Muslims from across Nottingham have come together to discuss how they will make a united stance against extremism.
Members of the KQZ Institute organised the event in Lenton on Saturday, December 27, to voice their concerns about extremist groups and the impact they are having on young Muslims.
Institute member Waheed Zaman, 28, of Lenton, said: "Groups like IS are not giving Muslims good publicity and it is having an impact on those who are proper and sincere Muslims practicing the religion. Young Muslims that don't understand can be also be drawn to such groups and we want to draw them away from having an extremist mentality."
The meeting, led by guest speaker Abaas Yunas, of the Tabah Foundation in Abu Dhabi, also highlighted the misconception that all Muslims support extremist views of terrorism.
Institute member Iram Nazir, 33, of Hyson Green, said she had felt the consequences of the stereotype first hand, after being verbally abused and spat at by a stranger in the street following soldier Lee Rigby's murder in 2013.
The death led to the conviction of two British-born Muslim converts.
Ms Nazir said: "The meeting was all about extremism groups, how to identify them, and how to keep yourself away from them.
"IS is just a bunch of lunatics, and I don't know they can call themselves Muslims. They are nothing like any Muslims I know. There's a lot of hate out there already and it just adds to that. They are just a minority."
The IS has released several videos over the past few months purporting the show the beheading of US and UK journalists and aid workers.
One of these was Alan Hemming, a taxi driver from Salford who was delivering aid to Syria when he was kidnapped and held hostage.
Chairman of Lenton Muslim Centre, Husnain Yaqoob, 26, said: "It is very confusing because there's a lot of misconceptions and confusion about the Islamic faith, and youngsters can be influenced by that. Every Muslim should stand up against them [extremist groups]."
Asif Mohammed, 50, of Sherwood, added: "We want to get the message across that the majority of Muslims are peace-loving Muslims who want to contribute to society."
Mr Yunas said he was pleased to be able to come to Nottingham to offer some advice.
He said: "The vibrancy and commitment of young Muslims never ceases to amaze me and when I am offered to come to things like this and help in any way I can I am more than happy. I want to enhance the understanding of some of the issues Muslims face."
