The small Muslim community here in Abilene mourns the lives that were lost in Fort Hood just like anyone else. Local Muslims gathered in prayer for the victims of the Fort Hood massacre and their families.

"We believe that whoever kills a person without cause kills all humanity," said Dr. Mohammad al Sayed, "and whoever helps save one one soul, he saves all of humanity, this is a bad example"

Like many Americans, Abilene's Muslim community condemns Major Nidal Hasan, the man who's suspected of the mass killing on the military base. Hasan is also a devout Muslim.

"I was shocked, and on behalf of the small community of Muslims here in Abilene, we condemn this terrorist act," said Dr. al Sayed.

"It's a lot of grieving, a lot of mourning," said today's prayer session leader Mohammad Zubair Malik, "it should not have happened."

Local Muslims also emphasize that the mass killing has nothing to do with the Islamic faith.

"Islam believes that there should be prosperity," said Malik, "there should be good relations with all communities, whether they are Jews, Hindus, Christians, everybody!"

"This gives a very negative impression of the Muslim faith, it has nothing to do with the faith at all," said Dr. al Sayed.

They say the teachings of Islam are like any other religion.  Many Abilene Muslims say the terrorist acts we see happening are associated with cultural differences, not the teachings of the Quran.

"In any faith, you need to first be good to your neighbors, then you need to be good to yourself," said Dr. al Sayed, "no religion on the face of the earth advocates killing, stealing, or any bad behaviors."

Local Muslims say Islamic teachings promote peace and harmony.  They say what Major Hasan did was cowardly and against their faith. Many say it saddens them to think people can associate an act of hate, as an act of faith.