Speaking at the 47-year-old Islamic Society of Baltimore in Maryland, Obama recognized the rise in anti-Muslim sentiment and violence in the USA, fueled in part by the heated political rhetoric employed by politicians during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Advertisement
“Most Americans don’t know a Muslim person and only hear about Muslims and Islam from the news after an act of terrorism and from distorted media personnel on TV and films”, he said.
To counter perverted versions of their religion portrayed by extremist groups such as Islamic State, Obama urged regular Muslims to “let your light shine”, a Christian expression.
Us President Barack Obama paid his first visit to a mosque in the United States and delivered a speech highlighting necessity of Muslim in the unity of America.
He said those who demonize all Muslims for the acts of a few are playing into terrorists’ hands. “And around the globe, Muslims who’ve dared to speak out have often been targeted and even killed So those voices are there; we just have to amplify them more”.
But the current survey by Pew finds that almost two-thirds of Americans believe the bigger problem is that religion is being used by violent people to justify their actions.
The President referring to GOP Candidate Donald Trump’s call to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the country.
Diament noted that Obama’s visit comes on the eve of his annual address to the National Prayer Breakfast, which is organized by a Christian group.
US President Barack Obama on Wednesday slammed anti-Muslim rhetoric and appealed for tolerance for millions of Muslims in the country during his first visit to an American mosque as president.
In the wake of December’s San Bernardino massacre carried out by a Muslim couple, community leaders warned of a unprecedented increase in Islamophobic attacks.
“An attack on one faith is an attack on all our faiths”, he added.
The speech took place during Obama’s visit to the Islamic Society of Baltimore. But Obama said Wednesday that would give the organizations legitimacy.
“Thomas Jefferson’s opponents tried to stir things up by suggesting he was a Muslim”, he said. “It’s true. Look it up”.
Advertisement
“The notion that they would be filled with doubt, questioning their place in this great country of ours at a time when they’ve got enough to worry about”. “They’re not defending Islam”. “It is also a continuing journey – a journey steeped in American history and tradition”.
