News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | Oklahoma Muslims React to Obama Speech
Some Muslims say the best first step is to get to know one another in the community, to gain a mutual respect, that will do away with all of the misconceptions.
"I think it was very important for me to witness a speech from President Barack Obama to Muslims around the world, and here in the United States," Muslim American Razi Hashmi said.By Amy Lester, NEWS 9
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Many Muslims in Oklahoma got up early Thursday morning to watch President Barack Obama's speech. They're calling it historic and a step in the right direction.
Many say the President's words are meaningful for the world, and Oklahomans.
The President spoke of tolerance and common threads between Islamic countries and America. He also stressed the need to end stereotyping and fear in the U.S.
Many Muslims woke up around 5 a.m. just to hear the speech.
Oklahomans listened as the President stressed his own responsibility to fight negative stereotypes, saying Islam is a part of America.
"We have to learn there are people who can have other beliefs than us and we can value those people," Muslim American Huma Yasin said.
"The message should be very clear to some of the politicians here that religious tolerance is on the rise and it comes from one of the top leaders in the world," Arif Abdullah said.
Obama also pointed out violent extremists are the minority, a threat he'll continue to confront.
Many Muslims are hopeful the President's message of tolerance spreads around the world, and throughout Oklahoma. That could better improve relationships with countries in the Middle East and change the minds of people who have the wrong idea about Islam.
"Particularly in Oklahoma we have to educate ourselves about what and why other people believe and live their life in the manner in which they do," Yasin said.
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