ISLAMIC CENTER OF PITTSBURGH Sound Lights

Friday, April 24th, 2015 was Sheikh Atef's last khutbah as the Religious Director of the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh. He left us with final words of advice from four ahadith that every Muslim should live by. This excellent khutbah is chock-full of wisdom and advice on how to be a better individual for the sake of a better community and a better society as a whole.

No stranger to controversy, Ayaan Hirsi Ali asserts in her newest and most controversial book Heretic: Why Islam Needs a Reformation Now that Islam needs to undergo a drastic reform in order to become compatible with the norms and values a modern and free society. In this Juma'ah khutbah, Sheikh Atef responds to this assertion and takes an honest and unbiased look at the current state of our Muslim communities, arguing that it's not Islam but Muslims themselves who are in need of a reformation. Take a listen and please let us know your thoughts. We always value your feedback.

In this Juma'ah khutbah from March 20th, 2015, Sheikh Atef discussed the meaning of the attribute of Allah "Al-Wahhab," (The Giver) and our obligation of gratitude to Him. In the second part of this khutbah, Sheikh Atef made an emotional announcement to the community about his departure from ICP and what ICP has meant to him.

The so-called "Verse of the Sword" is the oft-cited verse of the Quran that is used by critics of Islam as evidence that Islam is a religion of violence and intolerance that demands Muslims to kill non-believers until they submit to Islam. Is this true? Is Islam as violent as they claim? Sheikh Atef explains the history behind the revelation of this verse and outlines the scholarly opinions of the commentators on this very controversial, oft-misunderstood ayah of the Quran.

In this Juma'ah Khutbah, Sheikh Atef discusses the quality of Allah, "Ar-Raqeeb," or "The Ever-Watchful" as a reminder to us all to "engage with Allah on an everyday level" by being mindful of Him at all times, in public and in private. Remember to share the wisdom!

Beautifully calm recitation of Surah ad-Dukhan by Sh. Atef Mahgoub during Tahajjud prayer last Ramadan.

In this Juma'ah khutbah on "Malcolm X: Man of Legacy," Sheikh Atef talked about the legacy and greatness of Malcolm X - his dedication to the truth, his determination, his will, and his courage in the face of oppression - and the lessons that we today can derive from his extraordinary story. Listen, learn, be inspired, and share the wisdom!

In this emotional Juma'ah khutbah, Sheikh Atef discusses the legacy of Deah, Yusor, and Razan, three students who were shot dead by their neighbor in Chapel Hill, NC. This is a beautiful khutbah with lessons on patience in the face of tragedy, martyrdom, and what it means to live a meaningful life.

In this khutbah, Sheikh Atef discusses trials and tribulations as a means of spiritual elevation.

n this Juma'ah khutbah, Sheikh Atef offers lessons from the Sunnah on how to communicate effectively with one another.

In this Juma'ah khutbah, Sheikh Atef addresses the attacks in Paris on Charlie Hebdo with examples of the patience, tolerance, and forgiveness of the Prophet SAW when he was insulted, defamed, and threatened by the very people in his midst.

Part 2 of 2 of Sheikh Atef's khutbahs on the Rights of the Self, which ended his series of Juma'ah khutbahs on Rights. These two khutbahs introduce preservation of the intellect as a principle in Islam, and discuss the vices which violate this very important principle -- namely pornography, drugs, and alcohol. Even if one doesn't suffer from these addictions, we highly recommend listening to these khutbahs as a reminder that we must always guard ourselves from ourselves-- our temptations, desires, and weaknesses.

By popular demand, we are publishing here Sheikh Atef's khutbahs on the Rights of the Self, which ended his series of Juma'ah khutbahs on Rights. These two khutbahs introduce preservation of the intellect as a principle in Islam, and discuss the vices which violate this very important principle -- namely pornography, drugs, and alcohol. Even if one doesn't suffer from these addictions, we highly recommend listening to these khutbahs as a reminder that we must always guard ourselves from ourselves-- our temptations, desires, and weaknesses.

In this khutbah, Sheikh Atef explains the status of Prophet Muhammad SAW (Peace and blessings be upon him), his rights over us, and rulings on the celebration of his the birth. We hope that this khutbah will bring you closer in your love for the Prophet SAW and inspire you to learn more about him and his teachings, send more blessings and salutations, and increase your practice of his sunnah

In this Juma'ah khutbah, Sheikh Atef explains the etiquette of joking and lightens the mood by relating the sense of humor and jokes of the Prophet SAW, his sahaba, and the shuyookh.

In this khutbah, Sheikh Atef describes signs of the Last Day that we are witnessing all around us, and what our reaction and response should be as Muslims living in the last days .

In this Juma'ah Khutbah, Sheikh Atef discusses Islamic principles of justice and equality in light of a number of recent tragic events that have sparked a nation-wide discussion on racism and police brutality, including the Ferguson shooting, the police shooting dead 12-year-old Tamir Rice, and the choking to death of Eric Garner by a New York policeman.

The anti-Muslim rhetoric that we are bombarded with in the mainstream media can be hurtful, overwhelming, and at the very least tiresome for us to endure on a daily basis. In this Friday khutbah, Sheikh Atef addresses Islamophobia and restores our resolve by reminding us of the Hijrah and the persecution of the early Muslims who "patiently persevered" in their faith, despite being under the most severe attacks. And may Allah keep us all strong in our faith.

Moving recitation of Surah Al-An'aam verses 95-103 by Sheikh Atef Mahgoub of the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh

Recitation of Surah Balad (90) by Sheikh Atef Mahgoub during Mahgrib prayer at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh