They also reiterated the need for Muslims in America and abroad to stand on the side of justice and peace, and against violence.

The coordinated effort by the imams was a symbolic gesture to let the American public know that there is no link between Islam and terrorism, and that terrorism in Islam’s name is terrorism perpetrated against this beautiful faith.

Six years after 9/11, there continues to be a misperception that imams have not condemned terrorism or that mosques preach extremism.

A recent Pew Forum poll reported that the public opinion of Muslims declined over the last few years.

Speaking to over 6,000 worshippers at the mosques, the imams stressed respect for the sanctity of life, rejection of violence and encouraged worshippers to act as agents of peace and goodwill in their local communities.

"During Ramadan, we are reminded to strive harder for the values at the core of our faith: peace, equality, love and justice," said Shaikh Mohammed Faqih, religious director of the Islamic Institute of Orange County, Anaheim.

"Muslims should play a key role in transforming the world positively -- through an honest and realistic quest for social justice for all people," he said.

The imams also urged Muslims to reach out to their neighbors and co-workers to build friendships and promote mutual understanding in Ramadan and throughout the year.

The mosques participating in Friday’s khutbah were: 1. Islamic Society of Orange County, Garden Grove; Islamic Center of Southern California, Los Angeles; Orange County Islamic Foundation, Mission Viejo; Islamic Center of Irvine, Irvine; Islamic Institute of Orange County, Anaheim; Islamic Center of Hawthorne, Hawthorne; and King Fahd Mosque, Culver City.

The greater Los Angeles area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations helped coordinate and publicize the imams’ sermons.