Imam Sayid Hassan Qazwini welcomed Prince Al-Faisal with warm words. He said, "Your Highness, as you may have noticed, we do no discriminate against other Muslims.  Our mosque has been open for all Muslims. You are surrounded today by Muslims from all backgrounds, ethnicities and schools of thought.  You are also surrounded today by some sincere non-Muslim friends who share the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood with us."  Imam Qazwini emphasized the point that Muslims should work diligently to dispel persisting misconceptions about Islam.  Despite the fact that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the United States and the world and while there are six to eight million Muslims living in this country, recent polls show that 46% of Americans hold negative views about Islam.

Prince Al-Faisal responded receptively and thanked the Islamic Center of America for holding the reception.  He expressed profound gratitude in meeting the Muslim community in Michigan.  He also emphasized the bond that blends Muslims together, regardless of their sect or school of thought.  Prince Al-Faisal reiterated the fact that Shi'a and Sunnis are all part of the same faith and follow the same Prophet.  He stated that Muslims gather in Mecca every year during the Hajj pilgrimage, a clear manifestation of Muslim unity. He addressed Imam Qazwini by not only respecting his position as a religious leader and a descendent of the family of the Prophet, but also for the work he does for Islam in America.

Prince Al-Faisal utterly denounced the heinous terrorist acts perpetrated against civilians in Iraq and Saudi Arabia by those who are truly "sinners" and condemned by God. He reiterated the fact that they hijacked Islam.  A Q&A session followed during which the Prince graciously answered some of the concerns brought forth by the Muslim community.