WASHINGTON - Thousands of Muslims headed to the U.S. Capitol Friday for a special prayer service that attracted both supporters and opponents.

It was a first as thousands of Muslims from different countries and backgrounds -- the women on one side and the men on the other -- came to the Capitol to pray and to say that they're just like everyone else.

"We're just here to show our positive side and show that we can be peaceful and we can be normal people," said Seher Rakin, a Burke resident.

"Muslims are not terrorists," added Asma Chikanawari, a Springfield resident. "They're not violent people. We're a religion of peace."

But not everyone agrees. A new group launched Friday called "Stop Islamization of America," contends Muslim doctrine is innately a threat.

"They are all obligated to do jihad -- and what is jihad? It is violent war against the kaffir, which is us, the unbeliever," said D.L. Adams, founder of Stop Islamization of America.

In fact, the event organizer, Attorney Hassen Abdellah, represented one of the men convicted in the 1993 World Trade Center truck bombing.

"I don't think he's necessarily defending a terrorist. He's defending the Constitution," said Imam Ali Jaaber of the Dar-Ul-Islam Mosque. "Everyone has a right to a defense."

But dozens of people protested on the outskirts, claiming Islam is an intolerant religion bent on driving out Christianity. "There is one true God -- and it's not the one they're following," said a protester.

But those who gathered there Friday say their time has finally come.

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