But after horrific attacks such as the mass shooting in Orlando, followers of Islam are left to defend their faith.
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Omar Mateen, 29, attended evening prayers three or four times a week at the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce, bringing his son who is about four or five years old, the mosque’s imam said.
“The objective of this campaign is to distinguish true Islamic teachings from what these terrorist organizations are using for their extremist purposes”, he said.
American Muslim leaders have also emerged as among the strongest supporters of the LGBTQ community during these hard times.
Connecticut Muslim leaders offered their “deepest sympathies” to families of the 50 killed and 53 injured at a gay night club in Orlando, FL and condemned the actions of shooter.
“I felt in the early stages to address the Muslim community…that having differences with anybody, having differences with another group of people does not allow you to be quiet against injustice, does not allow you to be quiet when it comes to murder”, Salem said.
Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, president of American Islamic Forum for Democracy, called for American Muslims to declare “war” on radical jihadists and to stop being “bystanders”. Several who knew him, including his ex-wife and son, said that they believe Mateen committed the massacre because he was mentally ill, not because of his faith.
Naseer says his heart sank when he heard the news of the shootings in Orlando.
Awad said the shooting is a hate crime, “pure and simple”. And they must disassociate themselves from every type of terrorism and inhumane act.
President Barack Obama called the tragedy an “act of terror and hate”, imploring Congress to curtail easy access to assault weapons like the one used to kill dozens of victims in Orlando, Florida.
“I never expected this”, Rahman said, holding a copy of the Holy Quran in his hand as he spoke with reporters.
“Really, they’re just hijacking the religion”, Salaaqddin said. “We’re obligated to address it and stand against it together as Americans”.
“We have seen the way radical Islamists have treated gays and lesbians in other countries”, Mr. Rubio said.
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“So if you want to grow as a human being, and grow in your positiveness as a human being, and be a productive citizen in the community, then you have to focus in on the positive”, he said.
