The Mecca Center

Mental Health for All
2022-02-12 15:30 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
The Mecca Center’s Wellness Initiative invites you to join us for “Mental Health for All” on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at The Mecca Center as we come together to explore mental wellness and its critical role in our lives. Speakers include Dr. Rukhsana Iqbal, Dr. Erum Khan, and Hadia Zarzour, LCPC. This program is the first of a series of talks to inform and strengthen our mental health. Our first talk will focus on presenting results from our survey of our community’s mental health needs and walking people through the process of accessing mental health care. All attendees will also receive a Wellness Kit with items to get you started in implementing self-care. At each of our talks you’ll receive additional items to add to your kit.

Getting Ready for Ramadan
2022-03-19 11:00 - 15:15 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Join us on Saturday, March 19, 2022 for Getting Ready for Ramadan, a pre-Ramadan workshop covering Zakat FAQ, Mental Health, Nutrition, and Fasting, with a parallel kids program! The event will take place from 11am – 3:15pm at The Mecca Center and is open to all ages. Register today at meccacenter.org/events.

2022 Ramadan Children's Program
2022-04-01 - 2022-05-01 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
The Mecca Center is offering a Ramadan Children’s Program to provide fun educational activities on a nightly basis at The Mecca Center during Taraweeh time. Activities include fine and gross motor skill activities, story time, snacks, singing, games, and arts and crafts. The program is led by Sister Rissa Loucks, BA in Early Childhood Education / Special Education / ESL. Sister Rissa has been working with children professionally for about 18 years.
Where: The Mecca Center
When: Ramadan Nights
Time: 10 minutes before Isha Adhan
Age Group: 3-10
Fees: $200 per child for the whole month. It is $15 a night per child for walk-ins depending on availability. This program has limited capacity. Please register early. Special needs accommodations are available.

Community Night Iftar: Families in the Quran
2022-04-15 18:15 - 20:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
The Mecca Center’s Transformative Tarbiyah Initiative presents “Families in the Quran” a special Community Night Iftar on Friday, April 15, 2022 at 6:15pm featuring Sheikh Tariq Musleh, Sheikh Ubaydullah Evans, and Sheikh Hassan Aly. Register today at meccacenter.org/events.

Chronicles of the Cave: Surah Al Kahf Weekend Workshop
2022-04-16 13:00 - 17:30 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
As a part of The Mecca Center’s new Transformative Tarbiyah Initiative, we are introducing a series of monthly educational workshops, beginning during the blessings of the holy month of Ramadan, the month of the Quran.
Join us for our series launch with “Chronicles of the Cave,” a workshop studying the Tafsir of Surah Al Kahf led by Sheikh Ubaydullah Evans and Sheikh Tariq Musleh, on Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17, 2022 from 1pm to 5:30pm at The Mecca Center. Registration is $10 and childcare is $20 for the weekend. Register today at meccacenter.org/events.

Annual Youth Iftar: Young Heroes in the Quran
2022-04-16 18:15 - 20:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
The Mecca Center’s Transformative Tarbiyah Initiative presents “Young Heroes in the Quran,” a special Annual Youth Iftar, featuring Sheikh Ubaydullah Evans and Sheikh Tariq Musleh, on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at 6:15pm for High School and College guys and girls.

"Islam - Our Source of Light" Community Night
2022-05-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
The Mecca Center’s Transformative Tarbiyah Initiative presents, “Islam – Our Source of Light,” a special Community Night on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 6pm featuring Sheikh Mohammad Elshinawy, Sheikh Hassan Aly, and Sheikh Tariq Musleh. Registration is required and childcare is available. Register today at meccacenter.org/events. Childcare is for ages 3-10 and children must be potty trained.

Islam Apologetics Workshop: How to defend Islam authentically and effectively"
2022-05-21 10:00 - 17:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
The Mecca Center’s Transformative Tabiyah Initiative presents “Islam Apologetics Workshop: How to defend Islam authentically and effectively,” with Sheikh Mohammad Alshinawy and Sheikh Tariq Musleh on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 10am to 5pm. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration is required and childcare is available. Register today at meccacenter.org/events. Childcare is for ages 3-10 and children must be potty trained.

