US Muslim leaders hope to improve understanding, dialogue nationwide

This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service - if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at http://ift.tt/jcXqJW.

Tuesday 22 Dec 2015 - 12:27 Makkah mean time-11-3-1437 Image from internet Austin, Texas (IINA) - Members of the Islamic community in America noted that the recent attacks around the world, and a divisive political climate, harm their image, Time Warner Cable News reported. The members said that they want Americans to separate them from the few extremists using Islam as the reason for their violence. "Muslim-Americans are very concerned with the recent rise in violence and hatred directed at our community members," said Altaf Husain with the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). Husain is calling on Muslims nationwide to reach out to their neighbors and dispel the misconceptions. The U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations wants to register a million new voters and hosts open mosque days. The Nueces Mosque in Texas is Austin's first mosque. It opened in 1988 a couple blocks west of the University of Texas at Austin campus. Since then, about a half dozen mosques and Islamic cultural centers have opened across the region. But Imam Shaykh Mohammed-Umer Esmail says this may be the most challenging time to be a Muslim in America. Esmail said events at Nueces Mosque have educated many non-Muslims. "We have to transform the challenges into opportunities," he said. Esmail also said that Islam teaches to combat evil with kindness, hoping the Islamic community of Central Texas (ISCCT) will be encouraged to have more outreach efforts. "Many members of the Austin community from all walks of life religious and non-religious have reached out to us," said Esmail. Starting a conversation, he says breaks down barriers created by misunderstanding. Religious leaders say they want to stop radicalization caused by isolation. They are calling on people of all faiths nationwide to watch for people who've been marginalized and try to include them. SM/IINA