Community Iftar Series
2024-04-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | IL
Join us every Monday during the blessed month of Ramadan for an enriching experience with our esteemed special guests: Shaykh Tariq Musleh, Shaykh Noman Hussain, and Qari Sinan Hafez. Prepare to delve deep into the lives and teachings of the noble companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
✨ Journey Through History: Embark on a spiritual journey as we explore the lives and legacies of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab, Uthman Ibn Affan, and Ali bin Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with them). Gain profound insights and lessons from their exemplary lives, filled with unwavering faith, wisdom, and sacrifice.
📜 What to Expect:

Inspirational talks on the virtues and teachings of the companions.
Reflections on their unparalleled contributions to Islam.
Engaging discussions on applying their wisdom to our daily lives.
Heart-touching dua led by Qari Sinan Hafez.
Community Iftar with our brothers and sisters.

🌟 Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your connection with Allah (SWT) and gain valuable insights from the lives of these remarkable companions. Join us for an unforgettable Ramadan experience!

Ceasefire Tour - Sammy Obeid: ZF and Mecca Center Gaza Relief
2024-04-15 19:00 - 21:30 | IL
In light of recent information regarding older content from the main act of the comedy show, the Mecca Center has made a decision to withdraw its sponsorship of the event.
The Comedy Show is still taking place, but under new sponsorship; and individuals who have already purchased their tickets on the Mecca Center website are still valid. CLICK HERE for the new registration page.

Fitness Room Open House
2024-04-21 16:30 - 18:00 | IL
Join us this Sunday, April 21st for our Fitness Room Open House! Check out our state-of-the-art equipment, our hours, and register ON THE SPOT for the first day of opening on Monday, April 22nd!

Mecca MVMT: Sprouts - Earth Week
2024-04-24 18:30 - 20:00 | IL
SPROUTS🌱
New Mecca MVMT monthly program for boys & girls ages 7-9!
Wednesday, April 24th
6:30-8:00 PM
Meet in Back Parking Lot of the Mecca Center
Must Register: Max 50 boys & 50 girls
Join us as we connect with nature, decorate our own pots, and plant seedlings for all to take home 🪴 Shaykh Mohammad will discuss the importance of being Caretakers of the Earth 🌎 and we will enjoy snacks and juice 🧃 together as a group! Please pick-up promptly at 8:00 PM ⏱️

Women's Tatreez Workshop
2024-04-26 18:00 - 21:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Please join us for a night of tatreez and tea! The Mecca Center is proud to host Badan Collective for a tatreez workshop, showcasing the traditional art of Palestinian embroidery.
ABOUT THE CLASS:
This is a beginner’s workshop ideal for those with little to no tatreez experience. There is a 30 minute teaching portion in the beginning where brief Palestinian history is covered, followed by a demo on the mechanics of cross-stitching. The rest of the workshop is hands-on. Students will take home their finished piece.
CLASS DETAILS:
Friday, April 26th, 6-9 pm
The Mecca Center Multi-purpose Room
Women and Girls (16 and up) $30/person
Info: athar@meccacenter.org
Includes a Tatreez Kit (stitching patterns, needle, thread, Aida cloth fabric). No need to bring anything additional to class! Light refreshments served
ABOUT BADAN:
Badan is a creative design house and educational space that equips Palestinians of the diaspora with the access, tools, and knowledge necessary to practice the tradition of tatreez. With every stitch, we mobilize a collective movement, for ourselves and future generations.

One Ummah, One Voice
2024-04-27 19:00 - 22:00 | IL
Join us for a night of empowerment and unity at the Women’s Open Mic event hosted by The Well Circle, Ilham Collective, & The Mecca Center! Let’s raise our voices together and celebrate the power of sisterhood. See you on April 27th, 7-10 PM at The Mecca Center!
Women 18+ performers & spectators welcome!
Details & tickets: thewellcircle.org

From Seed to Table
2024-04-28 15:00 - 16:30 | IL
Discover the delights of gardening together with The Mecca Center at our very first Community Garden Workshop! Bring the whole family for a fun-filled session where we’ll show you how to plant seeds in pots, ideal for nurturing vibrant plants all through the sunny season. All ages are invited to join in on the green-thumb excitement!