Mecca Quran Institute Khatim Event
2022-05-21 17:30 - 20:30 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States

Unlocking Quranic Treasures: Conviction, Contemplation, & Connections Workshop
2022-05-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
The Mecca Center’s Transformative Tarbiyah Initiative invites you to “Unlocking Quranic Treasures: Conviction, Contemplation, & Connections” with Sheikh Mohammad Elshinawy on Sunday, May 22, 2022 from 10am to 1pm. Join us for this mini-workshop to find conviction and connections in the Quran through skills of contemplation. Register today at meccacenter.org/events.

Community Night with Dr. Omar Suleiman
2022-06-03 19:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
The Mecca Center’s Transformative Tarbiyah Initiative invites you to “Cultivating Courage and Seeking Strength,” a special Community Night with Dr. Omar Suleiman this Friday, June 3, 2022 at 7pm. Childcare is for ages 3-10 and children must be potty trained. Registration for childcare closes 24 hours prior to the program and no children can register at the door. Learn more and register at meccacenter.org/events.
Dr. Omar Suleiman is the Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, and an Adjunct Professor of Islamic Studies in the Graduate Liberal Studies Program at SMU (Southern Methodist University). He is also the Resident Scholar at Valley Ranch Islamic Center and Co-Chair Emeritus of Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square.

Graduation Celebration for High School & College Graduates
2022-06-05 11:30 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Join us as we celebrate our high school and college graduates on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 11:30am at The Mecca Center. Registration for each graduate is required. Please register at meccacenter.org/events.

Community Night: "Prophetic Advice and Pearls of Wisdom"
2022-06-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
The Mecca Center’s Transformative Tarbiyah Initiative presents, “Prophetic Advice and Pearls of Wisdom,” a special Community Night on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 6:30pm featuring Mufti Hussain Kamani, Sheikh Hassan Aly, and Sheikh Tariq Musleh. Registration is required and childcare is available. Register today at meccacenter.org/events. Childcare is for ages 3-10 and children must be potty trained. Registration for childcare closes 24 hours prior to the program and no children can register at the door.

Hadith Workshop: Study the Origin of Hadith & Selected Narrations
2022-06-18 10:00 - 17:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
The Mecca Center’s Transformative Tarbiyah Initiative presents “Hadith Workshop: Study the Origin of Hadith & Selected Narrations,” with Mufti Hussain Kamani and Sheikh Tariq Musleh on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, June 19, 2022 from 10am to 1pm. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration is required and childcare is available. Register today at meccacenter.org/events.Childcare is for ages 3-10 and children must be potty trained. Registration for childcare closes 24 hours prior to the program and no children can register at the door. Please contact info@meccacenter.org if you are unable to afford the workshop attendance fee.

Arafah Iftar
2022-07-08 19:30 - 22:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
IFTAR TICKETS SOLD OUT – YOU CAN STILL COME TO THE LECTURE & DUA
THE DAY OF ARAFAH
THE 9TH OF DHUL HIJJAH

FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2022 | 7:30pm

Lecture | Quran Recitation | Dua | Iftar

Community Night: “Our Responsibility to the World”
2022-07-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
The Mecca Center’s Transformative Tarbiyah Initiative presents, “Our Responsibility to the World,” a special Community Night on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 6:30pm featuring Sheikh Suleiman Hani, Sheikh Hassan Aly, and Sheikh Tariq Musleh. Registration is required and childcare is available. Register today at meccacenter.org/events.

The Pursuit of Truth Workshop: The Islamic Worldview in the 21st Century Addressing Isms
2022-07-23 10:00 - 16:00 | IL
The Mecca Center’s Transformative Tarbiyah Initiative presents “The Pursuit of Truth Workshop: The Islamic Worldview in the 21st Century Addressing Isms,” with Sheikh Suleiman Hani and Sheikh Tariq Musleh on Saturday, July 23, 2022 from 10am to 5pm. Registration is required and childcare is available. Register today at meccacenter.org/events.

