Muslim community addresses extremism at Winnipeg forum
Approximately 15K practising Muslims in the province, says Manitoba Islamic Association
People from the local Muslim community gathered in Winnipeg Friday to talk with members of the public about Islam and clarify that the religion doesn't support the violent actions of extremists.
People gathered at the Grand Mosque on Waverly Street Friday night for the open forum on Islam, hosted by the Manitoba Islamic Association.
In the aftermath of the attacks on Canadian soldiers in Ottawa and Quebec, organizers said they wanted to reach out to non-Muslim people to address prevailing fears, common concerns and misconceptions about the religion.
"What's happening in terms of violence in the name of our religion doesn't represent our faith, doesn't represent what we stand for," said Idris Elbakri, president of the Manitoba Islamic Association.
"And so we're hoping to reach beyond the walls of our mosque and invite people in and have this discussion with them."
The Manitoba Islamic Association said there are currently about 15,000 Muslims living in Manitoba.