The Mecca Center

MVMT: High School Sisters Ceramics Painting
2024-12-21 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | IL
Join us for a high school sisters-only ceramic painting at Color Me Mine in Schaumburg on 12/21 at 9AM. Space is limited, register here! Please reach out to Anse Bayan with any questions. Transportation will be provided. Busses will leave The Mecca Center back parking lot at 9:15am. Please be sure to come on time. We will be having Portillo’s pasta and Crumbl Cookies.

An Evening of Divine Voices at The Mecca Center
2024-12-28 16:30 - 19:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Join us at The Mecca Center on Saturday, December 28th from 4:30PM – 7:00PM for a unique program designed to nurture a deep muhabbat (love) for the Quran and Adhan. Discover what it takes to recite the Quran and deliver the Adhan with beauty and tranquility. Learn about the various maqams (melodic styles) of the Adhan, appreciate the spiritual tones of Quranic recitation, and explore the profound lessons they carry.
Led by:
Hafiz Bunyamin Topcuoglu – Imam of the Ayasofya Mosque / Istanbul
Mustafa Alphayta – Muezzin of Grand Camlica Mosque / Istanbul
Hafiz Nurullah Celebi – Imam of Diyanet Center of America
Registration is required

ConverTsations: Challenges of Being a Convert's Child
2024-12-29 17:00 - 18:30 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
The Mecca Center invites you to an in-depth discussion on Sunday, December 29th at 5:00PM where we will be exploring the joys and challenges faced by the children of converts. This session will focus on the unique struggles these individuals encounter and how they navigate their journeys.
Event Details:

Host: Beverly Thomas
Guests: A panel of individuals who are children of converts.

This is a community event open to everyone. Come listen, learn, and engage as we explore these meaningful stories and shared experiences.
Refreshments provided by Han Cafe

MVMT: High School Guys Qiyam
2024-12-30 20:00 - 23:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
High School Guys! 🌙✨ Ready for an epic night of good food, fun activities, and meaningful connections? Join us at The Mecca Center on Monday, Dec 30th, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM for an unforgettable Qiyam featuring a Q&A with Shaykh Tariq Musleh. Don’t miss out!
Registration required

Family Calligraphy Workshop with Haji Noor Deen
2024-12-31 17:00 - 20:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Family Calligraphy Workshop ✨🖌 Join us on Tuesday, December 31 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM for a beautiful evening of Arabic calligraphy at The Mecca Center!

Families of all ages — from kids to adults — are invited to explore this timeless art form with the renowned Haji Noor Deen.
Light refreshments and pizza will be served!

Event is free, but registration is required.

MVMT: Middle School Boys Qiyam
2025-01-04 20:00 - 22:30 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Middle School Boys! Spend a late night at the Masjid filled with friends, faith, and fun! Join us for an exciting Qiyam at The Mecca Center on Saturday, Jan 4th, from 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM, featuring a Q&A with Shaykh Tariq Musleh. Don’t miss out! 🌙🙌
Registration required

Tafsir Surat Al-'Alaq in English with Dr. Ahmed Arafat
2025-01-05 13:30 - 15:30 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
🌟 Join us at The Mecca Center for an enlightening Tafsir session on Surat Al-‘Alaq with our resident scholar, Dr. Ahmed Arafat! 🌿 📖
📅 Date: January 5, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 Room 160
Dive into the profound meanings of Surah 96 and deepen your understanding of the Quran. Open to all—don’t miss out! ✨

A Sacred Journey: Fiqh of Ramadan
2025-01-07 19:00 - 2025-02-25 20:00 | IL
Prepare your heart, mind, and soul for Ramadan with this transformative 8-week semester led by Shaykh Omar Hedroug and Shaykh Tariq Musleh.
📖 Learn the rulings, spiritual essence, and significance of Ramadan as we alternate classes between the Islamic Center of Naperville and The Mecca Center.
📅 Start Date: Tuesday, January 7th
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Venues: Alternating between ICN (75th) and The Mecca Center
Register Here

MQI Women Program: Introducing Our Women's Program
2025-01-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Join us for an inspiring morning with the MQI Women’s Program! Enjoy a cup of coffee, uplifting discussions, entertainment, prizes, and more! Featuring a lecture in Arabic by Dr. Ahmed Arafat .
📅 Thursday, January 9th
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 The Mecca Center Banquet
Babysitting available (ages 3-6) for $10
Register now at: bit.ly/MQIWJ25

