The Construction Effort Continues at Masjid Bilal Islamic Center
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Masjid Bilal Islamic Center
After years of effort involving fundraising and construction, Masjid Bilal officially opened in December 2023. The grand opening drew city officials, interfaith leaders, and Muslims from across the nation. The mosque, with its distinctive dome and a 65-foot minaret—the tallest in California—revived a key place of worship and solidified Masjid Bilal as a beacon of spiritual strength and Muslim American identity.
The rebuilding of the structure—on the same Central Avenue site where their original masjid once stood—marked a powerful moment of renewal, affirming the community’s resilience and unshakable spirit that has defined Masjid Bilal's history for nearly 70 years.
As Masjid Bilal plans to develop a new community center, it honors its history while focusing on the future. This next chapter involves more than just constructing buildings—it aims to foster opportunities, strengthen relationships, and address the needs of a diverse and changing city. In this way, Masjid Bilal stays loyal to its fundamental goal: serving as a spiritual sanctuary, a hub of education, and a catalyst for unity, dignity, and change in South Los Angeles and beyond.
"Our next step is to demolish the remaining old structure and start building this impressive multi-level community center, which will be located between the masjid and the school," stated Hesham Sitita, the project's construction manager.
Nonetheless, with a project shortfall still exceeding $1 million, the completion of Masjid Bilal Islamic Center depends on the generosity of committed believers.
"We need everyone's help to bring this project to fruition. This center will benefit generations of Muslims for many years, and your reward from Allah will be ongoing," added Sitita.
The community center will function as a vibrant hub hosting youth activities, health and wellness programs, interfaith discussions, and cultural celebrations. Its aim is to serve not just Muslims but all residents of South Los Angeles, continuing the masjid’s legacy of community empowerment and civic engagement. Under Imam Abdul Karim Hasan's visionary leadership, the construction of Masjid Bilal Islamic Center will serve as a beacon of faith in the city.
"This will be a place where people can come and be oriented toward the knowledge of the universality of Al-Islam and the faith of revelation," Imam Hasan stated. "Helping the community...this is the way we are supposed to be. We are supposed to be the best we can be in the face of God... and at the same time, help those in need."
Since 1999, the Bilal community has been dedicated to developing its masjid and community center. The journey began in 2007 with the completion of the Bilal Learning Center, a modern educational facility.
The next phase was the construction of a new masjid and community center. On December 1-3, Masjid Bilal Islamic Center celebrated the grand opening of its new structure, built from the ground up on Central Ave in Los Angeles.
A distinguished group of dignitaries and politicians, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and 9th District LA Councilman Curren Price, attended the inaugural ceremonies and met with the community's longtime religious leader, Imam Abdul Karim Hasan.
"It was important for me to be here today to welcome the community," said Mayor Karen Bass. "It was a tremendous honor to meet with Imam Hasan. He gave me a tour of this beautiful mosque, and I look forward to coming back to worship here with everyone."
Even as the new mosque opened its doors, Masjid Bilal’s leadership began laying the groundwork for the next phase of their vision: the construction of a new community center adjacent to the masjid. The project reflects Masjid Bilal’s unwavering mission: to uplift, educate, and unite.
"Please, please, we need your help and support," emphasizes Ahmed Radwan, chairman of the Fundraising Committee.
"Brothers and sisters, this is your opportunity for eternal and recurring blessings. Do not fool yourself into thinking you still have your life ahead of you. We do not know if we're going to make it tomorrow. Please, we ask each of you to help us, help yourself, and share this opportunity with everyone you know."