The Mecca Center

The Mecca Center Board of Trustees Elections
2024-11-14 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
📢 The Mecca Center Board of Trustees Elections are happening on Thursday, November 14th! This is a pivotal moment to shape the future of our community. Mark your calendars and make sure your voice is heard—every vote counts! 🗳️✨ Click here to learn more on our candidates!
General Assembly:

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Voting:

Ballots available from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (early voting) and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

**Voting Eligibility: Only members in good standing for two consecutive years (dues paid by October 31, 2024) are eligible to vote.**

Parallels of Perseverance: Qur’anic Paradigm for a Modern World
2024-11-15 18:30 - 2024-11-16 22:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
The Mecca Center is excited to collaborate with Yaqeen Institute and local Chicagoland religious leadership to present a weekend full-length program on Qur’anic application in the modern world.
The program is split out as follows, and registration is required for both days (fee required only for Saturday, as dinner will be provided and it is a full-day program.)
Friday, 11/15: 6:30-9:30 PM
Saturday, 11/16: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Please reach out to aymin@meccacenter.org and ghada@meccacenter.org with any questions.

Fall Harvest Kitchen
2024-11-17 15:30 - 17:30 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Join us for a heart-healthy cooking session led by expert registered dietitians! Learn how to incorporate the latest research-based practices into your meals with guidance from Lama Mrayati, RDN, MS, LDN, Sima Al Safadi, RDN, and Noha Elsharkawy, MA, MS Dietetics Student. Elevate your cooking and nourish your heart!
Registration required | $10 per person
Children under age 12 must be with an actively participating adult due to open fire.

Mecca Center Clothing Drive for Families in Need
2024-11-25 15:00 - 2024-11-27 21:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Help Us Support Families in Need! 🧥👕👖
The Mecca Center is hosting a Clothing Drive for Families in Need to support those affected by the recent fire in Hinsdale Lake Apartments.
📅 Dates: Monday, November 25 – Wednesday, November 27
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: The Mecca Center, 16W560 91st St, Willowbrook, IL
We’re accepting gently used or new clothing and gift cards (restaurants, gas, or Visa) to help families rebuild.
Priority Items Needed:

Baby clothes (5T, 4T, and 2T)
Boys’ shirts (small, medium, large)
Girls’ shirts (small, medium, large)
Women’s clothing
Gift cards

Community Food Basket Packing
2024-11-27 18:00 - 20:00 | IL
Join us before the holiday as we pack food and care packages to support local families affect by the recent fire.

ConverTsations: Navigating the Holiday Season
2024-12-01 17:00 - 18:30 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Join us at The Mecca Center for ConverTsations: Navigating the Holiday Season – Faith, Friendships, and Family on Sunday, December 1st, from 5:00–6:30 PM in the Banquet Hall. This engaging discussion will explore how Muslims can maintain relationships with non-Muslim friends and family while staying true to their faith during the holiday season. Hosted by Irene Kapustina, with special guests Donna Neil-Demir and Shaykh Nazir Chahin.

Refreshments by Han Cafe. Open to everyone! Registration required

Adult Mental Health First-Aid Training: MHFA
2024-12-07 09:00 - 17:00 | IL
MHFA is an evidence-based certification program, which introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health issues. Join us for an in-depth training on Saturday, 12/7 from 9-5 to become certified in mental health first-aid care. The certification costs $20 per person and includes the following:
-Pre-training online training modules (must be completed before the training)
-Full 9-5 in-person training on 12/7
-Post-in-person training modules online to finalize certification
Please register by 11/26 if possible to leave enough time for the organization to setup your profile. Feel free to reach out to aymin@meccacenter.org with any questions.

Interfaith Book Club: Safiyyah's War
2024-12-07 14:00 - 16:00 | IL
Connect with those across faiths to build bridges of understanding through discussions of chosen books in our collaboration with First Church of Lombard. This meeting’s book of discussion will be: Safiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan. This will take place on Saturday 12/7 at 2:00 PM.

