancing for first row for women. All other space is social distancing required.
Masks are optional.
Please check Friday afternoon weather forecast and take precautions against heat.

3:40 p.m. to 4 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Hafiz Sami Rehman delivers this sermon.

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

Whenever possible, please attend 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. prayer to avoid heavy first-prayer congestion. Jumu’ah service parking at all three services is in the MCC parking lot and the neighboring HP lot. Map at https://mcceastbay.org/hp

– Watch these three sermons live from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Shaykh Yahya: https://mcceastbay.org/yahya
– More Hafiz Sami: https://mcceastbay.org/sami

For parents attending with young children, MCC offers a private mothers and fathers room with an audio and visual connection to Prayer Hall. Parents can watch the sermon and pray while in the company of other parents with young children. The mothers/fathers prayer room are just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Alameda County reports COVID-19 cases are still happening.
We are cautiously indoors for the five daily prayers and for two of the three Jumu’ah services. The second Jumu’ah is outdoors in the MCC parking lot, weather permitting. Learn more at https://mcceastbay.org/prayer

Duties of Brotherhood in Islam | Shaykh Yahya Rhodus
2021-09-25 10:00 - 13:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join Shaykh Yahya Rhodus for a workshop on Imam al-Ghazali’s seminal essay that explores the meaning and significance of fraternity in Islam. He will speak on material assistance, personal aid, holding one’s tongue, speaking out, forgiveness, loyalty, sincerity, and informality.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Saturday, Sept. 25 | MCC Prayer Hall (in person) or https://mcceastbay.org/live (virtual)
Free. Masks required while in for duration of time at MCC. No RSVP needed. No babysitting provided. For sisters who want privacy or to social distance, you can watch live in the Conference Room.

– More Shaykh Yahya: https://mcceastbay.org/yahya

Shaykh Yahya will also give the first Khutbah (1:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.) on Friday, Sept. 24.
Ustadh Amjad will also have a parallel teen workshop: https://mcceastbay.org/event/amjad-tarsin
About Shaykh Yahya:
One of the most well-respected Muslim scholars in the Western world, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus has spent the best part of two decades studying at some of the most prestigious learning institutions in the Muslim and Western world.
Having embraced Islam at the age of 19 in Santa Clara, California, he immediately began his study of the Islamic sciences with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and visiting Mauritanian scholars, such as Shaykh Khatri Wuld Bayba, and Shaykh Abd Allah Wuld Ahmadna. Shortly thereafter, he traveled to Mauritania to pursue a full-time course of study where he was able to learn from one of Mauritania’s greatest scholars, Murabit al-Hajj. Following an interim period of study in Damascus, Syria, Shaykh Yahya went on to spend the best part of seven years in Tarim, in the Hadramawt Valley of Yemen. There, he studied at the reputable school, Dar al-Mustafa, with the renowned scholars Habib Umar bin Hafiz and Habib Ali al-Jifri.
Since that time, Shaykh Yahya has been the official translator for Habib Umar and Habib Ali at various international speaking engagements, including the Common Word Conference held at Yale University in 2008. Upon returning to the United States, Shaykh Yahya served as a full-time instructor at Zaytuna College. He holds a B.A. in Near Eastern Studies from UC Berkeley, an M.A. in Islamic Studies from the Graduate Theological Union, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Cambridge, England, in collaboration with Dr. Tim Winter (Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad).
He is the Founding Director of al-Maqasid where he is a full-time scholar and teacher. Al-Maqasid’s mission is to cultivate holistic learning environments rooted in knowledge, devotion, and service by providing full-time, part-time, online, and community programs.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
About the Book Used in the Seminar (optional purchase):
The Duties of Brotherhood in Islam
by Imam al-Ghazali (Author), Muhtar Holland (Translator)

Imam al-Ghazali explores the meaning and significance of fraternity in Islam in this brilliant essay from his seminal work, The Revival of the Religious Sciences, which covers material assistance, personal aid, holding one’s tongue, speaking out, forgiveness, loyalty, sincerity, and informality.
Table of Contents:
Forward
Translator’s Foreword
Introduction: the Time and Place of al-Ghazali
Al-Ghazali: On the Duties of Brotherhood
The First Duty: Material Assistance
The Second Duty: Personal Aid
The Third Duty: Holding One’s Tongue
The Fourth Duty: Speaking Out
The Fifth Duty: Forgiveness
The Sixth Duty: Prayer
The Seventh Duty: Loyalty and Sincerity
The Eighth Duty: Informality
Postscript
Translator’s Notes
Imam al-Ghazali (1058–1111 CE) of Tus in Iran was one of the greatest scholars in the history of Islamic thought. He made outstanding contributions in logic, philosophy, jurisprudence, legal theory, and mysticism.

