AUBURN - As a whole, members of the Muslim community want to live the best meaning of the Quran, a message of peace and understanding.

But a few extremists hiding behind their religion to justify acts of terrorism further divide people, said several regional Muslim leaders Sunday at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

"When religion is viewed as theology, we can find a good common ground on it," said Imam Hanif Abdul-Wahid, who serves the Islamic community in Rochester. "But when it is followed politically, commentators look at any action in a political context."

Sunday's program may be the first of a series to encourage dialogue between different religions about their similarities, said Imam Abdur-Rahim Muhammad, an Auburn Muslim leader.

"Muslims and Christians spend a lot of time talking to themselves and not to each other," Muhammad said.

One aspect of those religions that is often overlooked is their common beginning from the story of Abraham, said Taqi'uddin Ahmed, imam at the Islamic Center of Central New York. The Quran also mentions figures from Christianity, like Jesus and Mary, and Muslims must honor and respect all of the prophets included in their holy book.

"When we look to the concept of what is good and right, we can look from one book to another and see it will echo through all," Muhammad said. "We, as a people, are obligated to encourage the good and move away from the bad."

But it has become more difficult to convey the positives of their faith to non-Muslims, said Abdul-Wahid.

Abdul-Wahid converted to Islam because he wanted to "pursue true freedom, justice and equality," he said. But the religion had a negative connotation, and its followers had been seen more as outcasts, he said.

Islamic groups like Abdul-Wahid's in Rochester are working to dispel that perception. He is a member of Rochestarians Against Illegal Narcotics, which is working against crime and drugs in their community and helping people get out of poverty.

"There's no sense in praying in a mosque if the world around you is engulfed in violence," Abdul-Wahid said.

Several of the nearly 20 audience members appreciated hearing the speakers debunk some myths about Islam, especially how there's nothing in the Quran that advocates terrorism.

"It's good to know there's a distinction," said Tom McKellop, of Auburn, who has been involved in dialogue groups similar to Sunday's discussion.

The Rev. Phil Windsor, pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church, was pleased to have the opportunity to host the event as a way for non-Muslims to learn about other religions.

"If there is any hope for the world, we need to understand each other," Windsor said.

Staff writer Liz Hacken can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or elizabeth.hacken@lee.net