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Pittsburgh Muslim's Contributing. #RSPCT #AllColors #AllCultures #AllCreatures #AllFaiths.

  • Writer: Jon Litle
    Jon Litle
  • May 7, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: May 11, 2023

Following the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh on October 27, 2018, the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh (ICP) expressed solidarity with the Jewish community and offered its support. The ICP set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the victims and their families, which ultimately raised over $200,000. Members of the ICP also attended vigils and memorial services for the victims, and the center organized a fundraising event in collaboration with a local synagogue and church to benefit those affected by the tragedy.


In addition to these efforts, the ICP also organized a "Meet a Muslim" event in which members of the community were invited to visit the center and learn more about Islam and the Muslim community in Pittsburgh. The event was aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding in the wake of the shooting. Overall, the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh played an important role in supporting the Jewish community and promoting unity and compassion in the aftermath of this tragic event.


Long Tradition of Creating better Communities - The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh is Incredible.


The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh has contributed in many ways to the city of Pittsburgh, including:

  1. Interfaith Dialogue: The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh has been actively involved in interfaith dialogue and has worked with other faith communities to promote understanding and respect between different religions.

  2. Community Service: The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh has a strong commitment to community service and has organized many events and activities to help those in need. They have provided free meals to the homeless, organized blood drives, and participated in many other charitable activities.

  3. Education: The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh has a strong focus on education and has organized many programs and events to promote learning and understanding. They offer classes on Islamic history, culture, and tradition, as well as language classes in Arabic.

  4. Advocacy: The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh has been actively involved in advocacy work and has worked to promote social justice and equality. They have advocated for the rights of refugees and immigrants, and have worked to combat Islamophobia and discrimination.

  5. Disaster Relief: The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh has provided support and assistance in times of disaster, both locally and internationally. They have organized fundraisers and relief efforts for victims of natural disasters and other crises.

There have been several significant Muslims in Pittsburgh's history. Here are some notable individuals:

  1. Ibrahim Hooper: He is a prominent civil rights activist and the spokesperson for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

  2. Imam Hamza Perez: He is a Muslim chaplain at the University of Pittsburgh and a community leader who has worked to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.

  3. Dr. Ayman Al-Hendy: He is a renowned researcher and physician who has made significant contributions to the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

  4. Mohammad Ashraf: He is a successful businessman and philanthropist who has worked to support various charitable causes in Pittsburgh.

  5. Rabeea Collier: She is a prominent attorney who has worked to defend the rights of Muslims and other minority groups in Pittsburgh.

These are just a few examples of the many significant Muslims who have contributed to Pittsburgh's history and community.


There have been several Muslim athletes in the past who have played for Pittsburgh teams, including:

  1. Hamza Abdullah - former NFL safety who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011.

  2. Ibrahim "Abe" Kasim - former football player for the University of Pittsburgh, who played professionally in the Arena Football League and Canadian Football League.

  3. Nasir Robinson - former basketball player for the University of Pittsburgh, who played professionally overseas.

  4. Khem Birch - professional basketball player from Montreal, Quebec who played college basketball at the University of Pittsburgh for one year before transferring to UNLV. He currently plays for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA.


There have been several examples of Muslim or Islamic activism making Pittsburgh a better city such as:


  1. The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh has also been involved in interfaith activities, such as participating in an annual walk to raise awareness of hunger and poverty.

  2. The Muslim Association of Greater Pittsburgh has held events to educate the public about Islam and to promote interfaith dialogue. They have also provided support to refugees and immigrants.

3. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has a chapter in Pittsburgh that works to defend the civil rights of Muslims and to promote understanding of Islam.


4. The Pittsburgh Islamic Center has also been involved in community service activities, such as organizing food drives and blood drives.


Overall, Muslim and Islamic activism in the Pittsburgh area has focused on building bridges with other communities, promoting interfaith understanding, and advocating for the rights of Muslims and other marginalized groups. Many of the heroic civic and community initiatives don't make any headlines. They are just acts of compassion and kindness that is positive for Pittsburgh. More information - https://www.icp-pgh.org/ Food insecurity - https://www.icp-pgh.org/social-services/

 
 
 

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