BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The faithful prayed at the Islamic Center of San Joaquin Valley on Ming Avenue for the victims of the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas.

Imam Sayed Rashed minced no words in denouncing the violence.

"We, as Muslims, disagree, condemn and not in any way or manner support such an act," said Rashed.

The Imam emphasized that the actions of Nidal Malik Hasan, the alleged gunman who killed 12 people and wounded 31 others, should not be seen as a reflection of the Islamic faith.

"If he's a Muslim that does a mistake, does not mean that Islam as a religion should be blamed for his mistakes," said Rashed. "We have several thousands of Muslims in the armed forces defending this country."

Nidal Malik Hasan was born in Arlington, Va. He attended local high schools and eventually went on to attend Virginia Tech.

Just as there was a backlash against Muslims after 9-11, Islamic leaders are worried about history repeating itself after the Fort Hood tragedy.

"Maybe it's premature (to say) this incident may renew some of the ill feelings towards Muslims, but we hope that the community will understand that we are sincere citizens," said Rashed.

Those same concerns were shared by others. Kerry Salinas said she was troubled by news reports that focused on Hasan's religion.

"I don't know if it's right to bring up his religion," said Salinas. "There are fanatics in every religion."