Midstate Muslim Community Reacts to Ft. Hood Attack - Erika Kurre

As the military tries to make sense of the massacre, Middle Tennessees Muslim community is fearing a backlash.

Although local leaders here have disowned the alleged shooter, they fear some may not believe Islam is not a religion of violence.

Tonight, they are increasing security at midstate mosques and schools.

An after-school snack is part of this American Muslim family's daily routine, as are the teachings of Islam.

American Muslim mother Aneeqa Arain says, "Even if somebody says something bad, just stop there and don't answer them. Ignore that."

Arain says her religion preaches peace and tolerance.

Violence, like Thursdays shooting at Ft. Hood, is against her religion.

Midstate Muslims say it's unfortunate that the suspect, Army Major Nidal Hasan, belongs to their faith.

Islamic Center of Nashville Amir Arain says, "This has been reiterated throughout the nation that the Muslim community condemns such kind of an act-- what a horrible act, a cowardly act."

With five prayer services during the day, the focus now is to condemn this most recent violence.

Arain says, "The sermon specifically said this was not reflective of the Muslim community. We are peace-loving people, not violent people and this person we completely disown and is not a representative of the Muslim community here in the United States."

But they fear some Americans won't understand that and are worried about violence directed at American Muslims.

This is one of 4 mosques in Nashville-- all with heightened security, serving thousands of Muslims living in the midstate.

There are about 20,000 American Muslims living in and around Nashville.

They say local Muslims were targeted after the 9/11 attacks.

Amir says, "There was some stone-pelting, our sign was stone-pelted and certain glasses were broken in another mosque here and some people behaved really rudely by some passerby's."

They're using security cameras and have requested extra police patrols around their mosques and schools.

This, while heartbroken to know someone of their faith is capable of such violence.

Aneeqa says, "Even the kids saw the news and they're upset too."

Amir says, "We express our deep condolences to the family of the deceased and wounded and we pray for them and for the wounded, we pray for their speedy recovery."

Arain says American Muslims do not plan to isolate themselves after this massacre.

They hope to be proactive and reach out to educate others about their faith.Midstate Muslim Community Reacts to Ft. Hood Attack - Erika Kurre

Posted: Friday, November 6 2009, 07:49 PM CST