Fall of the Assad Regime: Assessment and Call for Hope
2024-12-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Fall of the Assad Regime: Assessment and Call for Hope
Join us on Monday, December 9th, 6-8 PM at The Mecca Center for an insightful discussion with Ghassan Hitto, President of the Syrian Forum. The Syrian Forum Tema will discuss what is happening on the ground in Syria.
📍 Location: The Mecca Center
🖱️ Registration required

Community Majlis: Celebrating the Liberation of Syria
2024-12-13 19:00 - 21:30 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Community Majlis: Celebrating the Liberation of Syria 💚🌙
This special event will feature Hadith reading on the virtues of Al-Sham and its people followed by reflections from distinguished scholars: Sh. Tariq Musleh, Sh. Yousef Wahb, Sh. Kifah Mustapha, Sh. Mohamed Abbas, and Sh. Jafar Hawa
📅 Date: Friday, December 13th
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Location: The Mecca Center
Let’s gather for a night of spiritual growth, heartfelt connection, and community bonding. The program will include Hadith reflections, nasheed, dhikr, qiyam, and a chance to connect over refreshments. 🌟

Mecca Quran Institute Girls Info Session: College and Young Professionals
2024-12-14 11:00 - 13:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
🌸 Calling all college girls and young professionals! 🌸 Join us for an exclusive info session with the Mecca Quran Institute! 📖✨
📅 Date: Saturday, December 14th
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Room 161 (MPR)
Learn more about exciting opportunities just for you! Don’t forget to fill out the survey with the button below and join our WhatsApp group for updates (QR code in the image). See you there! 💫
Survey

Introductory Principles of Islamic Thought with Sh. Yousef Wahb
2024-12-14 13:30 - 17:30 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Join us for a thought-provoking session on the “Introductory Principles of Islamic Thought” at The Mecca Center on Saturday, December 14th, from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Guided by Sh. Yousef Wahb, this program will delve into foundational questions in Islamic theology and law, offering insights for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Islamic beliefs and principles.

Registration is required | Childcare is available for $10, last day to register your child is December 13th

MQI MEMORIZATION CONTEST
2024-12-15 00:00 - 2024-12-22 00:00 | IL

Moments With The Messenger of Allah
2024-12-16 19:00 - 2025-02-24 20:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Delve into the rich tapestry of the Prophet’s life every Monday starting at 7PM ! Join us for a weekly halaqa as we explore the Seerah with depth and devotion. Don’t miss this opportunity to nourish your soul and connect with the legacy of the Prophet PBUH. See you there!
No registration required. Open to all!

MVMT: Middle School Girls Wicked Ball Field Trip
2024-12-18 19:00 - 21:00 | IL
Join us for a middle school sisters-only night of fun at Wicked Ball game and entertainment center in Lombard from 7-9PM on 12/18. Space is limited, register here! Please reach out to Anse Sarah or Anse Aseel with any questions.
IMPORTANT NOTE: After registering, you must fill out this waiver/form to be able to attend
Registration Waiver/Form

Know Your Rights: Workshop & Discussion with Joe Milburn
2024-12-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Mecca Center, 16W560 91st Street,, Willowbrook, IL, 60559-2304, United States
Join The Mecca Center and CAIR-Chicago for an empowering evening designed to educate and inform! This workshop is an essential opportunity to:

Learn about your rights as citizens, green card holders, activists, and more.
Engage in a meaningful discussion to ask critical questions and understand what’s at stake as we approach the next four years.

Date: Thursday, December 19th
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: The Mecca Center
Our guest speaker, Joe Milburn, Esq., a CAIR-Chicago staff attorney, will lead the session and provide expert insights. Registration required.

MVMT: High School Sisters Ceramics Painting
2024-12-21 09:00 - 13:00 | 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
