Being Muslim: Monthly Convert Bookclub with Ustadh Omar Naisan

For All New Muslim Women & Men (regardless of when you took your Shahadah): The Being Muslim Bookclub is dedicated to empowering converts and beginning Muslims to live Islam in a practical, sustainable way. Each month, we delve into one chapter to gain clarity on how to live and practice Islam, exploring the foundational elements of what Muslims believe. This eight-month book club with Ustadh Omar Naisan is for all reverts, regardless of when you took your Shahadah. It is invaluable to those new to their journey in Islam and those returning to faith. 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Second Saturday of Each Month | MCC Prayer Hall | Free; no registration required | Join in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live – Watch past recordings of "Being Muslim Bookclub": http://mcceastbay.org/being-muslim – More Sidi Omer Naisan: http://mcceastbay.org/omar MCC's new Muslim Coordinator, Blanca Vizcarra, facilitates these monthly meetings. She can be reached at [email protected] or 925-264-9872. Questions? [email protected]  Saturday, January 10, 2026 (Chapters 1 & 2) Saturday, February 14, 2026 (Chapter 3) No session in March during Ramadan break Saturday, April 18, 2026 (Chapter 4) Saturday, May 23, 2026 (Chapter 5) Saturday, June 13, 2026 (Chapter 6) Saturday, July 11, 2026 (Chapter 7) Saturday, August 8, 2026 (Chapter 8) Saturday, September 12, 2026 (Chapter 9) Saturday, October 10, 2026 (Chapter 10) Saturday, November 14, 2026 (Chapter 11) Attendees, we recommend getting the “Being Muslim: A Practical Guide”: https://a.co/d/30W2yXM  The Being Muslim book club provides attendees with practical knowledge they can apply in their daily lives. Whether you are new to the religion or want to freshen up on the basics, the material is designed to deepen your connection to the most essential aspects of Islam through a holistic integration of the three branches of the religion: true beliefs (imān), good conduct (islām), and beauty of character (iḥsān). We will cover a broad array of subjects, including core theology, purification and prayer, the path of spiritual refinement, a survey of the life of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, an introduction to the Qur’an, how to live an ethical, Islam-centered lifestyle, and more. New Muslims of all backgrounds and ages are welcome.  In our monthly chapter readings, we will focus on foundational beliefs, worship, spiritual refinement, lifestyle, and more. We recommend this book club for those seeking a deeper meaning in their faith.  About the Facilitator Ustadh Omar Naisan is a Ph.D. student in the Historical & Cultural Studies of Religion program at the Graduate Theological Union. He holds a Master of Arts in New Testament from the Graduate Theological Union. His published MA thesis is titled “Decrypting the Son of Man Problem: An Inquiry into the Dominant Approaches to the Son of Man Problem and its Conspicuous Application in Mark 8:27-31.” His interests include comparative theology, philology in religious corpora, and historical-critical studies of religious canons.  – More Ustadh Omar: http://mcceastbay.org/omar  About the Author After completing his bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies at the University of Michigan, Asad Tarsin continued his private study of Islamic theology, sacred law, philosophy, and spirituality with various scholars, including Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and Dr. Sherman Jackson. He has served on the board of the Deen Intensive Foundation for over fifteen years. He has a particular interest in creating sustainable models of education for new and returning Muslims, as well as educating the broader public about the beauty of Islam. “Being Muslim: A Practical Guide” is his first published work. Dr. As’ad Tarsin is an emergency physician by training and lives in Michigan with his wife and three children. ⚠️ This is a recurring event (Every second Saturday of the month). Please check with MCC East Bay to confirm the schedule, as classes may be paused during holidays or special occasions.