Jumu’ah Services at MCC
2023-01-27 12:30 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For our Jumu’ah services on Friday, January 27, masks are optional to attend any MCC service, and no RSVP is necessary:

12:30 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.

– Sidi Mahdy Amine delivers this sermon.

– No social distancing option in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship is available for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.

1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.

– Ustadh Abdul Rashed Meskienyar delivers this sermon.

– No social distancing option in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship is available for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.

Please attend at 12:30 p.m. to avoid heavier second-service congestion whenever possible. Masks are optional.

The third Jumu’ah will resume in March ’23: https://mcceastbay.org/event/new-jumuah-times-winter-schedule/

Jumu’ah parking for two services is in the MCC and the neighboring HP lot. The aerial map at https://mcceastbay.org/hp

– Virtually watch these two sermons from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live

– More Sidi Mahdy: https://mcceastbay.org/mahdy

– More Ustadh Abdul Rashed: https://mcceastbay.org/abdul-rashed

For parents attending with young children indoors, MCC offers private mothers’ and fathers’ rooms 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 is just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

The Alameda County Health Department reports COVID-19 cases are still happening. We remain indoors for the five daily prayers and two Jumu’ah services as long as health officials deem it safe. All the Jumu’ah prayers are indoors.

Dr. Rania Awaad's Weekly Friday Evening Halaqa
2023-01-27 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-02-03 19:00 - 21:00
Ustadha Dr. Rania Awaad holds a weekly Friday evening women’s gathering about navigating contemporary issues.
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Every Friday from October 14, 2022 to March 17, 2023 | 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

Free babysitting is provided in Room 16. Facility map: https://mcceastbay.org/facility-map
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
This halaqa is hosted parallel to our girl’s program in partnership with Rahmah Foundation.
Ustadha Rania AwaadRaised in the U.S., Ustadha Rania Awaad 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 Ijaazah (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, and is on the faculty of Zaytuna College, where she teaches courses in Shafi’i fiqh, 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 currently serves as the Director of the Rahmah Foundation, a non-profit organization that teaches Muslim women and girls traditional Islamic knowledge. 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.
From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., join Dr. Rania Awaad‘s women’s gathering about navigating contemporary issues. 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.
Friday evening sessions in Fall 2022 and Winter 2023:

– October 14
– October 21
– October 28
– November 5
– November 11
– November 18
– November 25 (no session)
– December 2
– December 9
– December 16
– December 23 (no session)
– December 30 (no session)
– January 6, 2023
– January 13, 2023
– January 20, 2023
– January 27, 2023
– February 3, 2023
– February 10, 2023
– February 17, 2023
– February 24, 2023
– March 3, 2023
– March 10, 2023
– March 17, 2023 (last session before Ramadan 2023)

Boys Friday Night Halaqa for High Schoolers (Ages 14-18) | Hafiz Zaid Khanani
2023-01-27 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-02-03 19:00 - 21:00
Join MCC Youth Leader Hafiz Zaid Khanani‘s 16-week Friday evening halaqa for teen high school boys from 9th through 12th grade.

These sessions aim to craft our next generation of confident and faithful Muslim men. This will be the only offered for boys on Friday nights in 2022. Younger-age boy’s halaqas planned for January 2023. These halaqas are for teens ages 14-18 only. No younger boys. Capped at 30 teens. Once full, please join the waitlist.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Fridays | November 11 to March 17 (Ramadan ’23) ($100 from January 11 to March 17) | Register at HTTP://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

To make an appointment for parents or youth to meet with MCC’s Youth leaders:

– Maryam Awwal: http://calendly.com/mcc-maryam

– Hafiz Zaid Khanani: http://calendly.com/mcc-zaid

Friday evening sessions in Fall 2022 and Winter 2023:

– November 11 (free preview session; no registration required)

– November 18 (registration required to join from this session onwards)

– November 25 (no session)

– December 2

– December 9

– December 16

– December 23 (no session)

– December 30 (no session)

– January 6, 2023 (no session)

– January 13, 2023

– January 20, 2023

– January 27, 2023

– February 3, 2023

– February 10, 2023

– February 17, 2023

– February 24, 2023

– March 3, 2023

– March 10, 2023

– March 17, 2023 (last session before Ramadan 2023)

Zaid Khanani is a Marriage and Family Therapy trainee with the City of Fremont, Youth and Family Services. He graduated from Zaytuna College and completed his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the Wright Institute. Hafiz Zaid continues his formal Islamic Studies with local teachers and scholars overseas. He is a former Islamic Studies teacher at Northstar Islamic School and teaches numerous online classes.

Monthly Saturday Dhikr/Support Circle | Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi
2023-01-28 09:00 - 10:30
Join Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi for monthly in-person women-only dhikr circles filled with recitation, reflection, and Salawat.

This monthly Sisters Healing & Du’ah Circle is here to support sisters experiencing grief/loss, marital challenges, parenting challenges, health challenges, caring for elderly parents/loved ones, isolation, etc.

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | Monthly on the last Saturday of each month | Conference Room | Free; no registration needed

– More Ustadha Hosai: https://mcceastbay.org/hosai

– ‘Purification of the Heart Series: (Women): https://mcceastbay.org/muslimah-purification

– ‘Purification of the Heart Series: (Adults): https://mcceastbay.org/heart-purification

– ‘Purification of the Heart Series (Teens): https://mcceastbay.org/purification

– ‘Agenda to Change our Condition’ Series: https://mcceastbay.org/agenda

– ‘Modern Muslim Parenting’ Series: https://mcceastbay.org/islamic-parenting

Schedule

– Welcome

– Recitation of Ratib al-Shahr wird

– Recitation of Surah Yasin

– Dhikr

– Salawat

– Short reflection (khatira)

After this monthly gathering, MCC hosts a children’s story-time: https://mcceastbay.org/storytime

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, and self-development, interfaith bridge-building, spirituality, etc.

