Masjid Omar ibn al-Khattab

Masjid Omar ibn al-Khattab was the first mosque in California to be specifically designed and built for the purpose of being a mosque. The mosque is situated adjacent to the campus of the University of Southern California (USC), and opened its doors in 1994, on land bequeathed in 1977 by a mother whose children were studying at USC. The mosque is part of the Omar Ibn al-Khattab Foundation, a non-profit Muslim organization based in Los Angeles and established in 1982.The mosque is currently one of only a few mosques in Los Angeles county with a traditional minaret and dome, and its green dome is an architectural landmark on Exposition Boulevard. In addition to prayer space, the mosque also serves as a community center for both Muslims and non-Muslims. The multipurpose hall and classrooms are often used by a variety of local non-profit groups, including the ILM Foundation and public agencies such as the Los Angeles Unified School District.Sources:Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement. "Partners." Accessed January 5, 2015. http://www.usc.edu/org/cmje/about/partners/.Heft, James. Passing on the faith transforming traditions for the next generation of Jews, Christians, and Muslims, 115. New York, NY: Fordham University Press, 2006.Omar Ibn al-Khattab Foundation. "The Masjid." Accessed January 5, 2015. http://www.omaribnalkhatab.org/Culture/MasjidOmar.htm