ORLANDO, Fla. — Muslim communities in central Florida are reacting to Donald Trump’s controversial comments and his call for an outright ban on allowing Muslims to enter the United States.
The Republican presidential front-runner made the comments during a campaign stop.
“This morning when I was getting out of my house, I looked around. I usually never do,” said Dr. Wajeeh Bajwa, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and member of the Baitul-Aafiyat Mosque in Orlando.
He and other members of his mosque are on high alert following statements made by Trump on Monday.
“It definitely puts us in a different situation,” Bajwa said
While many Muslims worry their safety is at risk, they also worry the comments may have helped ISIS in the recruiting process.
“They (ISIS) will take that clip and play it over and over again. That will put people over the edge and move them toward ISIS,” said Bajwa.
Trump proposed banning Muslims from entering the United States and is working on a plan that would focus attention on mosques like the one Bajwa attends.
“We have to look at mosques. We have no choice. We have to see what is happening because something is happening in there. Man, is there anger,” Trump said.
Bajwa said the mosque will have someone at the front door during service in addition to the security cameras and alarm system.
He wanted to emphasize that terror is not what his religion is about.
“ISIS is taking Islam’s name and abusing it for their own interest,” Bajwa said.
While he said the comments made by Trump may draw negative attention to his mosque, he said he invited anyone unsure of his religion to stop by and ask questions.
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