MCC East Bay

Women’s Seerah Bookclub (in-person & virtual) | Ustadha Leila Fakira
2024-10-21 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join our weekly sisters’ in-person & virtual Seerah book club, where we have an active discussion, take away lessons for our daily lives, and inshaAllah fall in love with the Prophet ﷺ. We are reading from “The Prophetic Narrative” by Samira al-Zayid and will begin reading Volume 2.

Every Monday in-person & virtual | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | Women only | RSVP for the live registration link at https://mcceastbay.org/bookclub. RSVP is needed to join us virtually.

Event Details:

The in-person & virtual discussion takes place every Monday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a break in Ramadan ’24.

Please register online to receive the link to the Whatsapp thread where all communication and updates will be made. In this bookclub, we will be starting volume 2 of “The Prophetic Narrative” by Samira al-Zayid.

Book Purchase:

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

– https://daybreak.rabata.org/products/soft-cover-a-compendium-of-the-sources-on-the-prophetic-narrative

Questions? bookclub@mcceastbay.org

About the Book

Internationally acclaimed as “the most authoritative resource” on the Sīra, this two-volume translation textbook is revolutionary in bringing Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s life to life for everyone who ventures upon it.

This multiple award-winning, comprehensive compilation of narrations and details of the life of Prophet Muhammad (S) has never before been available in English until now! Internationally acclaimed as “the most authoritative resource” on the Sīra, this two-volume translation textbook is revolutionary in bringing his (S) life to life for everyone who ventures upon it. The original volumes have won the approval and praise of numerous scholars. It is finally available as a treasured text for personal or educational development.

Author: Samira al-Zayid

Translators: Susan Imady, Tamara Gray, & Randa Mardini

Binding: Softcover

Pages: Vol 1, 570; Vol 2, 558

Publisher: Daybreak Press

Questions? bookclub@mcceastbay.org

Purification of the Heart: A Call for Inner Healing | Sidi Shahryar Abbasi
2024-10-23 19:00 - 20:00
Wednesdays, Starts May 1 | 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Walnut Creek Islamic Center | Join in-person or watch live at mcceastbay.org/live

Join Sidi Shahryar Abbasi every Wednesday at 7 p.m. virtually to dive into the popular text Purification of the Heart by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, where we will have an opportunity to go over the following:

Delve into the heart’s role in personal governance

Explore traditional Tazkiya practices for spiritual purification

Identify common spiritual diseases and learn specific remedies

Cultivate tranquility, wisdom, and patience, mirroring Prophetic (saw) qualities

Develop emotional resilience, enhance relationships, and navigate challenges with wisdom aligning with the Sunnah

We will also cover Imam Al-Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum Al-Din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences), books 20-22.

Hosted at Walnut Creek Islamic Center. Streamed on MCC media channels. Watch past sessions at https://mcceastbay.org/healing

– More Sidi Shahryar: https://mcceastbay.org/shahryar– Sidi Shahryar’s “The Soul’s Journey” Series: https://mcceastbay.org/journey– Sidi Shahryar’s “Real Talk Series”: https://mcceastbay.org/real-talk– Sidi Shahryar’s “Traits of the Righteous” Series: https://mcceastbay.org/hallmark– Sidi Shahryar’s “Controlling Your Desires” Series: https://mcceastbay.org/desires– Sidi Shahryar’s “Soul’s Journey Series: https://mcceastbay.org/journey

Shahryar graduated from the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and was the External Affairs Vice President of UC Berkeley’s student government. He is an experienced speaker, mentor, and coach. Send him questions at ask.abu.taha@gmail.com and learn more about him at https://www.tiktok.com/@islamic_spirituality. Learn more about him at The Success Company: https://www.successcompany.co/about-us

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_miz9RAhI8c&list=PL9uyRQTMUugnOmH0oww_n0yUo6hEjEMUL&index=1

