The Masjid Omar Ibn Al Khattab sits at the intersection of Exposition Boulevard and Vermont Avenue, just a stone’s throw from an E (Exposition) Line stop. This iconic mosque, crowned with a vibrant green dome and accompanying minaret, towers over the surrounding streetscape.  Constructed in the early 1990s, it is one of just a handful of buildings in Los Angeles County built with the express purpose of being a mosque.

The history of the building goes back much further—to 1977, in fact, when a local benefactor donated the land based on a desire to uplift the Muslim community in Los Angeles. Her donation led to many others, along with untold hours contributed by hundreds of volunteers. As a result of the financial contributions and hard work of the community, the beautiful sanctuary and community space emerged as a South LA landmark.

Today, the 40,000-square-foot mosque and gathering place serves the USC community and greater South Los Angeles area with a commitment to fostering dialogue and building community. Its programs, open to the public, encompass Islamic education, youth leadership training, outreach activities, and discussions on religion’s role in serving the population in the 21st century. The Masjid Omar Ibn Al Khattab stands as a testament to the power of unity and perseverance in realizing a vision of faith and community.