New York, NY –
Dozens of religious leaders gathered on the steps of City Hall today, calling for interfaith harmony in the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks in Mumbai.
For some Islamic leaders, it was a chance to denounce the extremism that has become associated with their faith.
Doctor Khurshid Khan is with the Islamic Circle of North America. He says it's time for genuine scholars of Islam to govern the discussion about jihad, or holy war.
KHAN: There are a lot of conditions about it. But now, it becomes a fashion, when you get frustrated, any place a lot of injustice is done, young people just go out and "Allah hu Akbar," and they start doing something very much against Islam.
REPORTER: Another speaker on City Hall Steps today says Muslim leaders should no longer try to justify terrorism by drawing upon the Koran.
Arun Venugopal is a reporter and the creator of Micropolis, WNYC’s multi-platform series examining race, sexuality, religion, street life and other issues that define New York City. He has been with the station since 2005, and has covered a wide range of stories, including the death of Sean Bell, the controversy over the Park 51 mosque and community center and Occupy Wall Street .
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