Mommy and Me September '24 Session | MCC's Mommy & Me Program
2024-10-24 10:00 - 11:00
In this five-week fall session, our toddlers and pre-schoolers (ages 1-5) will develop love for Islam, Allah (swt), and RasulAllah (saw) through book reading, sing-alongs, Parachute Time, activities, and more!
Thursdays, 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, & 11/14 | 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Conference Room | $70 for five sessions, $135 for 10 sessions or $20 per session | Register at mcceastbay.org/happyhearts
Please note that there will be no class on 10/10.
These Mommy & Me sessions are designed for girls and boys ages one to four who are accompanied by a female guardian. Moms, grandmothers, and so on are welcome. This is also a great opportunity to connect with other moms and caretakers in the MCC community.
Our Mommy and Me sessions begin with dua and a salaam/greeting song and end with the Fi-Amanillah song and kid-favorite parachute time.
Questions? Happy Hearts Playgroup Facilitator Sr. Khadija at mommyandme@mcceastbay.org
MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attending any activity held in the community center. To request a financial waiver, please complete our financial waiver request: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/scholarship

Principles of Religion: Manners III | Ustadha Nihad Hemmoudeh
2024-10-24 12:30 - 13:15
Ustadha Nihad Hemmoudeh facilitates a 45-minute live Zoom session for sisters on the principles of religion, such as acts of worshipping Allah (swt), the good character of a Muslim, and more. These talks will be recorded and made publicly available on MCC’s YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

Ustadha Nihad is using the book, “The Forty in the Fundamentals of Religion” by Al-Ghazali. This is part three of the “Principles of Religion” series, which will focus on praiseworthy characteristics.
12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. PST | Thursdays | 12 consecutive weeks from Aug. 15 to Oct. 31, 2024 | No pre-registration needed | Join live each week at 12:30 p.m. on Zoom at mcceastbay.org/principles

Watch the prior sessions in this series: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/principle-series More Ustadha Nihad:

– Ustadha Nihad’s “Principles of Religion” series: https://mcceastbay.org/principle-series

– Ustadha Nihad’s “Women Around the Messenger” series: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/women-series

– Ustadha Nihad’s “Forty Hadith Qudsi” series: https://mcceastbay.org/qudsi

– Ustadha’s Nihad’s “Pearls of Islam: The Wives of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)” series: https://mcceastbay.org/pearls-series

– Ustadha Nihad’s Surah al-Kahf series: https://mcceastbay.org/kahf

– Ustadha Nihad’s Juz Amma series: https://mcceastbay.org/quran-tafseer

– Hafidha Nihad’s Sahaba (Companions) Series Sessions: https://mcceastbay.org/companions-series

– Ust. Nohad’s Al-Nawawi Hadith Series: https://mcceastbay.org/nawawi

– More Ustadha Nihad: https://mcceastbay.org/nihad

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Family Violence Law Center (Alameda) Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-10-25 13:30 - 16:00
Founded in 1978, the Family Violence Law Center (FVLC) helps diverse communities in Alameda County heal from domestic violence and sexual assault, advocating for justice and healthy relationships. They provide survivor-centered legal and crisis intervention services, offer prevention education for youth and other community members, and engage in policy work to create systemic change.

Jumu’ah Services @ MCC & Rosewood
2024-10-25 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For MCC’s four Jumu’ah services on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024:

*Heavy parking congestion. Please, kindly avoid the first MCC service 🙂 *

Ustadh Ibrahim Qureshi delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

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

– Dr. Youssef Ismail delivers this sermon at Rosewood Conference Center, 4400 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton

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

– Ustadh Ibrahim Qureshi delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

3:40 p.m. – 4 p.m.

– Mufti Abdul Wahab delivers this sermon at MCC East Bay

*Please attend at 2:30 or 3:40 p.m. at MCC to avoid heavier first-service congestion whenever possible, or please attend the off-site MCC Jumu’ah service, that is, each week at the Rosewood Commons, 4400 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton. Rosewood is a four-minute drive from MCC.Please note that the former HP lot (now Pleasanton School District) is no longer available to our congregation. Please come to the second or fourth Jumuah to ease up parking congestion or (better yet) attend our weekly parallel satellite prayer at 1:40 p.m. at Rosewood Conference Center: https://mcceastbay.org/rosewood

– Virtually watch the three MCC sermons from home: https://mcceastbay.org/live
– More Ustadh Ibrahim: https://mcceastbay.org/ibrahim
– More Dr. Youssef: http://mcceastbay.org/youssef
– More Shaykh Wahhab: https://mcceastbay.org/abdul-wahab

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

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Family Justice Center Contra Costa Tables @ MCC Jumu'ahs
2024-10-25 13:30 - 16:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Contra Costa Family Justice Center is a nonprofit that serves families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. Recently, they have set up a center in Danville to serve South County clients. They are seeking to create a community that is there to support the healing process for those who are affected by any form of family violence. They also provide lawyers for family justice and elderly abuse prevention programs.

