Obama Pay First Visit to American Mosque, Denounces Anti-Muslim Sentiment

For the first time during his tenure, President Barack Obama paid a visit to an American mosque on Wednesday where he delivered an impassioned speech condemning Islamophobia.

During his speech, the president focused on religious tolerance and unity in wake of growing anti-Islamic sentiment following ISIS-inspired terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino last year.

"An attack on one faith is an attack on all our faiths," Obama said at The Islamic Society of Baltimore, which has around 3,000 congregants, reports NBC News. "We have to be consistent in condemning hateful rhetoric," he continued, "none of us can be bystanders to bigotry."

The president thanked attendees in the packed auditorium at the mosque, which also runs a school, summer camp and health clinic, for standing up against terrorism. He added that the religious extremists have given a "hugely distorted impression" of their faith.

At other parts of the speech, he recited passages from the Quran and assured American Muslims that they are a crucial part of America's fabric and future, reports The New York Times.

"Let me say as clearly as I can as president of the United States: you fit right here," he said. "You're right where you belong. You're part of America too. You're not Muslim or American. You're Muslim and American."

He also commended Muslims for being "some of the most resilient and patriotic Americans" in the country in spite hateful rhetoric being promoted by Republican leaders and Islamophobic attacks across the nation.

"You're not Muslim or American - you're Muslim and American. Don't grow cynical," Obama urged. "Don't respond to ignorance by a world view saying you must choose between your faith and your patriotism. Don't believe you must choose between your best impulses."

Before giving his address, Obama participated in a round-table discussion with Muslim community leaders.

Prominent Muslim politicians and athletes were also in attendance, including fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, who will become the first American to compete in a hijab at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

According to reports, Latinos are the fastest growing demographic in the U.S. converting to Islam. As of now, there are about 150,000 Islam converts among the Latino community in the U.S., reported California newspaper the Press-Enterprise.