Masjid Bilal Islamic Center is the oldest identifyable Muslim community in the city of Los Angeles. They are currently beginning re-construction of a beautiful new Masjid and Community Center, which will be located on their historic South Los Angeles location. Final design plans have been submitted to the Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety by project designer Asad Khan, President of Langdon-Wilson International Architectural Firm.
The new masjid complex will be re-constructed on 56,000 sq. ft. of debt-free land owned by the Masjid Bilal Islamic Center community. Upon completion the facility will encompass an entire city block at the intersection of Martin Luther King Blvd. and Cental Ave.. The rich history and tradition of Masjid Bilal, located in the in the heart of South Los Angeles, spans more than a half-century.
Masjid Bilal has been an intricate part of L.A. history for over sixty years. The community began in a house. Out growing the house the community moved into a storefront. Soon the growth was so overwhelming the decision was made to purchase a very large two-story building at 5606 Broadway. After a decade of growth, which included the opening of a parochial school, the congregation needed more space.
In May of 1973, the Muslim community purchased and took possession of an historic 40,000 sq. ft. three-story brick building located just a few miles from downtown Los Angeles, on an acre of land for $180,000.00. With Brothers working day and night, the building was completely remodeled to accommodate the religious and educational needs of the community.
During the 80's several strong earthquakes rumbled through Los Angeles. Masjid Bilal was especially hit hard and had to be demolished. That would begin the community's quest to construct a new religious, educational and business complex. In 1999, Asad Khan was contracted to design a 3-phased plan for the property. With the help of Councilwoman Rita Walters, the City Zoning Commissioner issued the community official approval for the plans.
Phase one was to build a modern state of the art 16 classroom educational facility. The school building, named Bilal Learning Center, would take nearly seven years to complete. The project was completed with financial support from Saudi Arabian Businessmen and women, grants from the Islamic Development Bank of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Mohammed Dakhil, Dalal Muhtadi, Talal Zarif and the good charitable believers of Masjid Bilal Islamic Center.
The sixteen-classroom school building was completed in 2007, with the help of Saudi Arabia businessmen and women, Grants from the Islamic Development Bank of Saudi Arabia, Sheik Hajj Muhammad Dakhil and Family, Sister Dalal Muhtadi and Masjid Bilal Islamic Center members.
The new Masjid Bilal Islamic Center complex will serve as a permanent testament to the contributions and history of Muslims in Los Angeles.
With Allah's help, the community will continue forging ahead towards the future with the same energy and determination that has defined it for more than a half-century. Everyone is invited to join and support this monumental task.
Donations can be made securely, directly through the Masjid Bilal website