Attorneys @ Jumu'ah: Free Legal Clinic
2024-10-25 14:30 - 17:00
During the third and fourth Jumu’ah services at MCC, Legal Attorney Erum Choudhry will be providing a free fifteen-minute consultation in the following areas:

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

Appointments are required to receive a free consultation. No walk-ins will be allowed. Please sign up at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
Friday, Oct. 25 | 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. | MCC Meeting Room | Appointment required (no walk-ins); RSVP at mcceastbay.org/legal-clinic
MCC will hold legal clinics on the following days:

2024:

October 25th
November 8th
December 20th

2025:

January 17th, 2025

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

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

A Tour of Tales: From the Dream to the Throne | Mufti Abdul Wahab Waheed
2024-10-25 18:00 - 22:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Join Mufti Abdul Wahab Waheed as he presents an emotional analysis of the life of Prophet Yusuf (AS) as he drifts through chapters in his life marked with greed, lies, and betrayal.
The story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) is presented in the Qur’an as an exemplary model of endurance through difficulties, acceptance of Divine decree, and perseverance in the way of Allah (SWT).
Surah Yusuf teaches us that the resolve of Dunya is pain, and the essence of faith is the belief that our agony serves a purpose and that we will ultimately reap its benefits in the Akhira.
*Friday, Oct. 25 | 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. | MCC Prayer Hall | RSVP at mcceastbay.org/yusuf | Free; join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
*Updated date.
This workshop is sponsored by Miftaah Institute & MCC East Bay.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
What is the program schedule?
Here is the proposed schedule for the evening:

– 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Check-in & welcoming
– 6:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. – Maghrib Salah
– 6:45 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. – Qur’an Recitation
– 6:50 p.m. to 7:55 p.m. – Mufti Abdul Wahhab Waheed | Session 1
– 8 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. – Isha Salah
– 8:25 p.m. to 9:50 p.m. – Mufti Abdul Wahhab Waheed | Session 2
– 9:50 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Closing remarks

Do you offer babysitting?
No. I am sorry, but we do not have babysitting.
Are there food options?
Yes, we will have food boxes in the MCC lobby starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday for attendees to grab dinner. To pre-purchase your Mirchi Cafe in Dublin dinner, please do so at mcceastbay.org/yusuf
Are there vendor opportunities?
We cannot accommodate vendors due to the number of expected attendees and the program’s format.
Is there a live stream option?
We strongly encourage our community to attend in person. If you cannot make it in person, please watch for free on MCC’s YouTube channel starting at 6 p.m. PST at mcceastbay.org/live
Who is the retreat speaker?
Mufti Abdul Wahab Waheed was born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI. He began Islamic studies at Jaamiah al-Uloom al-Islamiyyah in Canada, where he became a Hafiz at 11. He started his 7-year Shariah program in Toronto, Canada, and went even further to pursue higher education in Hadith in Karachi, Pakistan. Throughout his travels, Mufti Abdul Wahab addresses communities across the United States on a wide range of Islamic topics and, InshAllah, continues to do so with the Tawfiq of Allah SWT. Mufti Abdul Wahab is a co-founder and director at Miftaah Institute and Michigan Islamic Institute.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Dr. Rania Awaad’s Weekly Friday Evening Halaqa
2024-10-25 19:00 - 21:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Ustadha Dr. Rania Awaad holds a weekly women’s gathering on Friday evenings to discuss navigating contemporary issues. This program runs in parallel to the Friday night girl’s halaqa.