Pursuit of Truth Workshop with Sheikh Suleiman Hani
2022-07-23 10:00 - 17:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States

A Study Of Allah Promises in the Quran Workshop
2022-07-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
The Mecca Center’s Transformative Tarbiyah Initiative presents “A study of the Promises of Allah in the Qur’an Workshop” with Sheikh Suleiman Hani and Sheikh Tariq Musleh on Sunday, July 24, 2022 from 10am to 1pm. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration is required and childcare is available. Register today at meccacenter.org/events. Childcare is for ages 3-10, and children must be potty-trained. Registration for childcare closes 12 hours prior to the program and no children can register at the door. Please contact info@meccacenter.org if you are unable to afford the workshop attendance fee.

Day Of Ashura
2022-08-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States

Registration open for MQI
2022-08-09 - 2022-09-06 | IL
Mecca Quran Initiative is now enrolling for their elementary, middle and high school programs. Let’s get our youth involved and help shape their minds on Islamic teachings. Register now!

A night of Quran, Dhikr and Dua
2022-08-20 20:00 - 21:30 | IL
Join The Mecca Center for a night of bliss with Sheikh Hassan Abunar , Sheikh Tariq Musleh, Sheikh Hassan Aly and Sheikh Hassan Saleh. Bring your family and friends for this blessed event!

Lessons from the Hijrah Community Night
2022-08-26 18:00 | IL
The Mecca Center’s Transformative Tarbiyah Initiative presents “Lessons from the Hijrah” community night. Join us for a community night with Shaykh Hassan Aly, Shaykh Abdul Nasir and Shaykh Tariq Musleh.

Surah Hujurat Workshop
2022-08-27 10:00 - 17:00 | IL
The Mecca Center’s Transformative Tarbiyah Initiative presents Surah Hujurat workshop. Come join Shaykh Tariq Musleh and Shaykh Abdul Nasir Jangda Saturday, August 27th!

Addictions - Psychological Aspects
2022-08-28 13:00 - 17:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States

ConverTsations
2022-08-28 18:00 - 19:30 | IL
Join our convert engagement group at The Mecca Center, featuring our ConverTsations series. Come discover the evolution of Muslim identity from a converts perspective.

MECCA MOVES! 5K & 1K Run, Walk & Roll
2022-09-10 07:30 - 09:30 | Downtown Burr Ridge, IL, County Line Square Shopping Center, Burr Ridge, United States
…Welcome to our inaugural Mecca Moves! 5K & 1K Family Run, Walk & Roll! This is part of our Mecca ‘Wellness Initiative’ to promote fitness, physical, mental, and spiritual health in our community within all ages and abilities. Individuals, families, and groups welcome! Celebrate with a post-race wellness fair! All proceeds will be donated to Chi-Care, a local Muslim-founded non-profit organization helping people experiencing homelessness throughout Chicagoland.

Race Information

Event Date is September 10, 2022. This is an in-person event only.
Location: Event will start and finish at in downtown Burr Ridge, IL.
Race Day T-shirt, Bib & Packet Pick Up on FRIDAY @ MECCA Center: 6-8 pm.
This is not a drop off event. Children must be under parents’ supervision.
Runner, walkers, strollers & wheelchairs welcome on the course.
For more information: info@meccacenter.org

Start Times:

Check-in 7:00 – 8:30 am. Recommended arrival minimum 30 minutes before your designated start time.
5K Start: 8:00 am
1K Start: 8:45 AM

Registration

Early registration: deadline Friday, Sept 2, 2022.
Late registration: Sept 3 – Sept 9, 2022.

Event Entry Fee:

$25 Ages 2-12 by Sept 2, 2022 ($35 after Sept 3, 2022)
$35 Ages 13+ by Sept 2, 2022 ($45 after Sept 3, 2022)
Please support our beneficiary Chi-Care with your generous donation! https://chi-care.org/donate/

Awards: Award Ceremony: 9:15 am
This is a chip timed race! 5K Race Prizes will be awarded to top male & female finishers overall & in various age groups. Kids Dash and 1K participants will receive prizes too.
Course Description:

The course will take participants through parts of beautiful, downtown Burr Ridge and neighboring residential areas. All portions of the course are along paved and marked roads.

