Each Friday afternoon, a one-story brick building at Bigelow Boulevard and Parkman Avenue becomes a sort of United Nations of Pittsburgh.
More than 600 Muslims representing in excess of 45 countries gather there at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh for weekly Juma’ah prayers. The gathering is an occasion for Muslims to listen as the Imam offers guidance in Islamic teachings and to pray. Worshippers represent a variety of professions. You’ll see students in blue jeans and T-shirts, business professionals in suits, health care workers in scrubs.
Many of those who come to pray have immigrated from countries in conflict with each other. At the mosque, however, such conflict is set aside. “The one thing that binds us is religion,” said Wasi Mohamed, executive director of the ICP. “It’s the equalizer.”
— Steve Mellon
Zayn Elshatby,18 months, of Monroeville, joins in Juma’ah prayers at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh. Up to 700 people from more than 45 countries gather at the Oakland mosque each Friday at 1:10 p.m. for the congregational prayer service.One worshipper reads the Quran shortly before Juma’ah prayers at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh. Up to 700 people from more than 45 countries gather at the Oakland mosque each Friday at 1:10 p.m. for the congregational prayer service.After Juma’ah prayers at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, men greet each other and socialize. Up to 700 people from more than 45 countries gather at the Oakland mosque each Friday at 1:10 p.m. for the congregational prayer service.Up to 700 people from more than 45 countries gather at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh’s Oakland mosque each Friday at 1:10 p.m. for the congregational prayer service called Juma’ah.Up to 700 people from more than 45 countries gather at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh’s Oakland mosque each Friday at 1:10 p.m. for the congregational prayer service.Abdul Rahman Ghaffar, 13, of Greenfield, awaits the start of Juma’ah prayers at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh. Up to 700 people from more than 45 countries gather at the Oakland mosque each Friday at 1:10 p.m. for the congregational prayer service.
Prayerful worshippers crowd together during Juma’ah prayers at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh. Up to 700 people from more than 45 countries gather at the Oakland mosque each Friday at 1:10 p.m. for the congregational prayer service. Gabriel Zaghloul, 3, of the West End follows the lead of his father Abdul in preparing for Juma’ah prayers at the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh.
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