Feisal Abdul Rauf

In the Muslim world, there are many people who have been vocal and we have been very vocal against extremists. But how to win this battle is an ongoing battle. And we must continue to wage the battle for peace.

The battleground has been moderates of all faith traditions in all the countries of the world against the radicals of all faith traditions in all parts of the world.

We’ve got to be fair. You can’t say a place that has strip joints is sacred ground. We’ve got to be just. We’ve got to speak the truth. We’ve got to have justice for everybody. We’re a country of justice for all, not justice for non-Muslims only or some groups and not for others.

We are not going to toy with our religion or any other. Nor are we going to barter. We are here to extend our hands to build peace and harmony.

My life has been devoted to peacemaking.

I have never made a threat. I’ve never made a threat, never expressed a threat, never – I’ve never – I would never threaten violence ever, because I am a man of peace, dedicated to peace.

In spite of the polls, the fact is that American Muslims are very happy and they thrive in this country.

One of the misperceptions that exists in the Muslim world, which needs to be fixed, is the perception that Muslims in America are – are – are living in – in very, very, very bad circumstances. They cannot practice religion freely. It is not the truth at all. The fact is, we are practicing. We fast, we pray, we do our prayers.

We are Americans. We – we – we are – we are doctors. We are investment bankers. We are taxi drivers. We are store keepers. We are lawyers. We are – we are part of the fabric of America. And the way that America today treats its Muslims is being watched by over a billion Muslims worldwide.

I condemn everyone and anyone who commits acts of terrorism. And Hamas has committed acts of terrorism.