The attacks in Paris one week ago has had many people speaking out, and in some cases, acting out against Muslims.

But in Halifax one Muslim leader is trying to work with the community to promote open dialogue so Muslims and non-Muslims can learn more about each other.

Media were invited to attend a prayer service at a Halifax mosque on Friday. Imam Abdelkader Tayebi of Ummah Mosque is upset with the reaction and backlash some Canadian Muslims are facing since the attacks in Paris.

The attackers, he said, give Muslims a bad name.

"They claim to be Muslim, they claim to be advocating the rights of some Muslims and so on and so forth, but that does not help at all," Tayebi said. "They are acting opposite to the goals of what Islamic behaviour should be."

'Compassion and caring'

Newly elected Halifax MP Andy Fillmore was invited to speak at the mosque. The Liberal government is preparing to welcome 25,000 refugees from Syria before the end of this year.

"I felt moved to come back and visit with this community and bring the assurances of the Canadian government that we are going to be steadfast in our principals of compassion and caring and help as we face this crisis together," said Fillmore.

Earlier this week a mosque in Peterborough, Ont., was damaged by a deliberately set fire. In another case, Toronto police say a Muslim woman reported she was attacked while picking up her children from school and beaten by two white men who called her a "terrorist."

Tayebi says hate crimes are unacceptable. People need to take the time to get to know the Muslims who live in their neighbourhoods.​

"Make sure you engage in discussion with them. Get to find out what kind of people they are. The same way you hang out with your friends and so on, you get to know that person deep inside," said Tayebi.

"So make that effort before you make any judgement."

Tayebi said open communication is the best way for people to learn more about Muslims in their communities. He said there will be a number of events held over the next couple of weeks as Muslims try to improve dialogue, mutual understanding and mutual trust with non-Muslims.