Beneficiary

All proceeds will benefit CHI-CARE, a local Muslim-founded inclusive non-profit organization dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness in Chicagoland. Learn more @ https://www.chi-care.org/!

EVENT DETAILS:

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH THE REGISTRATION COST?

A sized race shirt (not be guaranteed if registered after September 2, 2022).
Race bib with timing strip.
Access to run or walk or roll the annual 1K or 5K course without vehicle traffic.
Water station along the course.
Bottled water and recovery food at the finish line.
Official timed results.
Medals and awards to winners in 5k, 1K and finishers in Kids Dash.
Post-race celebration and sponsors booths.

For the 5K: Please plan to arrive at the venue by 7:30 to join the 5K warm-up.
For the 1k: Please plan to arrive at the venue by 8:30 to join the 1K warm-up. Note, the introduction and 5K event starts at 7:30, and you are encouraged to arrive earlier if possible.

Allow extra time for parking and walking to venue. The races and walks are expected to end by 9:30 am. We encourage you to stay for food, fun, prizes & awards and to visit and support the sponsors afterwards.

PARKING
Designated Event Parking Lot:
Burr Ridge Village Center Parking Deck (North & South Garages)
701 Village Center Dr, Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Free and accessible parking lot.
Note: It is a 5-10 minute walk from the parking structure to the event location.

Accessible Parking Lot:
These are located at both the Burr Ridge Village Center Parking Deck (5-10 minute walk) and the County Line Square (right across the parking lot) where the event is being staged. Please park in the County Line Square Parking Lot ONLY if you are in need of accessible parking.

START/ END & EVENT LOCATION

Event Address:
County Line Square Parking Lot, Burr Ridge, IL 60527
GPS Coordinates: 41.750946, -87.912292.
https://goo.gl/maps/V8XkHnUkhy1ixqT68

This event will be staged in the parking lot to the east side of the Chase Bank. The most direct walk from the parking deck is to head east towards Lincolnshire Parkway & Burr Ridge Parkway. The Start & End Arch will be at the intersection of Lincolnshire Drive & Burr Ridge Parkway. Access to the event through Lincolnshire Drive will close at 7:55 am. All foot traffic must enter from Bridewell Drive after 7:55 am.

PORTABLE TOILETS
A portable bathroom, an ADA compliant bathroom and a handwashing station will be present at the event staging area.
WHAT TO BRING & PREPARE
A fanny pack or other method of storing keys, ID and cell phone. There are no lockers or storage facilities available.
Be sure to put the race bib you will receive on the front of your shirt where it is easier seen and registered, using safety pins on all four corners to keep it in place.
A helpful website on preparing for the event: https://www.verywellfit.com/what-to-do-before-a-5k-race-2910940

START TIMES
8:00 am: 5K Start
All participants start together once the signal sounds. The chip timed bib will start once you cross the official start line. RUNNERS should line up at the forefront and in groups by their assumed per mile pace if known (i.e. 6 – 8, 8 – 10, and 12+ minute/mile). Faster runners will start the race. WALKERS will follow with single walkers at the forefront, then those pushing strollers or with young children, in wheelchairs or anyone needing extra time or space. It will be easier to fall into your pace if you’re around people the same speed as you. It may feel crowded at the start, but will space out quickly as the race gets started.
Please note: 5K distance is equivalent to 3.1 miles. The assumed finish time for runners is between 30 to 50 minutes and for walkers from 45 to 90 minutes. The course will close at 9:30 am and vehicle traffic will resume on the course. All participants must cross the end line by 9:30 am.
8:45 am: Kids 75 Yard Dash Start

For children ages 2-5 who wish to participate, this is a short & fast race of speed. Parents or guardians will not be allowed to “dash” with their child due to course safety concerns. They may watch from the sidelines.
9:00 am: 1K Start

