Concerned about the negative images of Muslims being generated by the actions of terrorist extremists in recent years, Muslim-American author Asma Gull Hasan said average Muslims, including those in Japan, need to speak up so people gain a fair understanding of Islam.
"I think, in all the big issues (in the world), Muslims are basically involved in some way or another," including in Iraq and Chechnya, Hasan, 30, said in a recent interview. "We need to hear more voices from average Muslims who are not in trouble or part of any political problems."
Hasan, a devout Muslim, is visiting Tokyo from June 11 to 21. She gave a lecture Wednesday at Waseda University organized by the Tokyo American Center and also plans to meet other Muslims here.