Detroit area Mosque condemns San Bernardino terror attack

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. - A Dearborn Heights Muslim leader dedicated part of his weekly sermon to condemn the massacre in San Bernardino.

The Imam is calling for religious and political leaders to unite to help prevent the next attack.

"They think every Muslim is an Isis, is a terrorist," said Imama Mohammed Ali Elahi. "As a matter of fact it's just the opposite."

It is prayer time at the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights Friday. Members are turning to prayer to find comfort after the San Bernardino attacks that left 14 people dead and 21 injured.

"This week we used part of the service to offer our prayers to people whose hearts are broken in this tragedy," said Elahi.

Investigators say that one of the shooting suspects pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in a Facebook post before being killed in a gun battle with police. Some members say incidents like the shooting can lead to stereotypes about the Muslim community.

"It's our duty to reach out and talk to neighbors and community and reach out, and be engaged with the media and make sure that the message is known we are for peace, love and solidarity," Elhai said.

At the Islamic House of Wisdom, members say they will continue to use prayer and education to help highlight what they say is the true meaning of Islam.

"If you want to see how Islam is represented than come to our mosques," said worshipping member Ali Shebley. We are the biggest testament to Muslim community."