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 so…

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 a…

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 thi…

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!Atef Mahgoub

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

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.Atef Mahgoub

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

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

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.Atef Mahgoub

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 …

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…

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 salutatio…

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.Atef Mahgoub

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 .Atef Mahgoub

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 poli…

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 persever…

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

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

Fajr recitation by Sheikh Atef Mahgoub during Ramadan 2014 at the Islamic Center of PittsburghAtef Mahgoub

In this khutbah, Sheikh Atef discusses the historical significance of the Khawarij and their revival that we witness today.Atef Mahgoub

In continuation of his series on the beautiful names of Allah, Sheikh Atef discusses the quality of "Al-Aziz" and our share of this qualityAtef Mahgoub

In this excerpt from his halaqa, Sheikh Atef tells the cautionary tale of Barseesah, a pious monk and a devoted worshipper who, "bit by bit," fell into the traps of the Shaytaan.Atef Mahgoub

In this short halaqa, Sheikh Atef discusses the importance of leadership and honoring positions of authority.Atef Mahgoub

In this short clip from his Pearls of the Qur'an halaqa, Sheikh Atef discusses the above ayah, the miracle of the Qur'an, and its significance for the desert Arabs of the time.Atef Mahgoub

In this short halaqa, Sheikh Atef explains a number of aspects regarding the very controversial word "Jihad," including the true meaning of the word "jihad," self-restraint, conditions for war and rules of engagement, and self-defense. This is a very enlightening talk for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. We pray it is of benefit and helps clear up so…

Beautiful story of justice that illustrates the strength of the principles of the Sahabah, may Allah be pleased with them, as told by Sheikh Atef in his halaqa.Atef Mahgoub

Addressing commonly misinterpreted verse that is often taken as a ruling against having friends who are not Muslim. In this excerpt from a Ramadan halaqa, Sheikh Atef clarifies this misconception, explaining the circumstances behind the breach of the treaty that resulted in this verse being revealed to the Prophet SAW.…

In this short but beneficial khutbah, Sheikh Atef reminds us that witnessing Ramadan is a blessing from Allah SWT, and a precious opportunity for forgiveness.Sheikh Atef Mahgoub

Sheikh Atef's khutbah from June 20 with kind and comforting advice for Muslims new and old. In this khutbah, Sheikh Atef provides examples from the Sahaba (RA) who were, in fact, new Muslims themselves, helping us to realize that we are all inheritors and humble students of knowledge in the face of this great deen.…

Khutbah on the importance of tolerance and moderation in the faith. With short recitation at the end.Atef Mahgoub

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Part of a series of khutbahs on the names and attributes of Allah, by Sheikh Atef Mahgoub of the Islamic Center of PittsburghAtef Mahgoub

Recitation of Surah Mulk by Sheikh Atef Mahgoub during Fajr prayer at the Islamic Center of PittsburghAtef Mahgoub

More in the series of khutbahs on the beautiful names and attributes of Allah SWT. Dated 4/25/14Atef Mahgoub

Following the passing of Nelson Mandela, Sheikh Atef discusses the power of forgiveness with moving examples of the Prophet SAWAtef Mahgoub

The second of a series of khutbahs on the beautiful names and attributes of Allah SWT. Dated 4/4/14Atef Mahgoub

“The mercy of the Most Merciful is perfect and unique.” — Imam Al-GhazaliAtef Mahgoub

Your heart is like a fort, and you need to protect your heart from its enemy, the shaytan. This is how you safeguard the gates of your heart.Atef Mahgoub

Moving khutbah on the life and trials of the Prophet (SAW) and his Companions and the legacy they left behind.Atef Mahgoub

Listen to final part of Sheikh Atef's khutbah series "Understanding Life," based on the story "Oh My Dear Son" by Imam Al-Ghazali.Atef Mahgoub

Listen to Part 2 of Sheikh Atef's khutbah series "Understanding Life," based on the story "Oh My Dear Son" by Imam Al-Ghazali.Atef Mahgoub

Listen to all three khutbahs of Sheikh Atef's series "Understanding Life," based on a story by Imam Al-Ghazali, a discourse of a student's profound thoughts on the realities of this life evoked by deep reflection of verses from the Qur'an. There are many lessons for us all in this story and the khutbah series.…

Recitation of Surah Nazi'at (79) ayah 15-46Atef Mahgoub

"And your Lord will say, 'Ya ahlal jannah, assalamualaikum! - Oh people of paradise, peace be unto you!'" - Sheikh Atef reigniting faith with visions of Eternal Bliss in this unforgettable khutbah from Ramadan.Atef Mahgoub

Short but very sweet recitation of Surah Yasin, verses 59-68 by Sheikh Atef MahgoubAtef Mahgoub

How does one accept Allah's Will when things aren't going one's way? In this khutbah from last Friday, Sheikh Atef discusses Divine Will, contentment, and gratitude to subtly but effectively shift our paradigm from our disappointed hopes to the countless blessings Allah Karim has bestowed on us.Atef Mahgoub