Friday is their holy day, so area Muslims chose that day to again denounce terrorism, preach a sermon of peace and forgiveness and hold a moment of silence for those who lost their lives on Sept. 11 last year and their loved ones.

"This sad act has affected us all," said Dr. Mohammad Shakil, speaking to about 20 Muslims who attended the service Friday at the Islamic Center of Cape Girardeau. "This whole year we have condemned terrorism of any kind. Islam does not support any violence or terrorism."

Shakil, an area physician, served as the service's "imam," or prayer leader. While it was a regular Friday service, the theme seemed tailored to the year anniversary of Sept. 11, when Islamic extremists crashed planes into the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

"Our religion stands for peace," Shakil said. "If people are using religion to their nefarious ends, that is wrong, whether it's Islam, Judaism or Christianity."

They prayed for those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, turning toward Mecca, Islam's spiritual center, in Saudi Arabia. The men lined up in one section of the mosque while the two women who attended were separated from the men by a partition. Shakil also talked about responsibility during the 30-minute service.

"Everyone is responsible for the welfare of others," he said. "We will be accountable for the welfare of the fold. We are shepherds to our brothers and sisters. Islam teaches us wrong from right. If we do wrong, that would negate what we believe in as Muslims."

After the teaching, they observed a moment of silence for victims of Sept. 11.

The Islamic Center will be holding a mosque open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 29 so interested people can tour and ask questions about the American Muslim community and Islam. Discussions on Islamic beliefs will be discussed, and Islamic books will be on display. There will also be samples of food from around the Islamic world.

Ali Laheb, a 27-year-old Muslim originally from Yemen, said he was glad the service Friday centered on Sept. 11.

"It is right to show our sympathy to the American people for that sad act they faced that day," he said. "As a Muslim, what happened is not part of our vision. That certainly was against our belief."

Ismeth Abbas, a physician, said he wanted to respect and honor victims of Sept. 11.

"Just like everybody else," he said. "We are sad and we are doubly sad because people used our religion for their madness."

Abbas said that since moving here from India in 1997, he has come to believe that the United States is the best place to practice Islam.

"In other places, even in some Muslim countries, they follow rigid rules that Islam does not ask you to do," he said. "Here, we can practice our religion however we want."

Mohammad Abukhudeir said that people should understand that all Muslims are not terrorists.

"Anybody who believes in God shouldn't believe in killing," he said. "Allah gives life and takes life. You are not Allah and I am not Allah. We feel for every New Yorker and the other victims. But we shouldn't have to apologize for what someone else did."

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