Tulsa Muslim: 'Spreading Hate Lets Terrorists Win'

The ISIS attacks on Paris opened wounds that have never healed since September 11th, 2001.

Social media is exploding with condemnations of Muslims, but nationally, members of the faith have said over and over again that their beliefs are not in line with those of ISIS, and that message is being repeated in Tulsa.

As soon as the attacks in Paris unfolded, Muslims shared messages denouncing radical Islam on Twitter with the hashtag, #MuslimsAreNotTerrorists.

Raja'ee Fatihah, a Muslim-American and U.S. Army reservist in Tulsa, shared that sentiment during dinner time with his family.

"Extremists who do whatever they do around the world don't represent us," Fatihah said.

But, he said Muslims shouldn't have to come out and condemn ISIS for committing horrific acts in the name of their religion, much like Christians shouldn't have to condemn the Westboro Baptist Church every time they protest.

"The things people say on social media are just, they're heartbreaking. It's surprising," Fatihah said.

He said spreading hate and fear of Muslims and Syrian refugees lets terrorists win.

The small number of Syrian refugees living in Tulsa is scared to share their stories, but members of the small Syrian refugee community in Dallas are speaking out.

Nabil Kalo said, "We are here because we need safe life."

"Those people are being saved from hell, and that's what I'm saying," Fahad Alhaj Mohammad said.

"They really don't have any hope, whatsoever," Fatihah said. "Wherever they go, the doors are shut on them. That doesn't speak to me as what this country stands for."

Governors across the country, including Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, have asked President Barack Obama to pause the resettlement of Syrian refugees.

Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett even sent a letter to the president asking him to improve the procedures of evaluating and approving applications of those claiming refugee statuses.