CIOGC Parental Workshop Series: Understanding and Addressing Bullying and Islamophobia
2025-01-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Join us for a transformative 3-session series addressing Bullying, Islamophobia, Gender Identity, and LGBTQ issues in our schools. Learn from educators, counselors, Imams, and school officials to protect your child’s well-being and guide them through today’s complex world.
🗓️ SESSION 1: Understanding & Addressing Bullying and Islamophobia  Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Only a FEW seats remain – Register Today! https://tinyurl.com/snh8489p

Shaped by the Quran with Dr. Ahmed Arafat for High School & College Students
2025-01-12 13:30 - 2025-02-16 14:30 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Shaped by the Quran with Dr. Ahmed Arafat for High School & College Students
As we face important and challenging situations in life, we need to remember something that gives us direction, comfort, purpose and hope. This course seeks to equip students with the greatest thing to remember–Allah’s Words. In each class, we study, memorize and reflect on the richness and power of one single verse that shapes our hearts and informs our behavior.
Sundays, January 12th – February 16th | 1:30PM – 2:30PM
Meeting in room 160
No registration required | Open to brothers and sisters

TGL Faith & Family Nights: Community, Love and Togetherness
2025-01-12 18:00 - 2025-02-23 20:00 | IL
✨ Join us for Faith & Family Nights: Community, Love, and Togetherness! ✨
Featuring inspiring talks by Shaykh Tariq Musleh, Shaykh Omar Hedroug, Shaykh Rizwan Ali, and Shaykh Ubaydullah Evans, this series is all about strengthening our bonds as families and as a community.
📅 Mark your calendars:

Sunday, January 12th | 6:00 PM @ ICN – Masjid An Noor
Sunday, January 26th | 6:00 PM @ The Mecca Center
Sunday, February 16th | 6:00 PM @ ICN – Masjid An Noor
Sunday, February 23rd | 6:00 PM @ The Mecca Center

💻 RSVP now: tinyurl.com/TGLFamily
A collaborative effort by The Islamic Center of Naperville & The Mecca Center. Let’s come together and grow in faith and love!

Voices in Action with Wesam Shahed and Nader Hamdan
2025-01-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Join us for Voices in Action 🗣️✨ as we dive into the critical updates on national and local politics in the first 100 days of President Trump’s administration and beyond. 🗳️ Stay informed, get engaged, and learn from experts like Wesam Shahed, Political Strategist, and Nader Hamdan, Civic Engagement Director.
Wesam Shahed is a first-generation Palestinian-American from Chicago, Illinois. He serves as the Senior Legislative Counsel at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office (he will not be speaking in his official capacity or on behalf of the AG Office for this event). Previously, he was a prosecutor and Policy Advisor with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO), the second-largest in the U.S. Named among the Arab American Foundation’s “30 Under 30,” Wesam recently gave a TEDx Talk on criminal justice reform, “Does Justice Always Require a Conviction?”
He also served as Finance Director for the first Muslim and Palestinian American elected to the Illinois House Legislature in 2023 and has held executive roles with the ACLU of Illinois, the Arab American Bar Association, the Muslim Bar Association, the Arab Business Professional Association, and the AB Korkor Mental Health Foundation.
📅 Monday, January 20th
🕖 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 The Mecca Center MPR
Let’s amplify our voices together! Registration required

لقاء الإيمان with Dr. Ahmed Arafat: A monthly gathering for sisters, conducted in Arabic.
2025-01-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
لقاء شهري للأخوات باللغة العربية يسلط الضوء على القضايا الإيمانية والاجتماعية التي تهم الأسرة المسلمة
A monthly gathering for sisters, conducted in Arabic, focusing on spiritual growth and discussions on socially relevant topics.

The fourth Wednesday of each month with Dr. Ahmed Arafat | Room 160
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Baraem PTA: Mom's Night Out
2025-01-24 18:00 - 23:00 | IL
Content is protected.

