Detroit area Muslims call for peace, decry Chattanooga violence
The investigation continues into what led a Chattanooga man who identified as Muslim to go on a shooting rampage leaving killing four Marines.
Local Muslims in southeast Michigan are moving forward and embracing their traditions while combating negative stereotypes about them.
"We take five steps forward but then these things bring us back unfortunately," said Fatima Salman of Michigan Muslim Community Council. "It makes it harder but we have to keep moving,"
At the Muslim Unity Center mosque in Bloomfield Hills it's prayer time
"In our sermons we made sure we spoke out against this violent act," said Imam Mohamed Al-Masmarii of the Michigan Muslim Community Council. "We hope that people can know we stand strongly against acts like this as Muslims."
But the executive director of the Michigan Muslim Community Council says it's crucial people do not allow acts of violence by any one Muslim to tarnish their community and what it represents.
"He doesn't represent Muslims," said Al-Masmarii. "Michigan is one of the largest Muslim communities in America and you see the peace we have here."
The deadly shooting took place during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. A time when many Muslims fast to learn self-respect, self-discipline and self-restraint.
On Friday many Muslims marked the conclusion of the holy month with the Celebration of Eid
As Ramadan comes to an end, this community admits it's difficult to celebrate in wake of a tragedy.
"It really shocked the community and in a way it really changed the vibe where we were excited that everything was calm," he said. "So it was a shock for the Muslim community."
As the FBI investigates the shooting to see if it was an act of terrorism, local Muslims say eduction is what promotes understanding and erases fear.
"If people give us opportunity to explain and also be generous enough to listen to what we have to say. In times we have to explain certain things, we hope people listen to us and not (just) hear us."