'Rally Against Hate' draws big interfaith crowd in Dearborn - KMSP-TV

An interfaith crowd of hundreds gathered Friday outside the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn. Muslims, Jews and Christians stood side-by-side for peace.

It was a stark contrast to what has been happening around the world where protests have turned violent in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Iraq and other countries. There has been death and destruction over an anti-Islam film produced in the United States and shown on YouTube.

"We Muslims have to condemn this kind of movie, but Muslims should not resort to violence by attacking innocent people and killing the diplomats," said one speaker.

"Prophet Muhammad never returned insults with injury," another speaker remarked.

The religious leaders at the rally called for an end to the violence while condemning the film as hate speech. They also believe those behind the film should be held responsible.

The leaders hope this demonstration of unity will show that people of all faiths can stand together despite their differences.

"People out there always see a negative view of what Islam is. They don't really try to take the time to see what the real Islam is," said Maya Habib, who attended the rally.

"We can respond through using peaceful speech and getting to know each other, even if we don't always agree, but we can respect each other," said Rabbi Dorit Edut.

One of the speakers pointed out there are seven million Muslims in America, but there has been no violence in this country as a result of the film.