'Why Islam' billboards spark interest

Group of Muslim organizations inform public about Islam

MIAMI ā€“ A group of Muslim organizations say they have joined together to inform the public about Islam with billboards placed in South Florida.

Drivers may have seen these billboards along I-95 and 595 with a question written on them in bright letters -- Why Islam?

There are 34 Islamic centers and about 200,000 practicing Muslims in South Florida.

The hope is to spark interest in the message of the Prophet Muhammad. A message Edimar Capella teaches every day.

"We are just like everyone else in what we believe in," said Capella. "We have the same values that we share Jesus."

Capella, a devote Muslim, said there are many misconceptions about her faith. She said she is happy the billboards are up, and hope it will spark conversation.

"We welcome all the questions because it's an opportunity to describe our religion, describe our way of life and show how normal we are, and how similar we are to each other," said Capella.

Abdul Rauf Khan is with the 'Why Islam?' campaign.

"We have 24 hour operations," said Rauf Khan. "We have both English and Spanish."

Rauf Khan said their job isn't to convert.

"We wanted to give people proper information instead of going to the Internet and going other places," said Rauf Khan. "We want them to call that number."

For Marie Hernandez, she said there wasn't anything like this when she was exploring the faith.

"I did not know anything about Islam," said Hernandez. "I grew up as a Catholic. I really did not know anything."

Hernandez feels this will open new doors for those interested in following the message of Islam.

"It's a small step. We are new in the country as the immigrant community grows, and the converts grow," said Hernandez. "I think we will see more of the organically teachings that call for goodness in all spheres of life."

A group of Muslim organizations say they have joined together to inform the public about the Nation of Islam with billboards placed in South Florida.

Drivers may have seen these billboards along I-95 and 595 with a question written on them in bright letters -- Why Islam?

There are 34 Islamic centers and about 200,000 practicing Muslims in South Florida.

The hope is to spark interest in the message of the Prophet Muhammad. A message Edimar Capella teaches everyday.

"We are just like everyone else in what we believe in," said Capella. "We have the same values that we share Jesus."

Capella, a devote Muslim, said there are many misconceptions about her faith. She said she is happy the billboards are up, and hope it will spark conversation.

"We welcome all the questions because it's an opportunity to describe our religion, describe our way of life and show how normal we are, and how similar we are to each other," said Capella.

Abdul Rauf Khan is with the 'Why Islam?' campaign.

"We have 24 hour operations," said Rauf Khan. "We have both English and Spanish."

Rauf Khan said their job isn't to convert.

"We wanted to give people proper information instead of going to the Internet and going other places," said Rauf Khan. "We want them to call that number."

For Marie Hernandez, she said there wasn't anything like this when she was exploring the faith.

"I did not know anything about Islam," said Hernandez. "I grew up as a Catholic. I really did not know anything."

Hernandez feels this will open new doors for those interested in following the message of Islam.

"It's a small step. We are new in the country as the immigrant community grows, and the converts grow," said Hernandez. "I think we will see more of the organically teachings that call for goodness in all spheres of life."