A diverse group gathered at a La Mirada mosque on Sunday afternoon to learn more about the Islam faith.
“Open Mosque Day 2024,” organized by the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, was part of an annual regional gathering with participating mosques. People from Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other faiths were invited to weekend-long community events, which organizers said were meant to combat stereotypes, strengthen community ties and promote an understanding of Islam.
“This past year has been extraordinarily challenging for American Muslims,” said Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Los Angeles branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA), in a statement. “CAIR-LA has recorded the highest number of complaints of anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Arab bias in its 30-year history.”
Over the past year, including the start of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, negative attitudes toward both Muslim and Jewish people have significantly increased, according to the latest report from the California Department of Justice, which looks at statewide hate crimes in 2023.
“In times of hardship, community solidarity has always been a crucial factor, as we continue to create a unified front against prejudice and hate, and this year is no different,” Ayloush said. “The last 12 months have shown us that this form of education and interfaith solidarity is still very much needed.”
At the La Mirada Masjid’s “Open Mosque Day,” leaders discussed the core pillars of Islam and invited visitors into the community.
Other participating mosques and centers in L.A. County included the Masjid Al-Shareef in Long Beach, the Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley in Rowland Heights, and the Islamic Center of Southern California in Los Angeles. On Sunday, the Islamic Center of Riverside and the Islamic Society of Corona-Norco also invited interfaith organizations and residents to tour their spaces.
Across Orange County, participating congregations included Anaheim’s Islamic Institute of Orange County (ILOC), the Islamic Society of Orange County in Garden Grove, the Orange County Islamic Foundation in Mission Viejo, and the Islamic Center of Yorba Linda.
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“This event is not just about educating others about Islam,” said Ayloush. “It’s about strengthening connections, building bridges, and highlighting our shared values of respect, compassion, and tolerance … values that unite us all, regardless of faith or background.”