Muslim group reaches out to Ft. Hood families

PLAINFIELD, Ind. (WISH) - The Islamic Society of North America , based in Plainfield, has set up a fund for the families of the Fort Hood victims.

The group said it sees a serious backlash every time a Muslim is involved in a mass tragedy. They want America to know the action of one Muslim doesn’t represent the ideals of the entire religion.

"In the past, every time an incident like this happens, our community has to take the blame," said Louay Safi, PhD, of the Islamic Society of North America.

Investigators are still trying to figure out Major Nidal Malik Hasan's exact motive for the worst mass killing on a U.S. military base ever last week at Fort Hood.

To demonstrate the Muslim religion does not support that sort of violence, the center decided to set up a fund for the victims' families. The group set up a similar fund for Hurricane Katrina victims.

While the Islamic Center is asking Mosques across the country to encourage members to donate, they said you don't have to be Muslim to contribute to the fund.

The center hopes the monetary show of good faith helps change the general public's perception of the religion.

"I believe there's a stereotype about Muslims in this country," said Dr. Safi. "If a criminal who happens to be any other religion, they say he's a criminal. But when the criminal happens to be Muslim, they say he's a Muslim. We're not happy as a community to have our faith dragged into those instances but it's a reality now."

The Islamic Society hopes to raise millions of dollars.

Those who wish to donate can do so online .