Islamic Center of Greater Miami on alert after hateful email

Imam says he told congregation to be patient, calm

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Those who attend an Islamic center in Miami are being more vigilant and aware after receiving an email from a person claiming to hate all Muslims.

The Islamic Center of Greater Miami received another hateful email three weeks ago that wasn't as severe as the latest one. However, the center has not canceled any services or events since receiving it.

"I was very disappointed and very disturbed," Imam Dr. Abdul Hamid Samra told Local 10 News.

The email was filled with language like, "Muslims are evil. I want to kill you Muslims." The email goes on to say, "If you hate Christians so much, then why are you living in a Christian nation? Muslims are inferior."

Samra contacted authorities immediately. The FBI is investigating.

"I talked to my congregation about it and just, you know, gave them the advice to be vigilant and also to be to patient and to be calm, not to be scared," Samra said.

More messages of hate were left just miles away in Cooper City, where a profane message was spray-painted on the NUR Islamic School. Also in Cooper City, several Jewish families received anti-Semitic notes.

"All religions, you know, call for love, especially our Muslims," Samra said. "We respect all the religions and we love all, you know, people of faith."