3rd Annual Converts’ Conference
2024-05-03 18:30 - 2024-05-05 18:30 | IL
The Mecca Center’s 3rd Annual Converts’ Conference
hosted by the Convert Engagement Committee at the Mecca Center
Steadfast Believers: Facing Adversity with Faith
May 3-5, 2023
Together, we will examine a variety of scholarly and community perspectives on the history of maintaining
unwavering faith in the face of adversity and explore strategies all Muslims can employ today to stay on the
right path.
Friday, May 3 (Prayer Hall):
❖ 6:30-8pm: Community Night with Dr. Ahmed Arafat: Prophetic Examples of Resilience
➢ Lecture and Q&A
Saturday, May 4 (Banquet Hall)
❖ 1:30-2:00 pm: Opening: Registration, Welcome, and Community Engagement Activity
UNDERSTANDING OUR CHALLENGES
❖ 2:00-3:45pm
➢ Mike Swies: Current Challenges of the Convert Community in the Chicago Area and Beyond.
➢ Dr. Will Caldwell: Understanding our Challenges through the experience of the Companions.
➢ Q&A
➢ Practical Workshop: Active Reflection
MEETING THE CHALLENGES
❖ 4:00-5:45pm:
➢ Donna Neil-Demir: Responding to Islamophobia: Prophetic Strategies
➢ Hazel Gomez: Hardship as a Source of Strength
➢ Q&A
➢ Practical Workshop: Role-modeling Tactics, Table Discussions.
❖ 6pm: Asr Prayer
IDENTIFYING STRATEGIES
❖ 6:15-7:50pm:
➢ Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans: Resilience Building Strategies
➢ Panel discussion with the conference speakers (30min)
➢ Conference closing
❖ 7:59pm: Maghrib Prayer
❖ 8:15-9:30pm: Dinner
❖ 9:30pm: Isha Prayer
Sunday, May 5 (Banquet Hall)
6-7:30pm: ConverTsations: Conference Takeaways

Wellness Walks
2024-05-04 08:00 - 2024-05-25 17:00 | IL
🌿 Ready to step into wellness this May? Join us every Saturday for our Wellness Walks! 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just getting started, everyone’s welcome! Let’s stroll together to nourish our minds, bodies, and souls. See you there!
Registration is required- please fill out the google form linked here
Join our whatsapp group for regular updates: HERE

Bouquets and Boba- A heartwarming celebration of motherhood
2024-05-09 16:00 - 18:00 | IL
Mecca Connect invites you to join us for a heartwarming celebration of motherhood with our event “Bouquets and Boba.” Set against the backdrop of love and appreciation, we’ll gather together to craft beautiful flower bouquets and indulge in the delightful flavors of boba.
Mothers play an irreplaceable role in our lives, brightening our world with their unconditional love and nurturing spirit. This event is our way of honoring and expressing gratitude to these incredible women who enrich our lives every day.
Partnering with Boba Heaven and Dessert Cart Rentals, we’ve curated an experience that combines creativity with culinary delight. Get ready to immerse yourself in the art of flower arrangement as you craft a stunning bouquet, while also treating your taste buds to the refreshing sweetness of boba drinks.
Tickets for this special occasion are available for $15, which includes one bouquet and one boba drink per registration. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance!
Join us as we come together to celebrate the mothers who deserve all the love and appreciation in the world. Let’s make this a memorable occasion filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt moments.