In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing, blogging via social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), doing arts and crafts, visiting gourmet coffee shops, and exploring the countless beautiful parks, beaches, and nature preserves throughout Northern California where she lives with her husband, two sons, and fish named Max.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Ilm Classes for Middle & High Schoolers (Boys & Girls) | Sr. Maryam Awwal & Hafiz Zaid Khanani
2023-01-28 10:00 - 11:15
Join MCC Youth Leaders, Sr. Maryam Awwal and Hafiz Zaid Khanani, for 9 weeks Saturday Ilm classes offered for both middle & high school girls and boys ( 6th through 12th grades). The classes will cover the Creed of Imam al-Tahawi.

These sessions aim to craft our next generation of confident and faithful Muslim women and men. These classes are for girls & boys ages 11-18 only. Capped at 30. Once full, please join the waitlist.

10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. | Saturdays | January 21 to March 18 (Ramadan ’23) | $120 per child | Register at HTTP://mcceastbay.org/ilm-classes

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

Saturday morning sessions in 2023:

– January 21, 2023

– January 28, 2023

– February 4, 2023

– February 11, 2023

– February 18, 2023

– February 25, 2023

– March 4, 2023

– March 11, 2023

– March 18, 2023 (last session before Ramadan 2023)

Defining Truth, Goodness, & Beauty in a Postmodern World | Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi & Sr. Heba Haddad
2023-01-28 10:30 - 13:30
Join Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi and Sr. Heba Haddad as we discuss the impact of postmodernism on the Muslim community.
This parenting education workshop is with the spirit of a conversation on the sound upbringing of children in the modern world and to go back to the source of wisdom and virtue and discover new ways of applying these principles in our modern world. The speakers will provide ample time for Q&A!
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Zuhr) | Saturday, January 28, 2023 | MCC Conference Room (event not live-streamed; please join in-person only) | Adults & Mature Older Teens Only | RSVP required at https://mcceastbay.org/workshop

– Ustadha Hosai: https://mcceastbay.org/hosai
– Sr. Heba: https://mcceastbay.org/heba
– Islamic Parenting talks: https://mcceastbay.org/parenting
– More Islam for kids: https://mcceastbay.org/kids

The workshop is dynamic and interactive and will cover relevant historical points, critical data analysis, and helpful tips for dialogue and advocacy around political agendas and movements.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Examining the current zeitgeist and the broad tentacles of nihilism, atheism, and secularism, we must act swiftly to help prepare our youth for the challenges they face due to the rapid cultural changes happening all around them.
This workshop will cover key contemporary issues impacting youth, families, schooling, and social media.
The target audience is parents, educators, community members, and youth who are active in their community.
The workshop is dynamic and interactive and will cover relevant historical points, critical data analysis, and helpful tips for dialogue and advocacy around political agendas and movements.

– Gain insights into helping Muslim youth navigate the complexities of modernity;
– Learn the importance of language and communication used as tools versus weapons;
– Tackle challenging modern ideas and ideologies with the proper Islamic framing;
– Empower yourself and your family members with the tools necessary to protect your faith against spiritual threats;
– Provide youth with fortification and confidence to maintain and defend their faith identity.

About the Speakers
Heba El-Haddad has been a mental health practitioner at the Khalil Center since its inception in the Bay Area. She is also an affiliate of Stanford Muslim Mental Health Lab, which provides resources for clinicians, researchers, and community leaders working with the Muslim population. Believing that prevention is superior to intervention, Heba has worked on promoting awareness on a broad spectrum of topics ranging from anxiety to anger management through seminars, workshops, and lectures and her previous role as a mental health instructor at Kaiser Permanente. She believes that psychoeducation can empower and transform communities, not just individuals. Heba is part of a group of clinicians and scholars who contributed to publishing a text introducing interventions utilizing the Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy model (TIIP) to Muslim practitioners nationwide and is a TIIP practitioner herself. She perceives learning as a never-ending process and continuously seeks to further her self-development.
Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi was born in Afghanistan and moved to the United States with her family at age two. She credited her Islamic journey to 1996 when she began attending Islamic classes in Hayward, California. These classes were taught by her teacher and mentor since then, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf.
One of her main areas of focus is to help create a strong sisterhood for the women in the community by leading halaqas (spiritual study circles) and support groups while offering individual spiritual counseling and mentoring. She noted that many spiritual problems reflected the community’s deep and complicated mental health issues and would be better served by focusing on mental health. Thus, along with her cousin, Dr. Nafisa Sekandari, co-founded a website called Mental Health 4 Muslims (www.mentalhealth4muslims.com).
Ustadha Hosai is also a freelance writer and editor and lectures on various Islamic/spiritual topics.

Saturday Morning Middle School Boys Halaqa | Hafiz Zaid Khanani
2023-01-28 11:30 - 12:45
Join MCC Youth Leader Hafiz Zaid Khanani‘s 9-week Saturday morning halaqa for middle school boys from 6th through 8th grade.

These sessions aim to craft our next generation of confident and faithful Muslim men. This will be the only offered for boys on Saturday mornings in 2023. These halaqas are for boys ages 11-13 only. Capped at 30 boys. Once full, please join the waitlist.

11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. | Saturdays | January 21 to March 18 (Ramadan ’23) | $120 per child | Register at HTTP://mcceastbay.org/middle-school-halaqa

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

Saturday morning sessions in 2023:

– January 21, 2023

– January 28, 2023

– February 4, 2023

– February 11, 2023

– February 18, 2023

– February 25, 2023

– March 4, 2023

– March 11, 2023

– March 18, 2023 (last session before Ramadan 2023)

LOCATION

MCC East Bay, 94588

Storytime With Khala Sahar
2023-01-28 13:00 - 14:00
Each month, Khala Sahar reads and entertains our young children in an engaging hour for ages 2 to 10 with a fun theme.1 p.m. to 2 p.m. | Saturday, Jan. 28 | Last Saturday of each month | Join in-person in the Prayer Hall or watch online at https://mcceastbay.org/live | Free; no registration needed

Winter ’23 Saturday Event Dates:

Saturday, January 28, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, February 25, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

RAMADAN WEEKLY STORYTIME ON SUNDAYS!