Finding Your Life's Purpose (Teens) | Ustadh Amjad Tarsin
2021-09-25 10:00 - 13:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
**Watch at https://youtu.be/A7T3ezYkse0
In parallel to the adult workshop with Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, male and female teens ages 12 to 19, please join Ustadh Amjad Tarsin in the MCC Prayer Hall for a seminar about appreciating our faith and finding your purpose.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Saturday, Sept. 25 | Conference Room
Parallel workshop for adults: https://mcceastbay.org/event/yahya-rhodus
Free. No registration needed. Masks required while in for duration of time at MCC. No babysitting provided.
The session will be recorded and posted later at https://mcceastbay.org/youtube
About the Speaker:
Ustadh Amjad Tarsin was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and spent his early childhood there. He has also lived in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, growing up within diverse cultures. He obtained his Bachelors of Arts at the University of Michigan in English Literature and Islamic Studies. It was during his university years that Amjad developed a deeper connection to his faith, studying the Islamic sciences with teachers locally and internationally, and became actively involved in community service and youth engagement.
After spending a transformative year studying Islam abroad at Dar al-Mustafa, Yemen, Ustadh Amjad returned to America to start his studies at University of Michigan Law School. Yearning to fulfill his calling to community building, spiritual development, and service, Ustadh Amjad changed career paths and enrolled in Hartford Seminary’s Islamic Chaplaincy program. While completing his degree, Ustadh Amjad worked as a part-time Muslim chaplain at Fairfield University, Connecticut. In 2012 he was selected as University of Toronto’s first full-time Muslim Chaplain. Ustadh Amjad continues to study and teach on a regular basis at SeekersHub Toronto. He currently resides with his wife and son in Toronto, Canada.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Muslim Appreciation Virtual Proclamation | Livermore City Council
2021-09-27 19:00 - 19:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
At 7 p.m. on Monday, September 27, the Livermore City Council joins communities throughout the State of California in recognizing the month of August 2021 as Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. The event is virtual only.
The Proclamation recognizes the amazing contributions of Islamic Center of Livermore and Tri-Valley Muslims:

– Watch the virtual meeting live (link pending): https://www.cityoflivermore.net/citygov/clerk/archive/default.htm

The MCC encourages all congregation members to watch the livestream and express our appreciation. We especially encourage residents who live in Livermore to attend in person.
7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Monday, Sept. 27
The Proclamation is the first agenda item so please be on time at 7 p.m. to the meeting.
This is the first year the Livermore City Council has done so.

Our gratitude also to Sr. Sameena Usman from CAIR – San Francisco Bay Area. She has been facilitated these Bay Area-wide Proclamations.
Our gratitude also to Sr. Eman Tai for facilitating the Dublin Proclamation: https://youtu.be/5yLuSj2w-w0 & Pleasanton is at https://youtu.be/ZX_MdpThzek
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

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

The Proclamation recognizes the Islamic Center of Livermore as fulfilling the spiritual and cultural needs of Livermore residents, helping families with food and cash assistance during the COVID-19 crisis and promoting interfaith cooperation by providing an environment for dialogue, education, and fellowship. The full text of the proclamation is below.