Gardening and The Growth Mindset
2024-05-11 17:00 | IL
Join us on Saturday, May 11th, at 5:00 PM for an enriching session with Dr. Mousab Almusaddy and Sister Sabuhi Athar as we delve into the world of gardening and the growth mindset.
Gardening isn’t just about planting seeds and watching them grow; it’s a journey of nurturing, patience, and continuous learning. In this interactive event, we’ll roll up our sleeves and explore the symbiotic relationship between tending to a garden and fostering personal growth.
Dr. Mousab Almusaddy and Sister Sabuhi Athar will share their expertise and insights on gardening techniques, offering practical tips and tricks to help you cultivate a thriving garden. But beyond the soil and seeds, we’ll also delve into the profound lessons gardens can impart on our mental and emotional well-being.
Discover how cultivating a garden can parallel the principles of the growth mindset, teaching us resilience, adaptability, and the power of persistence in the face of challenges. Through engaging discussions and shared experiences, we’ll uncover the transformative potential of embracing a growth-oriented perspective in all aspects of life.
This event isn’t just for seasoned gardeners; it’s for anyone curious about the parallels between nurturing plants and nurturing personal development. Bring the whole family along for an afternoon of learning, inspiration, and connection.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to sow the seeds of growth, both in your garden and in your life. Reserve your spot now and embark on a journey of discovery with us!

Parent and Child Paint Night
2024-05-13 17:00 - 19:30 | IL
🎨 Strengthen bonds and foster creativity! Join Sister Amen Sardar and AbdulAziz Syed, LCSW, School Counselor at MCC Academy, for a memorable Parent & Child Paint Night experience. This event offers more than just painting; it’s a chance to learn valuable communication techniques for your home while engaging in a fun-filled activity with your child. Don’t miss this opportunity for connection, creativity, and growth! You and your child or children will work on separate individual pieces that will come together to create one overall piece of art.

IMPORTANT NOTES: To attend, children must be at least 5 years of age and at most 18 and WITH AN ADULT, and one ticket is required PER PERSON (e.g. separate ticket for parent and child(ren)).

Sister's Fitness Room Orientation
2024-05-15 09:00 - 10:00 | IL
Learn how best to use equipment in our new fitness room, get introduced to the group training classes we’ll be offering, and discuss the role of nutrition with NASM-Certified Personal Trainer Abby Mohammed.

Tatreez and a Talk on Trauma
2024-05-15 18:00 - 21:00 | IL
Join Sister Bayan Fares LSW, Sister Sujod Bdaiwi, and the Badan Collective in partnership with Khalil Center for an evening of healing, resilience, and community connection.
In this unique workshop-style event, we’ll gather together to explore the art of tatreez, traditional Palestinian embroidery, as a powerful tool for stitching resilience and coping with trauma. Against the backdrop of ongoing challenges, particularly the heartbreaking situation in Gaza, we’ll delve into effective coping methods and strategies for healing secondary trauma.
Whether you’re an experienced stitcher or new to the art, all are welcome. Bring your current tatreez project and stitch alongside us, or if you’re just beginning, supplies and instruction will be provided. Just come as you are, ready to engage in meaningful conversation, creativity, and solidarity.
This event is more than just a workshop; it’s a space for community, support, and collective healing. Together, we’ll share stories, insights, and techniques for navigating difficult times with resilience and strength.

Global Clothing Drive
2024-05-18 11:00 - 16:00 | IL
📢 Calling all volunteers! 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ We need your helping hands on Saturday, May 18, from 11 AM to 4 PM! Join us in making a difference in our community. Contact Amna Saeed at (630) 440-0794, Mushtaq Saleemi at (773) 226-3368, or Mobasshir Khan at (331) 315-7937 to sign up!
💲 We’re also accepting donations of brand new or like-new items to support those in need. Check out the list of accepted items and let’s spread some kindness together! Donations can be made online at hhrd.org/In-kind.
❗ Please note our packing instructions to ensure your donations are acceptable. Let’s make a positive impact together!

2nd Annual Mecca Golf Outing
2024-05-19 07:00 - 15:00 | Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort, 3500 Midwest Rd, Oak Brook, 60523, United States
PREPAY MULLIGANS-
$20 Each team can take ONE mulligan per hole on any ONE stroke during the hole (i.e., the drive, the approach, or a putt) for $20. DAY OFF OUTING PRICE IS $30 The team must keep track of their mulligans (MAX 18/Team!). PREPAY UP TO THE DAY OF THE OUTING FOR A DISCOUNT!
PREPAY 300 YARD DRIVE:-
$40 Your team can pay $40 for a 300 yard drive. DAY OF OUTING YOU PAY $60 OR PREPAY UP TO THE DAY OF THE OUTING FOR A DISCOUNT!
Outing/Sponsorship Questions: golf@meccacenter.org

A Journey into the Heart of the Quran
2024-05-19 20:00 - 21:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
By engaging in a deep, contemplative examination of specific passages from the Quran, students can uncover profound truths that have the potential to profoundly alter their spiritual journey.