Sunday, March 26, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, April 2, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, April 9, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, April 16, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

*PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DAY IN RAMADAN*RAMADAN BOOK DRIVE

Please help us give back to children and families most in need in our community. We will be collecting new Islamic children’s books to give as Eid gifts. Drop off at MCC storytime.

– More Sister Sahar: https://mcceastbay.org/sahar

– More sessions for young Muslim children: https://mcceastbay.org/children

About the Facilitator

Sister Sahar grew up in Southern California and earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California – Irvine (UCI). She went on to work as a behavioral therapist for autistic children for many years. After having her own two boys, she dedicated her time to raising and homeschooling them. Sahar enjoys working with children and is inspired by their love and curiosity for life and Allah’s creation.

Khala Sahar’s Book Raffle: Win a free book! On a blank piece of paper write your name, age, and 10 books read between each story time (or print out the book log to fill out). Bring your book log to storytime and enter the raffle. For every 10 books read, enter your name an additional time! The more you read the more chances you have to win! (Note: books can be read independently, aloud by someone to the child, or an audiobook). Print the log: https://mcceastbay.org/log

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Sisters Decadent Dessert & Game Night | Sr. Emira Mustafa
2023-01-28 20:00 - 22:00
Sisters!

Show up ready for a fun-filled night of desserts & games! Be ready to build sisterhood and have a memorable evening with new and old friends.

We will have a program filled with yummy treats, icebreakers, and fun activities to get you going.

8 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Saturday, January 28 | Join in person| $35/sister | Register at https://mcceastbay.org/sisters-night

Join our Whatsapp group for important details at Building Sisterhood- MCC at mcceastbay.org/building-sisterhood. Sisters 16 and up.

Note: No refunds due to the purchase of materials specific to each program. Otherwise, the seat may be transferred.

– More Sister Emira: https://mcceastbay.org/emira

– More talks for sisters: https://mcceastbay.org/women

MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attaining spiritual or practical knowledge from any event or class held within the community center. To request a financial waiver, message scholarship@mcceastbay.org.

About the Facilitator:Sister Emira Mustafa is the founder of Craft E Muslims, a business with a mission to connect the heart and mind through fun, creative, innovative methods.

She has published two workbooks available on Amazon titled “Islamic Themed Fall Festival Activity Kit” and “Practically Preparing for Ramadan.” Her Etsy page features many Islamic-themed crafting kits sure to inspire a love of learning within our community.

Here is one of her crafting videos on how to make a Rustic Eid Twinkle Light Banner: https://youtu.be/J8xIJOTy5dM

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Sisters Financial Literacy Workshop | Siema Zia
2023-01-29 14:30 - 17:00
Join us for a FREE Workshop to empower sisters to take a more active role in managing their finances. Topics will cover money management, goal setting, savings, budgeting, credit scores, and credit reports.2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Saturday, January 29 | Conference Room | RSVP here: https://mcceastbay.org/sisters-finance

About The Instructor:

Siema Zia has a background in BA Hons Business and Finance. Siema is a domestic violence advocate and has been providing financial literacy sessions for Narika Clients and Asian Women’s Shelter clients to help them provide financial empowerment.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

The Forty Hadith Qudsi | Ustadha Nihad Hemmoudeh
2023-01-31 13:30 - 14:15
Ustadha Nihad Hemmoudeh facilitates a 45-minute live Zoom session for sisters (posted the following day publicly on MCC’s YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram) about the Forty Hadith Qudsi, the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as revealed to him by the Almighty Allah. 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. PST | Tuesdays | 12 consecutive weeks from January 3 to March 21 | No pre-registration needed | Join live each week at 1:30 p.m. on Zoom at https://mcceastbay.org/hadith

Ustadha Nihad will be using the book “Forty Hadith Qudsi” by Shaykh Muhammad Mitwalli ash-Sha’rawi.

– Watch past sessions at https://mcceastbay.org/qudsi

More Ustadha Nihad:

– 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

Weekly Women’s Seerah Bookclub
2023-01-31 18:30 - 20:00
Join our weekly sisters’ virtual only 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. This fall, we are reading “The Prophetic Narrative” by Samira al-Zayid.

RSVP for the live registration link below at https://mcceastbay.org/bookclub. RSVP is needed to join us virtually.

**Sessions changed to online only for the remaining classes.

Event Details:

The discussion takes place every Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a break in Ramadan ’23. The sessions are now only virtual sessions (no in-person component).

Please register online to receive the link to the Whatsapp thread where all communication and updates will be made.

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-ZayidTranslators: Susan Imady, Tamara Gray, & Randa MardiniBinding: SoftcoverPages: Vol 1, 570; Vol 2, 558Publisher: Daybreak Press

Questions? bookclub@mcceastbay.org

Dua & Art | Kids Program with Artist Tarannum Saeed
2023-02-01 17:00 - 19:00
For ages 6 to 11, join us for a six-week Wednesday evening session to provide children with a fun and relaxing environment where they can create art and learn while having a good time with their Muslim peers. These sessions will be a continuation from last year. All skill levels are welcome.
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (breaks for prayer) | Wednesdays | January 18 to February 22 | $145/child (all materials provided) | Register at https://mcceastbay.org/art
Learning objectives:

– Drawing basics, composition, sketching, and shading.
– Use of different mediums, watercolor, acrylics, and pastel colors.
– One point perspective
– Enhance creativity

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attaining knowledge offered within the four walls of MCC the facility. To request a financial waiver or discount, please complete: https://mcceastbay.org/scholarship
About the FacilitatorAs a lover of art for the sake of Allah (SWT), Tarannum Saeed wishes to imbue and foster love for art in the youth of the Muslim community. She has conducted art classes in painting, crafts, and other fine arts, both in person and on Zoom, and she has showcased her Islamic art and calligraphy at community art fairs. She has also served as a Kindergarten teacher at the MCC Sunday School and Ilm Academy in Fremont.