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

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

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

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

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women's Weekly Pilates Sessions | Seema Duhan
2024-10-26 08:30 - 10:00, 2024-10-27 08:00 - 09:30
For Sisters Only: Join us for a transformative body and mind experience every Saturday and Sunday morning with a Professional Yoga and Pilates Instructor. Stretch your muscles, shape your body, and relax your mind.
The recommended age is 20+ for Pilates Classes.
Sat. (8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.) & Sun. (8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.) | Weekly with a break in Ramadan ‘25 | Conference Room | Max 15 attendees per session | $15/session or $100/monthly | Register at mcceastbay.org/pilates
Pilates Classes
Pilates is based on six principles: breath, concentration, center, control, precision, and flow. It is designed to transform muscles and bones while strengthening the core. Regular practice of Pilates not only reshapes the musculoskeletal system but also helps regulate emotions. This class is highly beneficial for individuals over the age of 20 years. Participants will learn how to control muscle movement and maintain poses while regulating their breathing. Regular Pilates practice increases muscle endurance against daily wear and tear and enhances flexibility. Starting age is 20 years. All props will be provided except the Yoga mat and foam roller.
MCC has a standing policy that financial need should never hold a person back from attending any activity held in the community center. To request a financial waiver, please complete our financial waiver request: HTTP://mcceastbay.org/scholarship

About the Instructor:
Seema Duhan represented her university in athletics at the national level in India. A health enthusiast, she began learning yoga and Pilates a few years ago and, inspired by the transformation in her own body, decided to teach Pilates and stretching to fellow Muslim sisters to promote body awareness. Seema is currently pursuing her Pilates Instructor certification.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org

Private Event
2024-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Banquet Hall only

Monthly Sisters' Mawlid
2024-10-26 11:00 - 13:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Sisters: Join us monthly for sisters’ Mawlid for a gathering of remembrance and Dhikr.
Connect more with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as we gather on the fourth Saturday of each month in remembrance and dhikr.
Every fourth Saturday | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | In-person only | Free; no RSVP required

Sisters and children welcome. No boys over the age of eight are allowed.
Dates for Monthly Family Mawlid at MCC East Bay

Saturday, November 23, 2024
Saturday, December 28, 2024
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Saturday, February 22, 2025
No session in March ’25
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Saturday, May 24, 2025

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
The Mawlid is a joyous expression of the greatest blessing from Allah.
We take this blessed opportunity monthly to remind ourselves of the three sacred rights that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ requires from us, instilling in us a deep sense of respect and reverence.

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

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

Monthly Sisters' Mawlid
2024-10-26 11:00 - 13:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Sisters: Join us monthly for sisters’ Mawlid for a gathering of remembrance and Dhikr.
Connect more with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as we gather on the fourth Saturday of each month in remembrance and dhikr.
Every fourth Saturday | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Pre-K room or MCC Conference Room | In-person only | Free; no RSVP required

Sisters and children welcome. No boys over the age of eight are allowed.
Dates for Monthly Women’s Mawlid at MCC East Bay

– Saturday, November 23, 2024
– Saturday, December 28, 2024
– Saturday, January 25, 2025
– Saturday, February 22, 2025
– No session in Ramadan in March ’25
– Saturday, April 26, 2025
– Saturday, May 24, 2025

Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
The Mawlid is a joyous expression of the greatest blessing from Allah.
We take this blessed opportunity monthly to remind ourselves of the three sacred rights that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ requires from us, instilling in us a deep sense of respect and reverence.

