Keynote speaker Hajj Charles Alawan, a writer on Islam from Detroit, Mich, stressed that al-Qaeda and its radical ideology are gross aberrations from Islam and are far from being related to true Muslim beliefs.

Imam Sayed Mostafa Qazwini drew applause when he said, "Our best home is not our birthplace, but the land that bears us, embraces us and is hospitable to us. America is our country, our home and our future."

Inspired by the event, Lt. Clay Epperson from the Costa Mesa Police Department said, "I wish that mainstream America could have heard the message that was delivered by the speakers, as it would have put many unfounded fears to rest."

IECOC held the event to honor the birth of Imam Mohammad al-Mahdi.