The Seven Obstacles on the Path to God Series | Sidi Shahyrar Abbasi
2023-02-01 19:15 - 20:15
Every Muslim is on a journey to Allah. As you travel to Allah, you will inadvertently face obstacles on your path and, many times, not know how to overcome them.

Join us for a new virtual weekly class with Sidi Shahryar Abbasi where we will discuss the 7 obstacles a believer faces on the Path to Allah, along with strategies for navigating these hurdles.

Imam Al Ghazali beautifully discusses these 7 Obstacles in his famous book, Minhaj Al Abideen, which is the core text for our class.

7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. | Wednesdays | Dec. 14 to Ramadan ’23 | Watch at https://mcceastbay.org/live

Hosted at Lighthouse Mosque. Streamed only on MCC media channels. Watch past sessions at https://mcceastbay.org/obstacles

– More Sidi Shahryar: https://mcceastbay.org/shahryar

– Sidi Shahryar’s “Seven Obstacles on the Path to God” Series: https://mcceastbay.org/obstacles

– Sidi Shahryar’s “Practical Spirituality Series”: https://mcceastbay.org/practical

– 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

About the SpeakerShahryar graduated from the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and served as 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

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

MCC Community's Monthly Khatem-e-Quran
2023-02-01 19:30 - 21:30
“The most beloved deeds to Allah (SWT) are those which are done consistently, even if they are little.” – Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Please join your MCC community in a monthly communal completion of the book of Allah.
Each month, congregation members complete one Juz of the Holy Qur’an. On the first Wednesday the following month, we meet at 7:30 p.m. for a Zikr, Qur’an Khatam dua, and collective community dua, followed by a community potluck (bring a dish to share!).
This community dua is led by Qari Amar Bellaha and Ustadh Amu Tarif. This program is also streamed virtually at https://mcceastbay.org/live.
Please finish your Juz by the first Wednesday of each month. Sign up for Juz at mcceastbay.org/juz
Fall ’22 & Winter ’23 Wednesday Monthly Du’as with Qari Amar and Ustadh Amu Tarif:

– October 5, 2022
– November 2, 2022
– December 7, 2022
– January 4, 2023
– February 1. 2023
– March 1, 2023

Encourage your family members and friends from across the globe to participate in this noble endeavor.

– More Qari Amar: https://mcceastbay.org/amar
– More Ustadh Amu Tarif: https://mcceastbay.org/tarif

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
The benefits and virtues of reciting the Holy Qur’an and sending Salawat upon Rasulullah (S) are numerous. Along with bringing great barakah into our lives, these two acts of ‘ibadah are a means by which Allah elevates our rank in Jannah.
Though it may be challenging to make a habit of tilawah and Salawat individually, there is strength in our numbers. Join your MCC community in our goal of collectively completing a completing Qur’an khatam.

Two Jumu’ah Services at MCC
2023-02-03 12:30 - 14:00
For our Jumu’ah services on Friday, February 3, masks are optional to attend any MCC service, and no RSVP is necessary:

12:30 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.

– Br. Mohammed Abdul Baseer delivers this sermon.

– No social distancing option in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship is available for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.

1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.

– Shaykh Abdullah bin Hamid Ali delivers this sermon.

– No social distancing option in Prayer Hall (shoulder-to-shoulder). Social distance worship is available for women in Banquet Hall & men in Conference Room.

Please attend at 12:30 p.m. to avoid heavier second-service congestion whenever possible. Masks are optional.

The third Jumu’ah will resume in March ’23: https://mcceastbay.org/event/new-jumuah-times-winter-schedule/

Jumu’ah parking for two services is in the MCC and the neighboring HP lot. The aerial map at https://mcceastbay.org/hp

– Virtually watch these two sermons from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live

– More Br. Mohammed: https://mcceastbay.org/mohammed

– More Shaykh Abdullah: https://mcceastbay.org/abdullah

For parents attending with young children indoors, MCC offers private mothers’ and fathers’ rooms 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 is just past the Banquet Hall doors into the school area.

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

The Alameda County Health Department reports COVID-19 cases are still happening. We remain indoors for the five daily prayers and two Jumu’ah services as long as health officials deem it safe. All the Jumu’ah prayers are indoors.

*Canceled* Monthly Sisterhood Hike | Sisters in the Outdoors
2023-02-04 08:00 - 11:00
Join us from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on February 4 for a Saturday morning hike at Waterfalls of Mount Diablo near Clayton to get to know other sisters in the community and enjoy the great outdoors. No children, please (female teens, okay).

Please note: Hike may be canceled due to the rainy forecast.

– When: Saturday, Feb 4, 2023

– Time: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Please arrive a little early to park and find the group. The group can wait till 8:10 a.m. and will start the hike. Please be on time since we cannot hold the group.

– Carpool: Highly recommend carpooling. No carpool from MCC is available for this hike. Carpool encouraged others on this hike.

– Parking: Paid parking is available at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center.

– Location: Summit Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

– Distance: 7.9 miles

– All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/waterfalls-of-mount-diablo-loop-trail

– Difficulty: Hard

– Misc: Please wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes, carry enough water, a small snack, a hat, sunglasses, and hiking poles if you have one. There are bathrooms at the trailhead. No cell network in that area, suggest carpooling and downloading the AllTrail maps.

– RSVP: By Friday, February 3, 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. On the day of the hike, if you have trouble finding the group, please call or text Sr. Aparna at (408) 480-6584. 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, hat, sunglasses, and hiking poles if you have one.