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

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

The Youth in the Cave | Shaykh Hamzah Abdul-Malik
2024-10-26 12:20 - 14:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
The parable of the cave companions is a classic, timeless example and proof that—indeed—if an ordinary person—young or old, male or female— can get Allah on his or her side, and if they patiently endure, in His path, the anger and antagonism of people by remaining steadfast and righteous, Allah helps them in ways unimaginable and incredible, ways that the limited human intellect cannot fathom.
This talk is for youth and parents of youth.
12:20 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (with a 30-minute Zuhr break at 1:30) | Saturday, October 26 | MCC Prayer Hall | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
Imam Hamzah Abdul-Malik will also give the sermon at Lighthouse Mosque in Oakland on Friday, October 25, and speak for a Friday night program at Lighthouse. See here.
——————————————————————————————-
Think, “a group of youth hanging out together,” and what comes to mind?
If you are in the age range of 10-25, you’ll probably think they are having fun. And if you are older, you’ll probably assume they are out and about cooking up some trouble just for the fun and thrill of it. Why would you believe such things when you hear about a youth group “chilling out” together? Probably because you have ‘been there, done that’ when you were their age.
For all these brave ‘young’ people whom society tried to subjugate and punish for no crime except their staunch adherence to monotheism, the Quran has recorded, and thus corroborated, their sacrifices and calamities faced in Allah’s path and therefore stamped with approval their resultant lofty moral character, purity of soul, and innocence from sin — till the end of mankind.
We have so much to learn from the teens – the companions of the cave.
The young men went against the social tide of their era by openly opposing the polytheism practiced by their nation and became displaced, isolationist ‘vagabonds’ in the process). Indeed, it is a great sign of Allah!
The case of the cave companions is a classic, timeless example and proof that—indeed—if an ordinary person—young or old, male or female—can get Allah on his or her side, and if they patiently endure in His path, the anger and antagonism of people by remaining steadfast and righteous, Allah helps them in ways unimaginable and incredible, ways that the limited human intellect cannot fathom.
About the Speaker:
Imam Hamzah Abdul-Malik is a graduate of Al-Azhar University in Egypt; he has studied and taught Islam for over 15 years. He memorized the Holy Qur’an and served as a teacher for Islamic schools and mosques in Georgia, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, and the Middle East. He also obtained a Master’s in Islamic Studies and Leadership from Bayan Claremont. He co-founded Midtown Mosque in 2015 to revitalize blighted areas in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2017, he founded Miraaj Academy to teach Qur’an and leadership skills to Muslim American youth. He conveys knowledge and religious teaching through experiential learning, focusing on internalizing concepts learned. He also recited the Quran at Muhammad Ali’s funeral in 2016.

Film Screening in Livermore: "Where Olive Trees Weep Screening"
2024-10-26 16:30 - 18:00
“Where Olive Trees Weep” offers a searing window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. After the one-hour and 45-minute screening, the film’s Executive Producer, Ashira Darwish, will join us. This film is PG-13.
4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Saturday, October 26* | Ashbury United Methodist Church, 4743 East Avenue, Livermore | $10/person (optional) | Limited seating, Register @ mcceastbay.org/olive
The film starts at 4:30. Please arrive earlier for a Palestinian Cultural Day event from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the same location.
*Date and venue change
MCC also hosts a screening of this film and free dinner on Sunday, November 17: https://mcceastbay.org/event/film-screening
If you are unable to pay the ticket fee, please email us for a financial waiver at soulofmysoulexhibit@gmail.com
Sponsored by Soul of my Soul Exhibit & MCC East Bay.
All profits will go directly to supporting Palestinians on the ground in Palestine (either Gaza or the West Bank).
Soul of My Soul Exhibit promotes conversations about Palestine through arts and culture. You can learn more about the Soul of My Soul Exhibit at www.soulofmysoulexhibit.com

– More talks about Palestine: http://mcceastbay.org/palestinian
– MCC Stands with the People of Palestine: https://mcceastbay.org/palestine-update
– A Mental Health Guidebook: Nurturing Muslim Students’ Mental Health Amid University Protests – A tailored resource for student advocates navigating the unique challenges they face in calling for justice amid university repression: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g9hI3E6-7laSv3Y7j5BMjawJ7JULjW9J/view?mc_cid=0f3758fdbe&mc_eid=9d52cce10a