Weight Management Options: Building a Better You
2024-05-21 18:30 - 19:30 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
On the journey to building a better you? Get expert insights from Dr. Omar Shamsi and Sister Dania Amaira on managing your weight through nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Plus, check out our brand-new fitness facility! All happening on Tuesday, May 21st at 6:30pm.
Dr. Omar Shamsi is a physician specializing in bariatric and obesity medicine currently affiliated with Edward-Elmhurst Health. He completed his internship and Residency at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (Pontiac, Michigan) and fellowship in Bariatric Medicine and Nutrition at Geisinger Medical Center (Danville, Pennsylvania). Currently he holds leadership roles as Medical Director for Bariatric/Weight Management Centers at Edward/Elmhurst Hospitals and is the President of the Illinois Obesity Society. His focus is on providing comprehensive care, including motivation, medical preparation, and mental and physical well-being for patients on their weight loss journey. He lives with his wife Dr Rukhsana Iqbal and three kids and has been a part of the Mecca Center community for the past thirty years

Dania Amaira is a registered dietitian who brings 10 years of experience to the table. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Sciences from Cal Poly Pomona, she specializes in end-stage renal disease and has worked at Davita for 9 years. Her passion lies in promoting fitness, health, and nutrition to help people lead healthy lifestyles. Dania is committed to empower individuals with evidence-based strategies for balanced meals, debunking nutrition myths, and providing practical tips for meal planning and preparation.

Sprouts: 99 Names of Allah
2024-05-22 18:30 - 20:00 | IL
SPROUTS🌱
New Mecca MVMT monthly program for boys & girls ages 7-9!
Wednesday, May 22nd
6:30-8:00 PM
Must Register: Max 60 boys & 60 girls
Join us as we embark on a scavenger hunt, enjoy some nasheed, and learn about the 99 names of Allah 🪴 Shaykh Mohammad will discuss the importance of knowing and understanding our Lord, and we will enjoy snacks and refreshments together as a group! Please pick-up promptly at 8:00 PM ⏱️

Community Health Awareness Program
2024-05-25 11:30 - 13:30 | IL
Join us every other month for a discussion on health, diet, lifestyle, and get a free health and vision screening!
Open to all men and women 18 years and older.

Mecca Center Mosque on 16W560 91st St,
Willowbrook, IL 60527 (lounge in basement)
Free screenings will be offered for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and A1c!
Bring any medications you have and ask questions!
There will be on-site Physician and Pharmacist

Join Us for Spring Community Planting Day!
2024-05-26 15:30 - 18:00 | IL
Date: Sunday, May 26th
Time: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Mecca Center’s Back Parking Lot
Celebrate the season of growth by participating in our Spring Community Planting Day! This is a wonderful opportunity for all community members to come together, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to our communal garden. We will be planting a variety of fruits and vegetables, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Who Can Join?
Everyone in the community is welcome, including families. We encourage parents to supervise their young children to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
What to Bring?
To make our planting day a success, please bring any gardening tools, gloves, and other supplies you have at home. Your contributions will help us make this event productive and fun!
Need More Information?
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Athar at Athar@meccacenter.org.
Let’s plant the seeds of community spirit and watch them grow! We look forward to seeing you there.

A Pure Heart: A Believer's Journey to Refining the Soul
2024-05-31 18:00 - 22:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
The state of one’s heart plays a vital role in a Believer’s overall well-being, influencing both their thoughts and actions. As a result, Believers are encouraged to continuously strive to purify their hearts on their spiritual journey, aiming to enhance the significance of their actions for Allah SWT.
Don’t miss our special session with the renowned Dr. Haifa Younis on May 31st, in Chicago, IL. In collaboration with Miftaah Institute.
Register Here

Mecca MVMT Merch Pre-Order Request Form
2024-06-01 08:00 - 23:30 | IL
We are excited to offer new MVMT merch! Please place orders by June 15th by purchasing pre-order tickets here. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please order a size up than what you’re used to, as the hoodies run small.