Interfaith Book Club: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
2025-01-25 14:00 - 15:30 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
📚 Join us for an inspiring Interfaith Book Club discussion on Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates! 🌍 Let’s build bridges of understanding across faiths through meaningful conversations.
🗓 Date: Saturday, January 25th
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM
📍 Location: First Church of Lombard
About the Book: Between the World and Me is a 2015 nonfiction book written by American author Ta-Nehisi Coates and published by Spiegel & Grau. It was written by Coates as a letter to his then-teenage son about his perception of what the feelings, symbolism, and realities associated with being Black in the United States are.
Registration required

ConverTsations - A Book Like No Other: The Miracle of the Quran
2025-01-26 17:30 - 19:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
All of our community is invited to this exciting ConverTsation on Sunday, January 26, 5:30-7pm in the Banquet Hall.
Please join us for a discussion with Dr. Mustafa Khattab, a scholar and the translator of The Clear Quran, about the miraculous nature of the Quran and how to build a personal relationship with the book of Allah. The discussion will specifically address the context in which New Muslims and non-Arabic speakers in general grow their relationship with the Quran.
About our esteemed guest:
Dr. Mustafa Khattab is a published author, public speaker, Fulbright interfaith scholar, and member of the Canadian Council of Imams. He received his Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. in Islamic Studies in English with Honours from Al-Azhar University’s Faculty of Languages & Translation. Dr. Khattab was a member of the first team that translated the Ramaḍan night prayers (Tarawiḥ) live from the Sacred Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. He is the translator of The Clear Quran (2015), the author of The Clear Quran Tafsir for Kids (4 volumes, 2019-2023), The Clear Quran Dictionary (2020), The Clear Quran Made Easy: Story-Based Tafsir (2023), and The Clear Sirah for Kids: 365 Days with the Prophet ﷺ.

Volunteer Appreciation and Information Dinner
2025-01-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Join us for an evening in honoring our volunteers for the work they have done this past year, and inviting interested volunteers in learning how they can be part of the Mecca volunteer family!
📅 January 30th
⏰ 6 PM – 8 PM
📍 16W560 91st St, Willowbrook, IL
**Please note that this event is for current volunteers or those interested in volunteering at The Mecca Center. We will have a registration booth for those that are interested.**
Let’s honor the dedication of our volunteers and explore how you can make a difference.
Registration required

Anchored by the Quran
2025-02-07 18:00 - 22:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Anchored by the Quran 🌟
The Quran was not just meant for the first few generations, rather it was meant for all of humanity for rest of time ⏳, serving as an anchor for us in every situation. Its verses provide the clarity we seek when faced with decisions, the peace we need when our hearts are troubled, and the inspiration to pursue righteousness 🧭.
✨ Join us for our upcoming Miftaah Circle, Anchored by the Quran, where we will go over the countless wisdoms contained within the Book of Allah. InshaAllah, we will be joined by an illustrious lineup of scholars including Mufti Aasim Rashid, Mufti Hussain Kamani, Mufti Abdur Rahman Waheed, Shaykh Suleiman Hani, and more!
📍Chicago, IL
🗓 Friday, February 7th, 2025
🕔 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
✍ Register at Miftaah.org/anchored

3rd Annual Quran Competition
2025-02-08 09:00 - 16:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Please buy the correct ticket for the correct contest.
For contestants that are part of any Mecca center program, like MQI, Blossom, MVMT or Sunday schools and Youth Programs. No refund if registrant is not part of the Mecca education programs or for cancelations.

Voices in Action with Wesam Shahed and Nader Hamdan
2025-02-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
🗳️ Make Your Voice Heard! 🗣️
Join us for “Voices in Action” on February 14th from 6-8 PM at The Mecca Center. Discover why the upcoming April 1st local elections matter to our Muslim community and how YOU can make a difference.
Gain insights from Political Strategist Wesam Shahed and Civic Engagement Director Nader Hamdan as they discuss key positions like school board and mayor, and the importance of our involvement.
Registration required

MQI Quran Competition Celebration 2025
2025-02-15 16:00 - 19:30 | Hinsdale South High School, 7401 Clarendon Hills Rd, Darien, IL, 60561, United States
Quran Competition Celebration 📖✨
Join us on Saturday, February 15, 2025, as we celebrate and recognize our talented contestants in the 3rd Annual Quran Competition! 🏆
The celebration will have 2 sessions
First session Pre K -4th Grade: Doors open at 4:00 PM and celebration will end at 5:30 PM
Second session 5th Grade – Adult: Doors open at 5:40 PM and celebration will end at 7:30 PM
Registration required
📍 Hinsdale South High School – 7401 Clarendon Hills Rd, Darien, IL 60561

Parenting Workshop: Protecting Children in Modern Times
2025-02-15 17:00 - 19:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Parenting Workshop at The Mecca Center 🌟
Join us on Saturday February 15, from 5-7 PM at The Mecca Center for a powerful workshop designed for parents of teenagers. Led by Shaykh Amer Jamil & Sumbla Qureshi from Glasgow, Scotland, this session will provide tools and insights to help you support your child through today’s challenges.
Topics include:

Strengthening your connection with your teen
Understanding how to reach your child’s subconscious to guide them effectively

The workshop includes an interactive Q&A and an opportunity for one-on-one consultations with the instructors.

