Not long ago a United Airlines flight was interrupted when an official from Qatar joked about terrorist bombing in reference to his shoes, creating another ugly incident worrying American officials while Muslims respond vigorously in protest.

In a number of related news accounts and newswires it was reported yesterday evening how a Qatari diplomat created consternation and quick response by terrorism investigators and police when he was said to try to smoke on the aircraft and made the comment, "I'm lighting my shoes on fire" when discovered. The man was identified as Yaaqob Y.M. Al-Mahdadi. He is the third secretary for the Qatari Embassy according to the Associated Press. As the news broke over television, commentators on CNN, such as Anderson Cooper, were quick to observe how important it was to find out the facts before rendering quick judgments.

Muslim leaders like Khurshid Khan, the Muslim Chaplain and Vice President of the Islamic Association of Greater Shreveport, are especially concerned when incidents like these happen, as it detracts from the heart of the Muslim community and its intention to live peacefully with others. This community hopes to educate people about Islam so they understand the religion and so converts recognize the value of its peaceful, not its aggressive, tenets.

Khan spent nearly 25 years in the U.S. Armed Forces and works as an engineer. He is active in the interfaith community and known widely for his efforts towards reconciliation and understanding. He said this after this recent incident. "As an example of Islam's teachings, I tell people I work with in the prisons not to respond nor encourage anger. . I say to them, don't fight. When they become Muslim, or say they want to be, I tell them they must now respond to a high level of behavior. Khan goes on to speak about how he deals with people in the community when they talk about terrorism and the Muslims. He declares, "I tell people interested in Islam, as well as the general public, that the directive of Islam is to exhibit character beyond reproach. That's especially true since they live in a country where people talk about terrorism and worry about it a lot. It's true because incidents like the one that happened last night are in the news a lot.

 People don't read about peaceful activities of understanding. Instead they learn about terrorism or possible terrorist threats. And they become afraid. " Khan was asked about what he is trying to do to establish peaceful understanding about Islam. He said this in response. "I will give you an example. It likely won't be in the newspapers, because stories of interfaith cooperation seldom get front page attention, as they should. I will be visiting the Centenary College soon, as I do every year. I am invited to give an introductory talk on Islam by Dr. Peter Huff, a professor at the college. I speak to the students and give them the essentials of Islam, outlining the peaceful nature of the religion and the directive to be at peace with people of every faith. That's the most important thing. All of us who believe in God have a responsibility to each other on this planet, to bring peace and love. It was the Prophet's teaching, and Muslims are at greater risk from failing to follow that than they ever would be from any punishment given by man."