TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Local Muslims are voicing their concerns about ISIS. Some members of the Islamic Center of Tucson say they are also targets of the terror group.
Now, they're working to dispel beliefs that all followers of Islam are linked to ISIS.
"They don't belong to Islam," said Manal Tafish in reference to ISIS followers. "Because in our Islam, it's wrong. You can't kill innocent people."
Nine On Your Side sat down with a group of women today who say they too are threatened by the terror group.
Since it's inception, ISIS has killed thousands of Muslims across the Middle East. ISIS followers have been linked to last week's shooting in San Bernardino, California. The attack was the deadliest on US soil this year.
Now, one of the women we spoke to says they fear retaliation as well.
"They consider Western Muslims the bad guy also," said Hawwah Abdullah. "They don't care that it's affecting us. They consider us traitors they consider us not Muslims because we live in these societies. If the backlash from what they're doing affects us they don't care."
As ISIS continues their attacks, that backlash forms growing negative attitudes towards the Muslim community. Members of the ICT say they hope to dispel those rumors and end the false connection between ISIS terrorists and all followers of Islam.
"If you keep on doing the right thing, being a good person, then you know, that actions, your actions have more than just words," said Susan Alhabbal.
The Islamic Center of Tucson released this statement today:
"We, at the Islamic Center of Tucson, are saddened by the horrific actions that took place in San Bernardino, California just a few days ago. It is without hesitation or doubt that we denounce the actions of the perpetrators in this and all acts of senseless violence. Any actions of violence against defenseless civilians are morally repugnant and inexcusable by any definition. The world once again grieves with the families of the victims and we hope that the daily atrocities we have become accustomed to cease sooner rather than later. The responsibility falls on us to spread peace, love and tolerance, while so many are spreading violence, hate and prejudice. Let the voices of reason stand together and triumph over extremism."