This powerful film explores the resilience of Palestinians under occupation. The documentary explores loss, trauma, and the quest for justice. We follow, among others, Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, and Israeli journalist Amira Hass. We witness Dr. Gabor Maté offering trauma-healing work for a group of women who have been tortured in Israeli prisons. Ancient landscapes bear deep scars, having seen the brutal reality of ancestral land confiscation, expulsions, imprisonment, home demolitions, water deprivation, and denial of fundamental human rights. Yet, through the veil of oppression, we catch a glimpse of resilience—deep roots that have carried the Palestinian people through decades of darkness and shattered lives.
This emotional journey bares the humanity of the oppressed while grappling with the question: what makes the oppressor so ruthlessly blind to its cruelty?
Watch the movie at https://www.WhereOliveTreesWeep.com and share #WhereOliveTreesWeep
“Where Olive Trees Weep” offers a searing window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. It explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice.
We follow, among others, Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, and Israeli journalist Amira Hass. We witness Dr. Gabor Maté offering trauma-healing work for a group of women who have been tortured in Israeli prisons.
Ancient landscapes bear deep scars, having witnessed the brutal reality of ancestral land confiscation, expulsions, imprisonment, home demolitions, water deprivation, and denial of basic human rights. Yet, through the veil of oppression, we catch a glimpse of resilience—deep roots that have carried the Palestinian people through decades of darkness and shattered lives.
This emotional journey bares the humanity of the oppressed while grappling with the question: what makes the oppressor so ruthlessly blind to its cruelty? Want to Host a Screening? Visit: https://www.WhereOliveTreesWeep.com
The film provides background to the current crisis in Israel/Palestine and illuminates the lives of people we met on our 2022 journey in the occupied West Bank. Their universally human stories speak of intergenerational pain, trauma, and resilience. We hope they touch your heart, stir compassion and understanding, and inspire a pursuit of justice. For without justice, peace remains an empty slogan.
Cinema can be a powerful force for change. This film aims to move hearts and minds beyond mere education and inspire audiences to echo the calls for freedom, equality, and dignity that have gone unanswered for far too long.
The film is our modest contribution towards our dream for an end to the occupation in Palestine, the attainment of equal rights and fair treatment for Palestinian people, and the spreading of healing for all intergenerational cycles of trauma in the region.
Directors’ Statement
Where Olive Trees Weep explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice. We follow, among others, Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, and Israeli journalist Amira Hass. We also watch Dr. Gabor Maté support a group of women seeking understanding and healing and offer his insights into intergenerational trauma.
Through the veil of oppression, we catch a glimpse of resilience—deep roots that have carried the Palestinian people through decades of darkness and shattered lives. This emotional journey bares the humanity of the oppressed while grappling with the question: what makes the oppressor so ruthlessly blind to its cruelty? Where Olive Trees Weep: Official Trailer (2024)
All profits will go directly to supporting Palestinians on the ground in Palestine (either Gaza or the West Bank).
Soul of My Soul Exhibit promotes conversations about Palestine through arts and culture. You can learn more about the Soul of My Soul Exhibit at www.soulofmysoulexhibit.com
Please also see this program for youth: https://mcceastbay.org/event/palestinian-plate-art-craft

Monthly Qur'an for Converts | Sidi Afraz Khan
2024-10-26 18:30 - 20:00 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
For Our New Muslims! Join us with Sidi Afraz Khan to learn about Surah Al-Fatiha, the seven most recited verses of the Qur’an.
This interactive session focuses on delving deep into the meaning of the surah, with room for flexibility based on each student’s needs.
Whether you’re seeking insight into the surah’s message or looking to strengthen your connection with it, this session will adapt to help you grow.
Saturday, Oct. 26 | 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. | MCC Conference Room | RSVP required; mcceastbay.org/marhaba-fatiha
Questions? marhaba@mcceastbay.org
Afraz Khan is a UC Berkeley MBA graduate and works as a social impact consultant. He completed his BA from New York University in 2017. He most recently worked at the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) in their Racial Justice Program, building cases to fight discrimination in law enforcement, housing, and education.
After eight years of study, Afraz completed his memorization of the Qur’an and conducted tajweed classes for the local community. Afraz expanded his studies by attending Zaytuna College’s Summer Quranic Arabic Intensive, completing an 8-week classical Arabic course through Studio Arabiya, and taking classes in modern standard Arabic at NYU. In 2017, he completed a summer course through the American Learning Institute for Muslims (ALIM) and is currently a seminary student at The Majlis in SoCal in their Community Servants Program. Afraz has also worked part-time as a Religious Life Adviser at Columbia University, where he collaborated with university staff to build out programming and resources for the Muslim community.
Afraz has delivered Khutbahs to Berkeley Masjid, Lighthouse Mosque, Evergreen Islamic Center, San Ramon Valley Islamic Center, MCC East Bay, and others. He has also served as the Imam for Taraweeh at Berkeley Masjid and conducted nightly talks on the lessons in each Qur’an section.

