By Nathan Baca, News Channel 3 Reporter
nbaca@kesq.com

COACHELLA - The Fort Hood shooter, Army Major Nidal Malik Hassan was seen handing out Korans and wearing Muslim clothing just before the murders. The Islamic community nationwide fears backlash from people linking Hasan to their faith.

Afternoon prayers at the Masjid Ibrahim in Coachella go on as usual, but there is a concern among those inside. Images show Major Hassan wearing Muslim clothing just before his rampage.

National Islamic leaders were quick to denounce this violence, and the local Islamic community is no different.

"He's not Muslim. He's calling himself Muslim but it's not Islam. Islam is peaceful. Islam is love. What this country has done for us, we're part of this country. What he'd done is not part of Islam. What he did is wrong," says Omar Mohammed in Coachella.

"Allahu Akbar" means "God is great" in Arabic. It is a statement of worship in every Islamic mosque. Those same words were heard by witnesses at Fort Hood as Major Hasan continued his shooting rampage.

Imad Muhararb adds, "I don't know what he's thinking shooting innocent people. He's going to Hell no matter what he's done."

These images of Major Hassan may do damage to the public perception of the Muslim community. But this faith community wants the public to remember one message instead.

"We're are from God and we are one like brothers," says Kasim Alwishah.