About the Trail:

Explore this 7.9-mile loop trail near Clayton, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 2 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

This hike has two potential starting points. This route follows the trail’s alternative trailhead off of Mitchell Canyon Road. The main trailhead begins at the end of Regency Drive and Mountaire Parkway. Limited parking is available on Regency Drive. Parking at Regency Drive is for residents only and you may get a ticket. Paid parking is available at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. There are bathrooms there as well.

Winter and spring rains create scenic waterfalls in this hike at Mount Diablo, the East Bay’s signature peak. While Mount Diablo State Park is best known for towering vistas from the mountain’s twin East Bay summits, the seasonal rains that visit the San Francisco Bay Area every year create several falls in the mountain’s rugged canyons. You can also find fragrant wild daffodils growing along Bear Creek seasonally.

Questions? hiking@mcceastbay.org

*Sold Out* Perfect Timing: How Allah (SWT) Comforted the Prophet (SAW) with Revelation | Shaykh Omar Suleiman
2023-02-04 09:00 - 12:00
On Saturday, February 4, 2023, MCC had the honor of partnering with Miftah Insitute to host Shaykh Omar Suleiman.

Dr. Omar delivered his class ‘Perfect Timing’ about how the Divine fingerprints are always at the perfect timing for everything in our life.

Download Dr. Omar’s presentation deck: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/presentation

Dr. Rania Awaad’s pre-talk is here: https://youtu.be/A0-Gn64YAD4

Dr. Rania’s post-talk is here: https://youtu.be/iwwORhtnz8w

Sidi Uthman Uthman Ames performance is here: https://youtu.be/oTlCndD7–M

Watch Dr. Omar’s talk at MCC by subscribing to the Miftaah portal: https://www.miftaahportal.com

*Sold Out. Positively no more tickets are available. The waitlist is also closed.*

We are positively full! No opportunity to join the waitlist or attend in person.

We’re sorry! Please do not come on Saturday morning unless you have a ticket. You will be turned away.

To watch Saturday’s event live online, please join the Miftaah portal.

We are comforted to know that in our life’s most harsh moments, Allah (SWT) does not abandon us. The weight of Revelation shook the foundation of the Prophet (SAW)’s existence and comforted his heart during his difficult moments.

In this new course, Sheikh Dr. Omar Suleiman talks to us about how the Divine fingerprints are always on the perfect timing for everything in our life. Every life event, even with its hardship, has its place in our lives. Our Creator is our unabiding comfort and succor at those moments.

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Saturday, February 4 | MCC Prayer Hall | Limited space (please join waitlist once full) at https://mcceastbay.org/revelation | Tickets will go live at 5 p.m.

Sponsored by Yaqeen Institute, Miftaah Institute, MCC East Bay, San Ramon Valley Islamic Center

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

FAQ (please read before messaging us ?)Gaah! The tickets sold out so quickly. What do I do now?

*Update on Friday, January 27* Due to the number of people who have joined the waitlist, we have indefinitely closed the waitlist. Positively no tickets are available, and no opportunity to join the waitlist.Join the waitlist at https://mcceastbay.org/revelation! You will get first access to cancellations. We will close the waitlist once it exceeds the number of people who are registered for the event. Will you live stream the event, or will the recording be available at a later date?At the request of the speaker, the session will not be recorded or live-streamed.

I would like to volunteer for this event. Alhamdulillah, between MCC’s core volunteers and the Miftaah team, we have enough volunteers for this event. We are accepting a few more volunteers as ushers. Filling out the volunteer form does not guarantee space: https://forms.gle/3TuhtHyntBUxNDTd6Do you offer event babysitting? This event will take up much of the MCC facility. We offer only limited babysitting. Sing up at https://mcceastbay.org/revelation Once full, we cannot accommodate any more. Please do not bring your young child(ren), if you receive a ticket. We want to ensure a serene environment.

Are there food options?

Yes. Please see the registration page. Pre-purchase lunch orders will receive priority at the food vendors after the program ends at noon. Please wait in line (lines will be very long) if you do not pre-purchase lunch: https://mcceastbay.org/revelation

I am new to MCC. What are the logistics?Only if you receive a ticket will we email you a detailed description of where to park and how you will enter the facility.

– We will open up check-in at 8 a.m. Enter from W. Las Positas Blvd. and park in the Hewlett Packard parking lot (do not come to the MCC property). After parking, walk to the MCC property where the map lists “Outdoor Prayer Space”: https://mcceastbay.org/hp

– Registrants will check in the West parking lot, and receive a wristband, and ushers will direct them into the building.

– Space is first-come, first-serve in the Prayer Hall. Overflow space is in the Conference Room and Banquet Hall, where attendees will view the session live from those spaces. Facility map: https://mcceastbay.org/facility-map

– After the event ends promptly at 12 p.m., please give Shaykh Omar Suleiman a path to leave the MCC facility promptly. He cannot stop for salams. He has a flight to catch.

– Food sales begin at noon. Zuhr is at 12:30 p.m. Ustadha Dr. Rania Awaad will have a session right after at 12:30 p.m.: https://mcceastbay.org/event/maristan-mcc-event/

What is the schedule for the event? We will start the program promptly at 9 a.m. Please arrive early (check-in begins at 8 a.m.). You will get a better seat the earlier you come.

– 9 a.m. – Qur’an recitation by Ahmed Alkubaisi and English translation by Heather Conner

– 9:15 a.m. – Shaykh Omar Suleiman takes the stage

– 10:15 a.m. – Ustadha Dr. Rania Awaad speaks for ten minutes

– 11:15 a.m. – Sidi Wendell Uthman Ames performs Nasheed for ten minutes

– 12 p.m. – Shaykh Omar Suleiman program ends

– 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. – Lunch in the picnic area from food trucks and food vendors

– 12:30 p.m. – Zuhr prayer

– 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Ustadha Dr. Rania Awaad session on navigating mental health in the Muslim community: https://mcceastbay.org/event/maristan-mcc-event/

Are there vendor opportunities? No, due to the number of attendees in the facility, we cannot accommodate vendors.

