Posted at: 09/23/2012 10:57 PM
Updated at: 09/24/2012 8:56 AM
By: Katie Eldred

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Local Muslim Groups Speaks Out Against Middle East Attacks

(ABC 6 News) -- Americans in the middle east are being killed. All over a video, produced in the U.S., depicting the prophet Muhammad as a womanizer, and child molester.

Local Muslims are speaking out about the situation.

The Rochester Islamic Resource Group held a an informational open forum session Sunday.

What they really wanted to spread was a little understanding, both of maybe why the protests are happening, as well why those violent actions do not represent Islam.

"The actions we are seeing, the violence the killing is not Islamic," said a speaker.

While the movie that sparked the violent protests did offend most Muslims, the Rochester Islamic Resource Group wanted to make sure their neighbors understand how they feel about it.

"I can understand the emotions that all the protesters have, but I cannot understand their actions," said Rashed Ferdous.

As a member of the Islamic Resource Group, Ferdous says violence is never the answer. While he was deeply offended by the movie he hopes it will spark some needed discussion about Islam.

"We take it as a test from god and the way we deal with it is we respond to evil with something that is much better," said Ferdous.

The discussion also covered why these protesters may be blaming the U.S. for the movie.

"In those countries here is no sense of freedom of speech to the extent of people here," said a speaker.

Most importantly Rashed wanted to explain why the profit Mohamed is so important to the Muslim community, and that violence is not something the prophet would have supported.

"Even his enemies or the people that did not like the prophet, trusted him," said Rashed.

The discussion sparked even more questions about the Islam faith. Many of the audience members felt there should be more events like this.

"When bad things happen you respond with something good you make something better come out of it, that just seems universal, this is exactly what this gathering was about," said Kileen Smyth.

"I hope people can put a face to the faith, it's a seed for the good future," said Ferdous.

The Islamic Resource Group welcomes everyone to reach out to them for any questions or information you may be looking for. They are hoping to have more discussions like this in the future.