Islamic group holds 'Rally Against Hate' in Dearborn

Organizers say Dearborn event spurred by recent world events

DEARBORN, Mich. – The Islamic Center of America is organizing a Rally Against Hate event to combat hate with goodwill, fellowship and peace, the center said.

Hundreds gathered outside the Dearborn center Friday afternoon and evening.

The ICA said the organization was motivated to plan the event by recent world events and films and cartoons about the Prophet of Islam.

"The level of freedom to express one's views in any country is judged by how all expression is protected, including abhorrent speech that is considered hateful. However, those who produce and promote expression that is hateful and which has no redeeming value, other than to promote division and encourage bigotry, should be put on notice that good people of faith will not stand idly by and allow hate to triumph over truth, love and respect," organizers said.

During the past 10 days more than 40 people have died as a result of the video, including the U.S. ambassador to Libya.

ICA leaders said the purpose of the event is to convey the message that "every faith tradition has a place at the community table to engage in civil dialogue and the exchange of ideas in a civilized way, as was the tradition of the founders of all the worlds great faiths."

ICA's web site says one of the group's purposes is to "educate the American society about Islam and the Arab culture."