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Sep 25, 2009 4:16 pm US/Central
Group Uses Billboards & Ads To Educate About Islam
By Arezow Doost
NORTH TEXAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
While driving around Dallas/Fort Worth you may have seen the billboards. The signs encourage understanding Islam. The group behind them says they need to educate people about the religion -- especially after this week's terror plot.
It's a simple statement, which some in the Muslim community say needs a response. "Hundreds of thousands of people are driving by and taking a look and somewhat getting the message," explained Mohammad Barney with the Islamic Circle of North America.
The messages are plastered on billboards and ads on buses, with the word Islam in big bold letters and a phone number you can call.
The Dallas chapter of the Islamic Circle of North America is the group behind the advertising and members are hoping to clear up misconceptions about the religion. "The word terrorism and that the religion is a violent religion is a major misconception," said Barney. "When people do call and find out what Islam really is, they find out that it is more a religion of peace, and family, and society and living together with everyone."
North Texans are talking about the ads. "I would give it a try," said Manny Greer.
Some people just wish the Muslim community would be more vocal. "Don't hide behind billboards. Come out, invite people who are Christians into your church to learn a little bit more about who you are and what you stand for," said a North Texas driver who saw one of the billboards.
Another North Texas driver, Manny Greer, told CBS 11 News, "If Christians, Protestants, everybody else is making their opinion about what's going on, they should come out and clarify their stance on Jihad."
The ads are just one way Barney says the Islamic Circle of North America is using to continue to educate the public. "Something like this [the billboards] just provides people an avenue, especially with something like this, to call and ask questions."
Click here for more information on the billboards.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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