SAN DIEGO -- The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks changed many Americans’ opinions of Islam.

A recent study found one in four Americans believed Islam is a religion of hatred and violence.

Five times a day, those of the Islamic faith turn toward Mecca and pray. It is a prayer of peace.

“Islam is a religion of peace. Muslims are peaceful people,” said Taha Hassane of the Imam Islamic Center of San Diego.

Nearly 1.5 billion Muslims all over the world turn toward Mecca for the prayer of peace every day.

However, 25 percent of Americans think Islam is a violent faith.

“It is extremely important to engage a process of education within our fellow citizens,” said Hassane.

Five years later, Islamic San Diegans are still trying to eliminate negative stereotypes created by the tragedy of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

“I’m a lot more worried today about my community than I was before,” said Mohammed Lazzouni.

Lazzouni and his wife, Tesheen, are among those trying to educate others that only a tiny fraction of the 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide are committing acts of terrorism.

Imagine being told to go back to where you came from simply because of your religious practices or what you wear.

“I was born here in southern California. I’m an American just like they are,” said Tesheen Lazzouni.

Edgar Hopida left his job to join the Council on American-Islamic Relations. His concern now is of recent talk of profiling Muslims during airport screenings.

“Now, the problem is how we profile a Muslim. As you see, I’m a Filipino. There are white American Muslims and African-American Muslims,” said Hopida.

Since the recent foiled plot to blow up airliners bound for the U.S. from England, talk of profiling Muslims at airport security screenings has picked up momentum.

In fact, it has become a platform for many political candidates in the upcoming November elections.