American Muslim Appreciation Month
City of Livermore

MUSLIM APPRECIATION MONTH
City of Livermore
WHEREAS, freedom of religion holds distinction as a cherished and essential right and a fundamental value upon which this nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, Muslims have been part of U.S. history from the beginning and have contributed to the production of wealth and construction of the nation; they are also part of the rich history of the civil rights movement; and
WHEREAS, enriched by the unparalleled diversity of its residents, the City of Livermore takes great pride in supporting individual religious freedoms and is strengthened by the many varied religious, political, and cultural traditions and contributions of its diverse populations, including those that practice Islam; and
WHEREAS, Muslims are teachers, lawyers, scientists, doctors, social workers, tech workers, nurses, and business owners among numerous other valued professions, as well as peace builders, activists, entrepreneurs, and politicians; and
WHEREAS, there is a thriving community of 250,000 Muslims[1] in the Bay Area and over 100 mosques and religious centers; and Muslims pursue diverse professions and make rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States, and have distinguished themselves by fostering greater respect and understanding among all people through faith and services; and
WHEREAS, the shelter-in-place order due to the COVID-19 outbreak forced the temporary closure of Muslim nonprofits, community centers, mosques, schools, businesses, and other establishments. Mosques and community organizations provided online programming and sermons along with small group prayers outside. They have answered the call for help by donating funds, distributing food, by sewing masks, and by serving on the front lines as healthcare and service workers; and they have educated their congregations about social distancing guidelines and practices to keep the community safe; and
WHEREAS, since 1994, the Islamic Center of Livermore[2] helps fulfill the spiritual and cultural needs of nearly 200 Livermore residents who are Muslim and the Islamic center promotes interfaith cooperation by providing an environment for dialogue, education, and fellowship as a founding member and fiscal sponsor of Interfaith Interconnect of the Tri-Valley. The Islamic Center has a volunteer-run Food Pantry that has been regularly serving the community since 2019. Every month food is distributed on a monthly basis, participates in interfaith activities in the Tri-Valley, such as monthly religion chat, backpack project; and
WHEREAS, the Muslim Student Alliance at Las Positas College strives to create an inclusive environment for its community and beyond[3]; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to acknowledge and promote awareness of the myriad of invaluable contributions of Muslims in California and across the country, and extend to them the respect and camaraderie every person deserves.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, the City of Livermore does hereby recognize the California State Designation of August 2021 as Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month (HR 58) to acknowledge the rich history, contributions, and guiding virtues of Muslims and to commend all Muslim communities in California for the lasting positive impact they have made toward the advancement of our city and country.
[1]Senzai , Farid , and Hatem Bazian. “The Bay Area Muslim Study: Establishing Identity and Community.” Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. One Nation Bay Area Project, 01 May 2013. Page 9.
[2] “Islamic Center of Livermore.” About: Islamic Center of Livermore, May 12, 2017. https://iclivermore.org/.
[3] http://laspositascollege.edu/icc/assets/docs/2018-2019/ICC_Minutes_02.01.19.pdf

Women's Book Club
2021-09-29 10:45 - 12:15 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join our weekly sisters’ virtual & in-person 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 “The Sultan of Hearts Prophet Muhammad ﷺ” by Resit Haylamaz and Fatih Harpci.
RSVP for the live registration link below at mcceastbay.org/bookclub. No RSVP needed to join us in person in the MCC Conference Room (masks and social distancing required)
Event Details:
The discussion will take place every Wednesday from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and in Fall 2021 run from Wednesday, Sept. 29 to Dec. 15 (with a break on Thanksgiving week on Nov. 24). The sessions are hybrid: meaning as in-person & virtual session. No RSVP needed to join in person. For the link to join virtually, please register below.
Ustadha Leila Fakira sends the webinar link to registered attendees after registration.
Book Purchase:
If you wish to follow along with the book, you’ll need to purchase the book. The book is out of print, but can be purchased here:

https://www.antstores.com/search?type=product&q=9781597849425
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1597849421/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_mHaAFb4CRDKX5

Questions? bookclub@mcceastbay.org

About the Book
Offering a comprehensive narrative of one of the most fascinating life stories of human history, The Sultan of Hearts is an authoritative work on the life of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. The book relies firmly on canonical Hadith collections and Sirah literature, and is rich with references to many contemporary biographical works such as Al-Maktabatu’s-Sirah, Al-Maktabatu’l-Alfiyah, and Al-Maktabatu’sh-Shamilah.
The Sultan of Hearts presents the life of the Prophet and the events that unfolded during his mission by contextualizing them with Qur’anic revelations.
Analyzing “reasons of revelation” (Asbab al-Nuzul), a method in Tafsir studies, authors portray how every revealed verse of God’s word transformed his society and they reconstruct the biography based on this interaction between the scripture and the events. The book lays bare the role of the Qur’an in the education of the large congregation of the Companions, and with it reveals the kind of teaching and drill that the Messenger of Allah exercised in his close circle.
The developments that preceded and followed the statements of the beloved Prophet are reported extensively in order to point to both the educational aspects of the Qur’an and the role of our noble Prophet in transforming people’s lives. There are also detailed accounts of the spiritual and psychological states of many individuals from those who believed the Prophet and those who did not.

Monthly Sisterhood Halaqa with Ustadha Hosai
2021-09-30 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi for our monthly in-person gathering for women (ages 18+) to commune, reflect, discuss, and gain strength and support from each other.

