Who we are
As-salamu-alaikum – May Allah’s Mercy and Peace be with You.
Mahdavia Islamic Center of California (MICCA) was established in 1991 by dedicated Mehdavi families to serve the community in California. As Mehdavis, we follow the Quran, the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), and believe that Syed Mohammed Mahdi Maood (AS) from Jaunpur-India is the Promised Mahdi. Alhamdulillah, we have been blessed with many families who are dedicated to this cause and have contributed in many ways to our community’s growth and enhancement.
Our Tasbih
La Ilaha Ilallah Muhammaddur Rasoolullah
Allahu Ilahuna Muhammaddun Nabiuna
Al Quran Wal Mehdi Imamana Amanna Wa Sadaqna
There is no God but Allah and Muhammad (SAWS) is the Prophet of Allah.
Allah is our God and Muhammad (SAWS) is our Messenger
Al-Quran and Al-Mahdi (AS) are our guide. We believe in them and we have spoken the truth.
Our Core
At its heart, MICCA is an organization based on core values that keep us grounded and focused. These values do not change with time but only get deeper. As we continue in their light, they reveal our true character. Our core values are derived from the guidance in the Quran, the Sunnah, and the teachings of Mahdi Maood (AS). In addition to the five pillars of Islam- Shahadah, Sawm (fasting), Hajj, Zakat (charity), and Salah (obligatory 5 times prayer)- and the six articles of faith- Belief in one God, His Angels, His Books, His Prophets, Day of Judgement, and Destiny – our defining core values include the teachings and practices of Mehdi Maud (AS):
Tawakkul (Complete Reliance on Allah)
Tawakkul or complete reliance on Allah (God) has been prescribed in the Quran and the Sunnah of RasulAlllah (SAWS). In our daily life, tawakkul translates into the deep rooted belief that Allah alone is the source of all good and all sustenance (rizq). For example, we don’t compromise on honesty in business, compassion for a fellow human being, or any other values of high moral grounding such as kindness, loyalty, generosity, keeping your word etc, for any short term worldly benefit.
Sohbat-e-Sadiqeen (Company of the Righteous)
We constantly seek the company of the best to elevate our spiritual, physical, emotional, and social states. In our daily life, seeking the company of the righteous or sohbat-e-sadiqeen translates into seeking the guidance of the experts in their field and finding the best solution if and when a problem arises and constantly being in the practice of seeking out the company of those who lead a principled, kind, and balanced life.
Hijrat (Migration)
Migrating or moving away from that which causes harm, whether it’s a place, person, or thing, is something we actively engage in. We believe that this world belongs to God and there is beauty in every part of it with all people residing in it. Therefore, we encourage ourselves and those around us to explore and seek the vast opportunities for a good life that this beautiful world provides.
Uzhlat-az-Khalq (Retreat)
Seeking Allah’s repentance and remembering him in solace is also something we practice to get closer to Allah. It is encouraged in the Quran, the Sunnah, the teachings and life of Mehdi Maood (as), and research also supports the idea that it is healthy for us to retreat from time to time and reconnect with ourselves and observe the miracle of life around us. To take a break from the day to day grinding busyness of our lives and meditate quietly, to hear our inner thoughts, and align our hearts, minds, and souls with the breath of life and the higher purpose of our being.
Tark-e-Dunya (Renunciation of the World)
Giving up the world and detaching ourselves from the world to seek closeness to Allah. In our daily life, renunciation of the world or tark-e-duniya translates into pure intentions. For example, we try to purify our intentions before everything we do, while taking care of ourselves or those whom we love, for example, we do our best and do it for the sake of God, with no expectation of rewards from the creation.
Zikr-e-Dawam (Constant Remembrance of Allah)
Being in constant Zikr (remembrance of God) is a commandment from Mehdi Maud (AS). We strive to achieve the constant Zikr of Allah in our worship, at our home, in our workplaces, and in our community by striving for the best of etiquette and high morals. As Allah mentions in the Quran, we strive for remembrance of Allah while standing, sitting and sleeping.
Talab-e-Deedar (Desire for Vision)
Ihsan is to worship Allah as if we see Him. We strive for Ihsan in our worship as well as in our daily interactions with the creation – family, friends, community, and with every soul we come into contact with. We follow the teachings of Mehdi Maud AS to have the desire and strive to achieve the highest level or Iman (faith), the vision of God.
Our Logo
Our logo represents our core
The gold and the pink background – The circle itself represents the sun and the colors represent the sunrise and the sunset, the two sacred times of the day when everything is changing and transforming. These are also the recommended times for meditation and Zikr.
The Crescent Moon – The moon represents the lunar cycle and the Islamic calendar that Allah SWT has prescribed for Muslims.
The Tree – Our tree represents fertility and growth. Allah SWT uses trees as a symbol of faith and wisdom at many places in the Quran. A strong tree is an example of a strong faith that gives good fruit. The tree balancing on the moon represents our constant struggle to lead a balanced life.
The Steps – The steps on the tree represent the five pillars of Islam. These are the pillars or steps that we have to climb to get to the top of the tree of faith.
The Branches – The branches of the tree represent the practices of the Mehdavia faith, the seven Faraez-e-Vilayat.
The Buds – The buds represent the youth of our community. These are the fruits of our efforts and duas – the future and continuity of our tree of faith.
The Light – The bright light represents the pinnacle of faith, the Noor of Allah. It represents the ultimate goal in our lives to strive and achieve His vision.