The Islamic month of fasting, called Ramadan, has begun in the wake of a new wave of anti-Muslim sentiment here and around the U.S.
The construction of new mosques has been opposed on religious grounds in Wisconsin, Tennessee -- and in Temecula. The creation of a Mosque near Ground Zero in New York was even opposed by the Anti-Defamation League.
Taha Hassane is Imam at the Islamic Center of San Diego. He said this opposition is part of a campaign of what he calls Islamiphobia that's being driven by a small group of vocal Americans.
"You know they have failed to get connected to the truth that Muslims are peaceful people, law-abiding citizens like everybody else and they are contributing to the betterment of this society," said Hassane.
San Diego's growing Islamic community opened a community center this week in Rancho Bernardo. Last month two dozen people turned out to protest plans to build a mosque in Temecula. One protester claimed Muslims want to extend Sharia law all over the country.