Canceled: Ilm Classes for Middle & High Schoolers (Boys & Girls) | Sr. Maryam Awwal & Hafiz Zaid Khanani
2023-02-04 10:00 - 11:15

Canceled: Saturday Morning Middle School Boys Halaqa | Hafiz Zaid Khanani
2023-02-04 11:30 - 12:45

Navigating Mental Health in 2023 | Maristan
2023-02-04 13:00 - 15:00
Join Ustadha Dr. Rania Awaad and other therapists from this local non-profit organization Maristan as we launch this new initiative and discuss Muslim mental health and debunk myths around the topic of therapy and other help-seeking behaviors.

1 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Saturday, February 4 | MCC Prayer Hall | Free In-person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live

MCC is partnering with Maristan to offer mental health services to the 90,000 Muslims in the East Bay. For mental health counseling services offered by Maristan at MCC: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/counseling

– More Dr. Rania: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/rania

– More mental health talks at MCC: https://mcceastbay.org/mental-health

Make An Appointment

Make an appointment online to see a Maristan Clinician at https://maristan.org/clinicians

Call the Maristan Clinic Coordinator, Jannah Sellars at (510) 380-7229

Email info@maristan.org

Here are also other resources to help you get support.

If you cannot afford the therapy, please let Maristan know. MCC has a standing commitment that the MCC covers any services provided in the four walls of the community center.

About the speakers:

Saha Jamshed, LCSWSaha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California and currently practices as a Mental Health Therapist at Axis Community Health and Maristan. Saha provides support to individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds presenting with symptoms of depression, anxiety, marital conflict and low self-esteem. She completed her master’s at University of Southern California and completed her training with a focus on Mental Health at John George Psychiatric Hospital. Saha utilizes a multitude of therapeutic intervention modalities based on the needs of the client, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and stress management. Saha is certified as a Positive Discipline Parent Educator. She provides services in Dari and English. Simultaneously, Saha has been working at NISA, a Muslim domestic violence organization for over 15 years where she provides counseling and case management for survivors of domestic violence and abuse.

Nuzhath Quadri, LMFTNuzhath is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She holds a Masters in Counseling Psychology from University of San Francisco. Most of her 10+ year career has been spent working with youth and their families through the Santa Clara Unified School District school-based therapy program.

Alongside the school work, her experience also includes working in community clinics with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief and personal life challenges. Her education focused on family systems approach but she pulls from various modalities, including CPT, DPT, mindfulness-based interventions, play therapy to meet her clients’ needs.

Hamed Fatahian, AMFTHamed is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who graduated with a master’s in counseling psychology from Palo Alto University. He works at New Paths (Couples Recovery Center). He specializes in couple therapy, especially with the Muslim population. He has also trained in EFT over the past few years from ICEEFT (International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy).

Ustadha Rania AwaadRaised in the U.S., Ustadha Rania Awaad 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 Ijaazah (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, and is on the faculty of Zaytuna College, where she teaches courses in Shafi’i fiqh, 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 currently serves as the Director of the Rahmah Foundation, a non-profit organization that teaches Muslim women and girls traditional Islamic knowledge. 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.

Maristan - MCC East Bay Grand opening!
2023-02-04 13:00 - 15:00
To provide professional clinical care grounded in Islamic traditions, MCC has partnered with Maristan, a mental health nonprofit led by Ustadha Dr. Rania Awaad, to provide holistic, mental, and spiritual wellness.

Meet the staff, learn about the services, and hear about how we want to partner with you for your mental health.

This event will feature talks by key members of our Maristan staff Dr. Rania Awaad and other staff.

Dr. Rania will also speak in the main prayer hall: https://mcceastbay.org/event/maristan-mcc-event

Alhamdulillah, Maristan is officially going to have a counseling office at MCC! Please join us this Saturday at 1 p.m. for the grand opening!

MCC offers a Counseling Office that offers marriage and therapy sessions with counselors trained in Islamic holistic psychology. Some insurance plans are accepted. California only. Don’t suffer alone.

MCC offers counseling in partnership with Maristan, a spiritual community wellness center that provides marriage, individual, and family counseling, premarital coaching, consultation, and a psychiatrist (medication management). Counseling fees are payable on a sliding scale.

Make An Appointment

Make an appointment online to see a Maristan Clinician at https://maristan.org/clinicians

Call the Maristan Clinic Coordinator Jannah Sellars at (510) 380-7229

Email info@maristan.org

Here are also other resources to help you get support.

If you cannot afford the therapy, please let Maristan know. MCC has a standing commitment that the MCC covers any services provided in the four walls of the community center.

Holding Seminars Online For Our Couples & Parents

– Maristan seminars & workshop recordings: https://mcceastbay.org/maristan

– Islamic marriage talks & workshops at MCC, please visit: https://mcceastbay.org/marriage

– Islamic parenting workshops at MCC, please visit: https://mcceastbay.org/parenting

Muslim Singles Meet and Greet
2023-02-04 13:00 - 16:00
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 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 a matrimonial event appropriately done – 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.

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Saturday, February 4 | Exact address is TBA to only registered attendees only (the venue is in Pleasanton) | $94/person (fewer than 70 spots available) | Registration now open 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

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? offline@halfourdeen.com or events@mcceastbay.org

https://youtube.com/watch?v=NqHiZXhWtcw%3Fenablejsapi%3D1%26wmode%3Dopaque

What to expect?

Fun

We don’t play musical chairs because relationships can’t be 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 to be compatible and helps ensure that 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 in a private and casual atmosphere. 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 intends to cohost matrimonial events bi-annually or 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 is the co-founder of 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 for 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://youtube.com/watch?v=bHsyJCpSQJ0%3Fenablejsapi%3D1%26wmode%3Dopaque

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?

