INGLEWOOD, Calif. – In an effort to build bridges and counteract Islamophobia, mosques across southern California welcomed people of all faiths to an Open Mosque Day on Aug. 19.

The event was part of an ongoing educational campaign coordinated by the Islamic Shura Council to dispel stereotypes about Islam and foster mutual understanding in the community.

Hundreds of visitors attended the open houses, which took place at 13 different mosques across Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire, and featured interactive presentations, guided mosque tours, ethnic food, and question and answer sessions.

Attendees included Mayor William Dalton of Garden Grove, Chief John Welters, Mayor Larry Guidi of Hawthorne, Chief Mike Heffner, City Councilmember Gary Parsons and staff members from the office of Congresswoman Jane Harman.

Judy and Steve Gilliland, who attend the Church of Latter- Day Saints, visited five different open houses that day and were pleased with the hospitable reception.

"It was like being with family. We felt that warm welcoming spirit at every mosque we attended and learned different things at each one. I would feel very comfortable coming back because I would be amongst friends," one Gilliland said.

"It is important for people to see past the stereotypes in the press and to realize that there are good people out there who want to build peace together," the couple told InFocus.

At the Islamic Center of Temecula, Imam Mahmoud Harmoush spoke about the basic tenents of Islam and entertained burning questions from the audience regarding Islam’s view on terrorism and the treatment of women.

"Many people had never been to a mosque or even spoken to a Muslim before, so this was our chance to show them that Islam is a peaceful religion that values the sanctity of life of all mankind, and that we are part of American fabric," Harmoush said in an interview with InFocus.

At the Islamic Society of Orange County, visitors were given an Introduction to Islam presentation and invited to observe the Muslim congregational dhuhr (noon) prayer.

Speakers from different backgrounds covered a wide range of topics at the Islamic Center of Hawthorne (ICH). Ammar Kahf, assistant Imam at ICH, spoke about what it means to be an American Muslim and the importance of civic involvement in the community.

Roula Alshanabla, an architectural engineer, spoke about the empowerment of women in Islam and the importance of their participation in society.

AbduAllah Ali, a businessman and basketball coach, talked about his personal experiences as a Muslim convert and how Islam positively impacted his life.

At the Islamic Center of Corona open house, speakers used icebreakers to create an interactive and informal social gathering.

"The Open Mosque is an opportunity for neighbors to meet and get to know one another," said Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ (CAIR) southern California chapter. "After all, people fear what they don’t know. Our best response to ignorance and prejudice is to form friendships and build mutual understanding among Americans."