South Florida Muslims say Islam does not recognize ISIS

Terrorist attacks in Paris 'hurting' Muslims in community

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Nearly 100 Muslims gathered together in prayer Friday at the Darul Uloom Institute in Pembroke Pines.

It is something they do every Friday, but with the recent terrorist attacks in Paris claimed by ISIS, fear is casting a cloud over their faith.

"A lot of people are very scared," Shaikh Shafayat Mohamed told Local 10 News. "I'm hearing girls are wanting to take off their hijab. They're scared to go to the mall because people are harassing them. People are looking at them in a very funny way, saying condescending things. It is really hurting."

Mohamed said ISIS is not a part of the Islamic faith.

"Islam does not recognize ISIS," he said.

Pedro Rivera said ISIS is a misinterpretation of the Muslim faith.

"Unfortunately, right now the opinion (that) has been spread throughout most of the world is that Muslims are violent, we're dangerous, we're terrorists, and this couldn't be further from the truth," he said.

Rivera admits that he and fellow Muslims can do a better job of helping others understand his religious beliefs.

"We as Muslims can do a better job of teaching that the people that you see on TV, you know, they don't represent us," Rivera said.

Follow Shyann Malone on Twitter @ShyannMalone

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ISIS-affiliated attackers killed at least 129 people in Paris Friday in coordinated attacks at six locations throughout the city. The attacks set off police raids, arrests and other detentions in France, airstrikes in Syria against ISIS and condemnation around the world.