Simply fill out the brief application telling us about yourself and who you are looking for. You will receive an email from us within a few days with the next steps. It’s vital that you add offline@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? offline@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 are using 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.

Is lunch offered?

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

Will I still receive my confirmation if 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 invite 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 into the event, there were no candidates matching your criteria at 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 this singles event is characterized by a unique online/offline interaction. If you’re not already a member of HalfOurDeen, 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 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 who 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 are using 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 have been accepted are allowed to 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 ensure that all interactions are kept 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 by Feb 28th, there were no candidates matching 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 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.

In light of keeping in line with Islamic principles, our event will be constantly monitored by chaperones who will ensure 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 that know that you will be at the event…are the people 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. The venue address will only be sent to you once you have fully registered and paid. 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 by Islamic principles as possible, 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 be meeting new people for the first time and eating, 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 are looking for 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. By engaging people in a fun and exciting activities, we break the ice and eliminate awkwardness. 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 at the event can be found on Half Deen Online. You can view their profile online if you find someone interesting and would instead 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 finding 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. 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 that 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 the chances that you will find “The One.” InshAllah!

Something came up. I cannot make it.

You can claim that up to two weeks before the event for cancellation and refunds with no conditions. For cancellations and refunds claimed up to one-week 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. If you attended the event, we could not give you a refund due to you not finding 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 developing 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 will be asked to 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.

Secrets of Divine Love Book Club
2023-02-04 18:00 - 20:00
MCC is hosting a Secrets of Divine Love book club/discussion group every other Saturday evening.
Join us as we collectively strive toward mindfully opening our hearts to Allah’s love for us and our love for Allah. Each chapter contains its own exercises that will serve as the focal point for our discussions, and each chapter stands alone so you can attend any session that is convenient for you without the need to ‘catch up.’
The first session will be abridged and focus on the Introduction, the Reading with an Open Heart preface, and set the stage for future discussions for those who hope to attend all or most of the sessions and follow the progression.
This book club will be held every other week for a Saturday Book Club discussing the internationally acclaimed book by A. Helwa, Secrets of Divine Love. Each session will cover a chapter and include group discussions, reflections, and exercises from the book. The discussion takes place every other Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and in Summer ’22 runs from Saturday, August 20, 2022, to Saturday, March 4, 2023.
RSVP for the registration at https://mcceastbay.org/divine-love-bookclub. RSVP is requested.
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Every other Saturday | August 20 to March 4 | Conference Room | In-person only (no virtual option)
Class Schedule:

-Intro

– Aug 20, 2022

-Chapter 1 – Allah

– Sep 3, 2022

Chapter 2 – Humanity

– Sep 17, 2022

-Chapter 3 – Qur’an

– Oct 1, 2022

-Chapter 4 – Islam/Iman/Ihsan

– Oct 15, 2022

-Chapter 5 – Tawba

– Oct 29, 2022

-Chapter 6 – Shahadah

– Nov 12, 2022

-Chapter 7 – Salat

– Dec 3, 2022

-Chapter 8 – Zakat

– Dec 17, 2022

-Chapter 9 – Ramadan

– Jan 7, 2023

-Chapter 10 – Hajj

– Jan 21, 2023

-Chapter 11 – Death

– Feb 4, 2023

-Chapter 12 – Heaven and Hell

– Feb 18, 2023

-Conclusion

– Mar 4, 2023

Disclaimer
This book club is intended to stimulate thought and reflection, not teach deen. It is NOT a fiqh or aqidah class. The book contains various references and concepts that do not align with traditional Islamic scholarship on those subjects. If any participant has any questions about what scholars say about any of the concepts mentioned in the book or discussed in the book club meetings, we strongly recommend consulting a scholar they know and trust and/or forwarding those questions to the organizers of the book club so that we can get guidance from a scholar and share that guidance with the group.
We intended to approach the abstract ideas found in this book as thought experiments and the exercises as cardio for the spiritual heart. Nothing in the book or book club meetings should be viewed as replacing, undermining, or contradicting traditional Islamic scholarship in any way.
Discussion Group Guidelines

– Everyone has something to say, everyone has something to learn

-Shy people encouraged to contribute
-Talkative people encouraged to restrain themselves

– Confidentiality

-Do not share people’s reflections outside of the group. Can say stuff like “somebody in my book club made me think (this or that) about (this or that)”, but not “(so and so) said …”

– 70 excuses

-Give your sisters/brothers every benefit of the doubt as far as their intention with whatever they say, particularly what you may disagree with

– ‘Dinner after’

-If you have differences of opinion during the discussion, remember the intention is beneficial learning that we are all working together to achieve. So you leave those differences of opinion at the door when we’re done and still be ready to go to dinner after with people you may have disagreed with (see 70 excuses rule)

– Be chill

-Emotional subject matter requires conscious intention to remain emotionally intelligent and not let ourselves get carried away. Particularly the brothers, don’t get aggressive or excited, appropriate adab with each other and with our sisters is required

Book Purchase:
If you wish to follow along with the book, please purchase the book. The book can be purchased here:

– https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Divine-Love-Spiritual-Journey/dp/1734231203

*Audiobook voiced by author available
About the Book

Secrets of Divine Love was written for the longing heart, for the one who is searching for something they have not been able to find. For the one who sometimes spirals into hopelessness and cannot help but feel too imperfect for a perfect God to love. This book is for the one who is at the edge of their faith, who has experienced religion as a harsh winter instead of the life-bearing spring it was sent to be by God.
Secrets of Divine Love serves as a compass and guiding light that returns you to the source of divine peace and surrender. Through the practices and pillars of Islam, you will learn how to unlock your spiritual potential and unveil your divine purpose. A. Helwa uses a rational, yet heart-based approach towards the Qur’an that not only enlightens the mind, but inspires the soul towards deeper intimacy with Allah. By weaving together dozens of inspiring mystical stories, Qur’an verses, Hadith, poetry, psychology, and science, the author breaks down Islam in a way that is both digestible and inspiring for millennial Muslims.
Author: A. Helwa
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 385 pages
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: Naulit Publishing House
About the Author
A. Helwa believes that every single person on Earth is deeply loved by the Divine. She is a writer who has inspired hundreds of thousands of readers through her passionate, poetic, and love-based approach to spirituality. Her popular blog @quranquotesdaily, was established while obtaining her Masters in Divinity, as a means of helping others overcome personal and spiritual struggles on their journey of experiencing divine love. With over 15 years of experience writing and speaking on Islam and spiritual development, A. Helwa draws from her personal experiences and traditional sources to help her readers access ‘Divine love in everyday life.’

