(Reuters)- A pioneering Muslim university has quietly opened in California, aiming to counter hatred and distrust for Islam by promoting a moderate, firmly American version of the religion.

Although the first class has just 15 students and occupies a rented office space blocks from the University of California campus, Zaytuna College aims to become the first accredited U.S. Muslim university, an equal to academic giants with religious roots like Columbia University and Rutgers.

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