Limited spots – only 30 attendees per session
Parents only need to attend one session
Financial assistance available – email info@taleefcollective.org

Presented in collaboration with Taleef Collective, The South West Organizing Project, Seldon Institute, Lighthouse Mosque, and San Ramon Valley Islamic Center.
Register Here

Chaplains on Campus: Nurturing Faith and Community in Higher Education
2025-02-16 17:30 - 19:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
📢 Chaplains on Campus: Nurturing Faith & Community in Higher Education 🎓✨
Join us at The Mecca Center on Sunday, February 16th, from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM for an inspiring talk with Chaplain Patricia Anton! 💬🌟
Discover the vital role of Muslim chaplaincy in supporting students as they navigate faith, identity, and campus life. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from her extensive experience!
📍 The Mecca Center
🗓 Sunday, Feb 16 | ⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Mental Health Chai Chats: Springing Into Ramadan
2025-02-19 18:30 - 2025-02-20 20:00 | IL
Join us for an enlightening mental health series focused on preparing ourselves appropriately for Ramadan. Our very own Shaykh Tariq Musleh will be hosting guest speakers from a variety of mental health and wellness organizations doing great work for our communities each Wednesday at 630 until 2/19! Registration is required for a nominal fee and childcare is available for a fee as well. Please reach out to info@meccacenter.org if you require financial assistance.

Ramadan Volunteer Info & Training Session
2025-02-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
We will be discussing Ramadan at The Mecca Center, including the roles and responsibilities involved, expectations and incentives, and addressing any questions you may have. This will be an opportunity to gain clarity, understand your contributions, and ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.
🕛 Friday, February 21st from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 The Mecca Center Room 151
Registration required

Mecca Connect Ramadan Souk
2025-02-22 11:00 - 17:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
It’s back! Ahlan, Ahlan Ya Ramadan Souk! 🌙✨
Join us on Saturday, February 22nd from 11 AM to 5 PM at The Mecca Center for our second annual Ramadan Souk! 🕌🛍️ Get ready to shop stunning Ramadan decor, discover unique artisan crafts, browse stylish hijabs, enjoy delicious treats, and so much more! It’s the perfect way to prepare for Ramadan while supporting local vendors and connecting with our amazing community. 💛
Date: Saturday, February 22nd
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Unfortunately, we have reached full capacity for vendors at the Ramadan Souk. We apologize for any inconveniences.

Story Time & Activities with Shifa Saltagi Safadi
2025-02-22 12:00 - 16:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
📚✨ Meet the Author: Story Time & Activities! ✨📚
Join us during the Ramadan Souk at The Mecca Center for a special event with National Book Award Winner Shifa Saltagi Safadi!
📖 The Gift of Eid – 12:00 PM (Ages 4-8)
📖 Kareem Between – 2:00 PM (Ages 9-14)
Enjoy an engaging author reading, craft activity, discussion, and poetry session—plus a book signing after each session! Don’t miss this inspiring experience for young readers!
📅 Saturday, February 22
📍 The Mecca Center, MPR (Room 160)
🔗 Registration required

TGL Sisterhood: Ramadan Ready
2025-02-22 15:00 - 17:00 | ICN Masjid an Noor, 3540 248th Ave, Naperville, 60564, United States
Join us for a special TGL sisterhood pre-Ramadan session to uplift, inspire, and prepare our hearts for the blessed month ahead! 💫 We’re excited to welcome Ustadah Lena Tleib for an enriching discussion, along with Taraweeh totes, a coffee cart, and more!
📅 Saturday, February 22nd | 3:00 PM
📍 Masjid An Noor (ICN), Naperville, IL
🔗 RSVP: tinyurl.com/tglramadan
👭 Open to sisters ages 25-40
👶 Childcare available

Zakat Seminar with Dr. Ahmed Arafat
2025-02-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
🌙 Ramadan Kareem! Join us for an enlightening Zakat Seminar with Dr. Ahmed Arafat at The Mecca Center on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 7-8 PM CST!
🔹 Understanding eligibility criteria
🔹 Step-by-step Zakat calculation
🔹 Modern applications (cryptocurrency, stocks & more)
Hosted in collaboration with Zakat Chicago and CIOGC, this session will help you fulfill your Zakat obligations with confidence.
📍 The Mecca Center, Willowbrook, IL
🔗 Register now: bit.ly/ZakatS1