All participants start together once the signal sounds. The chip timed bib will start once you cross the official start line. RUNNERS should line up at the forefront. Faster runners will start the race. WALKERS will follow with single walkers at the forefront, then those pushing strollers or with young children, in wheelchairs or anyone needing extra time or space. It will be easier to fall into your pace if you’re around people the same speed as you. It may feel crowded at the start, but will space out quickly as the race gets started.
Participants will be requested to organize themselves with RUNNERS at the forefront. As this is a shorter distance, participants are requested to line up by assumed faster to slower pace.
WALKERS will follow with single walkers at the forefront, followed by people pushing strollers or in wheelchairs and then those with young children or anyone needing extra time or space.
Please note: 1K distance is equivalent to 0.62 miles. The assumed finish time for runners is between 6 – 15 minutes and for walkers from 10 to 30 minutes. The course will close at 9:30 am and vehicle traffic will resume on the course. All participants must cross the end line by 9:30 am.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
In case of severe weather, the event may need to be postponed to a later date or cancelled. All participants and parties involved will be informed with as much prior notice as possible or Friday, September 9 at 7:00 pm at the latest. In case of light rain or drizzle, the event will be paused until it passes and the ground on route is determined to not be wet or slippery nor pose a risk of fall or injury to participants. Registration fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation and will be given as donation to the beneficiary, Chi-Care.
CHILDREN
Children and babies are encouraged to participate! However, children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. If a parent plans to run or walk in an event, they must ensure that any non-participating children are supervised by another adult. Strollers are allowed on the 1K and 5K course.
SPECTATORS
Non-participating family and friends are encouraged to come and cheer on the participants! They may be present alongside the course as long as they are not on the paved course nor grass for the safety of all. Hand-held signs are welcome. Please note that no vehicles may be present on the course and the roads to access the course are closed by 7:50 am.
MEDALS
Awards will be given to the top two male and female finishers overall and in specific age brackets for the 1K & 5K Race, as well medals for all participants in the Kids’ Dash.
SPONSORS

Thank you to our amazing sponsors for their generous donations, special offers, and gifts for our beneficiary Chi-Care and event!
Baitulmaal ¨IFANCA ¨Oak Brook Smiles ¨MUHSEN ¨Motiva Law ¨Fatima Foods ¨
Islamic Relief ¨Avicenna Health Center ¨Pete’s Fresh Market ¨Premier Physical Therapy ¨
Oak Lawn Health Mart ¨Melt ‘n Dip ¨Cinnabon ¨Pizza Track ¨Brookhaven Marketplace
DONORS
Thank you to the following donors for their generous special offers and gifts for our participants!
Kabob Q
Teriyaki Madness
Trader Joe’s
Med and Spa
Oberweis
Chick Fil-A
Chase Bank Burr Ridge
Chicago Bears
Chicago Wolves
Chicago White Sox
Lou Malnati’s

End of Summer BBQ
2022-09-17 17:00 - 20:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Join The Mecca Center for our end of summer member appreciation bbq. We are looking forward to having our community members join us for this fun packed evening. A fun time for the whole family, with bouncy houses for the kids, delicious drinks, food, desserts and more. Get your tickets now!

Community Night - The Quran - Our greatest gift from Allah
2022-09-23 19:00 - 20:00 | IL
The Mecca Quran Institute & Transformative Tarbiyah Initiative presents – “The Quran” our greatest gift from Allah. Join Shaykh Omar Hedroug, Shaykh Jafar Hawa and Shaykh Tariq Musleh for our monthly community night. Join us, Friday September 23, at 7pm!

Reviving Quranic Companionship - Workshop
2022-09-24 09:00 - 16:00 | IL
Join Mecca Quran Institute and Transformative Tarbiyah Initiative for our monthly reviving quranic companionship workshop. Come join our community leaders as we dive deep into topics such as reviving our worship, revving our character and much more. Come revive your relationship with the Quran. We look forward to welcoming our community members September 24th.