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Secrets of Divine Love Book Club
2023-02-04 18:00 - 20:00
Starting Saturday, August 20th, MCC will be hosting a Secrets of Divine Love book club/discussion group every other Saturday evening. Join us as we collectively strive toward mindfully opening our hearts to Allah’s love for us and our love for Allah. Each chapter contains its own exercises that will serve as the focal point for our discussions and each chapter stands alone so you can attend any session that is convenient for you without the need to ‘catch up’.
The first session will be abridged and focus simply on the Introduction, the Reading with an Open Heart preface and set the stage for future discussions for those who hope to attend all or most of the sessions and follow the progression.
This book club will be held every other week for a Saturday Book Club discussing the internationally acclaimed book by A. Helwa, Secrets of Divine Love. Each session will cover a chapter and will include group discussions, reflections, and exercises from the book. The discussion takes place every Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and in Summer ’22 runs from Saturday, August 20 2022 to Saturday, March 4, 2023.
RSVP for the registration at https://mcceastbay.org/divine-love-bookclub. RSVP is requested.
Saturdays | August 20 to March 4 | Conference Room | In-person only.
Disclaimer
This book club is intended to stimulate thought and reflection, not teach deen. It is NOT a fiqh or aqidah class. The book contains various references and concepts that do not align with traditional Islamic scholarship on those subjects. If any participant has any questions about what scholars say about any of the concepts mentioned in the book or discussed in the book club meetings, we strongly recommend consulting a scholar they know and trust and/or forwarding those questions to the organizers of the book club so that we can get guidance from a scholar and share that guidance with the group.
We intended to approach the abstract ideas found in this book as thought experiments and the exercises as cardio for the spiritual heart. Nothing in the book or book club meetings should be viewed as replacing, undermining, or contradicting traditional Islamic scholarship in any way.
Discussion Group Guidelines

-Everyone has something to say, everyone has something to learn

-Shy people encouraged to contribute
-Talkative people encouraged to restrain themselves

-Confidentiality

-Do not share people’s reflections outside of the group. Can say stuff like “somebody in my book club made me think (this or that) about (this or that)”, but not “(so and so) said …”

-70 excuses

-Give your sisters/brothers every benefit of the doubt as far as their intention with whatever they say, particularly what you may disagree with

-‘Dinner after’

-If you have differences of opinion during the discussion, remember the intention is beneficial learning that we are all working together to achieve. So you leave those differences of opinion at the door when we’re done and still be ready to go to dinner after with people you may have disagreed with (see 70 excuses rule)

-Be chill

-Emotional subject matter requires conscious intention to remain emotionally intelligent and not let ourselves get carried away. Particularly the brothers, don’t get aggressive or excited, appropriate adab with each other and with our sisters is required

Class Schedule:

-Intro

-Aug 20, 2022

-Chapter 1 – Allah

-Sep 3, 2022

Chapter 2 – Humanity

-Sep 17, 2022

-Chapter 3 – Qur’an

-Oct 1, 2022

-Chapter 4 – Islam/Iman/Ihsan

-Oct 15, 2022

-Chapter 5 – Tawba

-Oct 29, 2022

-Chapter 6 – Shahadah

-Nov 12, 2022

-Chapter 7 – Salat

-Dec 3, 2022

-Chapter 8 – Zakat

-Dec 17, 2022

-Chapter 9 – Ramadan

-Jan 7, 2023

-Chapter 10 – Hajj

-Jan 21, 2023

-Chapter 11 – Death

-Feb 4, 2023

-Chapter 12 – Heaven and Hell

-Feb 18, 2023

-Conclusion

-Mar 4, 2023

Book Purchase:
If you wish to follow along with the book, please purchase the book. The book can be purchased here:

–https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Divine-Love-Spiritual-Journey/dp/1734231203

*Audiobook voiced by author available
About the Book

Secrets of Divine Love was written for the longing heart, for the one who is searching for something they have not been able to find. For the one who sometimes spirals into hopelessness and cannot help but feel too imperfect for a perfect God to love. This book is for the one who is at the edge of their faith, who has experienced religion as a harsh winter instead of the life-bearing spring it was sent to be by God.
Secrets of Divine Love serves as a compass and guiding light that returns you to the source of divine peace and surrender. Through the practices and pillars of Islam, you will learn how to unlock your spiritual potential and unveil your divine purpose. A. Helwa uses a rational, yet heart-based approach towards the Qur’an that not only enlightens the mind, but inspires the soul towards deeper intimacy with Allah. By weaving together dozens of inspiring mystical stories, Qur’an verses, Hadith, poetry, psychology, and science, the author breaks down Islam in a way that is both digestible and inspiring for millennial Muslims.
Author: A. Helwa
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 385 pages
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: Naulit Publishing House
About the Author
A. Helwa believes that every single person on Earth is deeply loved by the Divine. She is a writer who has inspired hundreds of thousands of readers through her passionate, poetic, and love-based approach to spirituality. Her popular blog @quranquotesdaily, was established while obtaining her Masters in Divinity, as a means of helping others overcome personal and spiritual struggles on their journey of experiencing divine love. With over 15 years of experience writing and speaking on Islam and spiritual development, A. Helwa draws from her personal experiences and traditional sources to help her readers access ‘Divine love in everyday life.’

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