Mayoral/City Council Candidate Forum (San Ramon, Dublin & Pleasanton)
2024-10-27 16:00 - 17:30 | MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300, Pleasanton, CA, 94588, United States
Elections are upon us, and your vote matters! Let’s shape our future together.​
Join us to learn where local San Ramon, Pleasanton & Dublin city candidates stand on important topics and ask questions that matter to you.
Local elected officials have a more significant impact on our daily lives than many other political positions, as our local politician’s decisions impact the oversight of county law enforcement officers, transportation, housing, and many different public services.
4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Sunday, October 27 | MCC Conference Room | Join us in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Sponsored by CAIR San Francisco, San Ramon Valley Islamic Center (SRVIC), & MCC East Bay.
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
See also: Alameda County: Ballot Measure and Proposition Voter Guide
Agenda

– 4:00 p.m. Introduction by Musa Tariq, CAIR San Francisco
– 4:05 p.m.: Dublin candidates speak
– 4:25 p.m.: Pleasanton candidates speak
– 4:45 p.m.: San Ramon candidates speak
– 5:00 p.m.: State Senate candidates speak
– 5:15 p.m. Meet & greet between candidates & community members

Here is the slate of local candidates in this election season:
Dublin Mayoral Candidates

Dublin Human Services Commissioner Shawn Costello
Tom Evans
Councilmember Sherry Hu
Councilmember Jean Josey (confirmed)

Dublin City Council Candidates

Mayor Michael McCorriston
Razi Hasni (confirmed)
John Morada (confirmed)

Pleasanton Mayoral Candidates

Mayor Karla Brown
Councilmember Jack Balch (confirmed)

Pleasanton City Council

Councilmember Valerie Arkin
Craig Eicher
Matt Gaidos
Planning Commissioner Vivek Mohan

San Ramon City Council

Councilmember Mark H. Armstrong
Chirag Kathrani (confirmed)
Robert Jweinat
Vasanth Shetty (confirmed)
Councilmember Sridhar Verose (confirmed)

State Senate District 7

Assemblymember Tim Grayson
San Ramon Councilmember Marisol Rubio (confirmed)

San Ramon School Board

Trustee Laura Bratt (confirmed)
Trustee Shelley Clark
Sakriti Sehgal
Karin Shumway

Dublin School Board

Kristian Reyes
Ramnath Shanbhogue

Pleasanton School Board

Trustee Mary Jo Carreon
Donalyn Harris
Jenifer Flynn
Charlie Jones
Kelly Mokashi

MCC proudly hosts this annual educational candidate forum in partnership with our friends at SRVIC & CAIR – San Francisco Bay Area. This is an opportunity to learn about your local candidates during another critical election year.
Local elected officials have a more significant impact on our daily lives than many other political positions, as their decisions impact the oversight of county law enforcement officers, transportation, housing, and many different public services.
Join us and also listen to the candidates discuss hate crimes, bullying of Muslim American children, and more so that when you go to the polls next month, you’ll know exactly what decisions to make.
We invite you to join us and show that the American Muslim community is very interested in hearing about the candidate’s platforms and positions if they are elected. This voter education forum is an opportunity to educate and empower us to become more politically, civically, and publicly engaged between public officials and American Muslims.
One question we will ask all candidates at this forum is: As an elected official, what concrete steps will you take to combat Islamophobia in your community, given that 2023 saw one of the worst years of anti-Muslim hate in 30 years/three decades, worse than after Trump’s Muslim ban?

Voter Guide: Your Ballot Is Your Power​
Get ready to make a difference in the 2024 General Election on November 5. Depending on your state and/or registration status, you may receive your ballot in the mail in October.
CAIR California is on a mission to mobilize every Muslim vote because every vote is a step toward justice. This site is your go-to resource for all you need to know to Vote for Justice: https://voteforjustice24.com

Private Event
2024-10-27 19:30 - 22:00
Conference Room
