Dennis Kraniak, MyFoxDetroit.com - Muslim Americans are using the Flight 253 terror suspect federal court hearing to send a message to the world with a demonstration outside the courthouse.

Watch the video submitted by WJBK Fox 2's Taryn Asher as she speaks with protest organizer Majed Moughni at the rally. The message his group wants to deliver, "not in the name of Islam," meaning extremists do not represent the real nation of Islam. Moughni also says Muslim-Americans will not let terrorists hijack their religion. He says more in the video interview.

A U.S. District Court hearing is taking in Detroit for Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the 23-year-old charged with attempting to detonate an explosive device on Northwest Airlines Flight 253.

Dozens from Michigan's Muslim community have convened near the courthouse to voice their strong opposition to extremists.

Muslim Americans are demonstrating against acts of terror and the taking of innocent lives in the name of their peaceful faith. The American Muslim community says it will stand together to reiterate that all good people of faith reject all forms of extremism and that terror knows no religion.

The grass roots rally was organized by the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan (CIOM).

Congregational prayer services at local masjids are also planned.