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Edmonton Mosque Mourns Victims Of Paris Attacks

A sign outside the mosque read "Love for all, hatred for none."
PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 15: The French flag at half-mast above the military school, located in 7th Arrondissement of Paris, on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. At least 120 people have been killed and over 200 injured, 80 of which seriously, following a series of terrorist attacks in the French capital. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
Xavier Laine via Getty Images
PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 15: The French flag at half-mast above the military school, located in 7th Arrondissement of Paris, on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. At least 120 people have been killed and over 200 injured, 80 of which seriously, following a series of terrorist attacks in the French capital. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)

Members of Edmonton's Muslim community came together to pray for peace mourn the victims of Friday's attacks in Paris.

Crowds gathered at the Al-Hadi Mosque Sunday to pay respects to over 120 victims who were killed in a series of terrorist attacks in the French capital.

"I'm trying to comprehend why these people, [the] so-called Islamic State, in the name of the religion which I preach and practice, which I believe is peaceful — I've practiced this for 72 years now — why they are using the name of Islam to cause such an atrocity," Mohyuddin Mirza, the community's outreach director, told Global News.

Imam Nasir Butt told the Edmonton Journal it was important to condemn the attacks, and remind others that Islam is a peacful religion, not represented by those involved in the Paris attacks.

A sign outside the mosque read "Love for all, hatred for none."

It's not the first time that the mosque has worked to combat a backlash against the Muslim community.

In March, the mosque opened its doors to the public after a group linked to al-Qaeda appeared to call for an attack on the West Edmonton Mall.

Samina Mian, one of the Muslims who attended Sunday's event, said it was a great chance to dissolve stereotypes. She told CBC News that she often worries that hearing about extremist groups on TV is the only experience many have of Islam.

“Respect, respect for other religions, respect for other cultures, and that's what real Islam is, respect,” Mian said.

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Vigils Across Canada In Light Of Paris Attacks

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