We will talk about spirituality, self-development, relevant and contemporary topics, as well as issues related to the various roles and responsibilities of Muslim women in today’s knotted up world.

This is a discussion-based group and participation is not only encouraged but it is required. These sessions will be held monthly. For the dates, subscribe to MCC Newsletter: https://mcceastbay.org/newsletter

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursday, Sept. 30* | Free; no registration required | Conference Room
*Note: New date

Sorry, no babysitting provided. In person only with no virtual option. Future halaqas may be hybrid (in person and online).

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 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 not live streamed or recorded. Watch past Ustadha Hosai videos here (mcceastbay.org/hosai).
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

CAIR San Francisco @ Jumu'ah
2021-10-01 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
CAIR SFBA and Asian Americans Advancing Justice- Asian Law Caucus tables at the three MCC Jumu’ah prayer services and inform our congregation know about legal and immigration serves they provide to the community.
Jumu’ah Prayer Times

1:30 p.m. Indoor with mandatory masking and no social distancing in Prayer Hall & social distancing worship space in Banquet Hall (women) & Conference Room (men).
2:30 p.m. Outdoor with optional masking and social distancing in all spaces except first canopy (men) and first row (women).
3:40 p.m. Indoor with mandatory masking and no social distancing in Prayer Hall & social distancing worship space in Banquet Hall (women) & Conference Room (men).

MCC Indoor & Outdoor Jumu'ahs
2021-10-01 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For our Friday, October 1 Jumu’ah services, masks are required to attend while inside MCC and no RSVP necessary:

1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Shaykh Abdullah bin Hamid Ali delivers this sermon (he is also holding a workshop on Saturday: https://mcceastbay.org/event/yahya-rhodus

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

2:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. – OUTDOOR ONLY

Sidi Mahdy Amine delivers this sermon.

Outdoor in canopies in the MCC parking lot. No parallel indoor services offered.
No social distancing in first canopy near sermon speaker for men and no social distancing for first row for women. All other space is social distancing required.
Masks are optional.
Please check Friday afternoon weather forecast and take precautions against heat.

3:40 p.m. to 4 p.m. – INDOOR ONLY

Hafiz Rehan Chishty delivers this sermon.

No parallel outdoor services offered.
No social distancing in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.
Masks are required.

Whenever possible, please attend 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. prayer to avoid heavy first-prayer congestion. Jumu’ah service parking at all three services is in the MCC parking lot and the neighboring HP lot. Map at https://mcceastbay.org/hp

– Watch these three sermons live from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Shaykh Abdullah: https://mcceastbay.org/abdullah
– More Sidi Mahdy: https://mcceastbay.org/mahdy
– More Hafiz Rehan: https://mcceastbay.org/rehan

For parents attending with young children, MCC offers a private mothers and fathers room with an audio and visual connection to Prayer Hall. Parents can watch the sermon and pray while in the company of other parents with young children. The mothers/fathers prayer room are just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Alameda County reports COVID-19 cases are still happening.
We are cautiously indoors for the five daily prayers and for two of the three Jumu’ah services. The second Jumu’ah is outdoors in the MCC parking lot, weather permitting. Learn more at https://mcceastbay.org/prayer

Monthly #TeamFajr Gathering
2021-10-03 06:00 - 07:15 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
“If people knew the reward in praying Fajr & Isha in congregation, they would go to the Masjid even if they had to crawl” [Bukhari & Muslim]
#TeamFajr is back (sans breakfast until we are out of this pandemic)! Join Qari Amar Bellaha on the first Sunday each month. Pray the pre-dawn prayer in congregation followed by recitations of Surah Yaseen and Al-Wird Al-Latif (booklets provided) in unison and following sunup, Salat al-Ishraq prayer in congregation. The post-Fajr gathering is also livestreamed at mcceastbay.org/live
Following the post-sunrise prayer, Qari Amar and anyone else who wishes to accompany him will visit Five Pillars Islamic Cemetery in Livermore (weather permitting).
2021 Monthly Sunday #TeamFajr Gatherings at MCC:

6 a.m. on September 5
6:30 a.m. on October 3
6 a.m. on November 7
6:30 a.m. on December 5

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

More Qari Amar: https://mcceastbay.org/amar
Imam al-Haddad’s litanies (al-Wird al-Latif): https://mcceastbay.org/wird
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “He who performs the Fajr will be under the protection of Allah.” [Muslim]
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The best prayer before Allah is Fajr prayer on Friday in congregation.”