Hoodies are available in the following sizes and colors:
Safari Yellow, Olive Green
S, M, L, XL, 2XL

Interfaith Book Club - Mecca Center and First Church of Lombard
2024-06-01 13:30 - 15:00 | IL
Connect with those across faiths to build bridges of understanding through discussions of chosen books! Please join us and come ready to discuss themes and topics that stood out to you most from our first selection: As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh.

MVMT 6th Anniversary - End of Year Celebration
2024-06-01 18:00 - 22:00 | IL
6th Annual Mecca MVMT AnniversaryThe Mecca MVMT team invites you all to an outdoor end of year celebration at The Mecca Center Join us as we showcase the excellent work our community is doing for the youth, by the youth! We will be joined by Shaykh Tariq our founder & beloved Imam, Mecca’s newest addition & Resident Scholar Shaykh Ahmed Arafat, and our Youth Director & Leader Shaykh Mohammad Alshaikh! A night of inspiration, awards, tasty coffee boba and food vendors, and many more surprises await. This event is open to all but limited seats are available so please register asap

4th Annual Graduation Celebration
2024-06-08 14:00 - 16:00 | IL
Join Us for the 4th Annual Graduation Celebration!
Date: Saturday, June 8th
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: The Mecca Center
Get ready to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our high school and college graduates at the 4th Annual Graduation Celebration! It’s a day dedicated to honoring our graduates for their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments.
What to Expect:

Honoring the Graduates: Join us as we shine the spotlight on our outstanding graduates, celebrating their academic milestones and future endeavors.
Gift Cards Giveaway: As a token of our appreciation, we’re giving away gift cards to our deserving graduates. It’s our way of saying congratulations and wishing them success in their future endeavors.
Exciting Raffle Prizes: Feeling lucky? Don’t miss out on our thrilling raffle prizes! From exciting gadgets to valuable gift baskets, there’s something for everyone to win.
Delicious Food & Refreshments: Enjoy a variety of refreshments as we celebrate this special day together. Enjoy a variety of culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds.

Register Now: Secure your spot at the celebration by registering online. Simply scan the QR code or visit www.meccacenter.org to RSVP and join us for a memorable day of celebration and joy.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our graduates and share in their excitement as they embark on a new chapter in their lives. See you at The Mecca Center on June 8th!

Personalized Sisters Fitness and Nutrition Sessions
2024-06-10 09:00 - 10:00 | IL
Sign up for a personalized fitness program for women, which includes: small group exercises twice weekly, nutrition advice, and a WhatsApp group for accountability and advice! Must already be a member of the fitness room at Mecca Center to sign up. Capacity is limited!

Day of Arafah Community Iftar
2024-06-15 19:30 - 22:00 | IL
A day of remembrance, repentance, and reflections. Join us for our “Day Of Arafah Community Iftar” on Saturday June 15th.
The day will include:

Dars: 7:30PM -8:00PM
Community Dua: 8:00PM – 8:28PM
Maghrib Adhan and Salaat: 8:28PM – 8:45PM
Breaking Bread and Building Bonds: 8:45PM – 10:00PM

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for everyone 3 & up. 10$ per person.

Eid Al-Adha Prayers at The Mecca Center
2024-06-16 06:30 - 11:00 | IL
Celebrate Eid with the Mecca Center Family!
Eid Mubarak! Join us on Sunday, June 16th, as we come together to celebrate this joyous occasion at the Mecca Center. We are excited to offer three prayer times to accommodate everyone’s schedule.
Kindly RSVP below to confirm your attendance and let us know which prayer time you plan to join. We look forward to celebrating with you and your loved ones.
Come, be part of the festive spirit and share in the blessings of Eid at the Mecca Center. We can’t wait to see you there!

Eid Dinner Party (6/17/24)
2024-06-17 18:00 - 22:00 | IL
Join us with your friends and family and celebrate Eid al-Adha with Alrayes Catering and The Mecca Center! Aside from dinner, fun activities for children will be available–including a balloon show, face painting, and more! Registration is required to attend.
