Sydney Muslim community leader Dr Jamal Rifi hopes Australians don't judge all Muslims over the execution of US journalist James Foley by Islamic State jihadists.
Condolences and shocked messages have poured in from around the world after the Islamist group released a video of Mr Foley's beheading late on Tuesday.
Dr Rifi said the overwhelming majority of Muslims have proved over the years they don't support ISIS, the group responsible for Mr Foley's brutal beheading.
"I just hope the Australian society as a whole does not judge the overwhelming majority of Muslims who don't support ISIS, or ISIS ideology, by this act," he told the Seven Network on Thursday.
"This ideology should not take a foothold in Australia."
Dr Rifi said he had to speak out to ensure the ideas of radical Islamic group ISIS didn't gain ground.
He believes "hate" and "conviction" are the main factors drawing Australians towards the group's beliefs.
"I think all of them have this hate in their heart that is clouding their mind," he said.
"And ... conviction that what they are doing is relieving the oppressed people of Syria."
But Dr Rifi said this conviction is based on rhetoric, and they are actually oppressing the people of Syria.
"They say they are defending the faithful, when in reality they are hurting the faith, and demonising Islam," he said.
"It's very unfortunate."
Dr Rifi has previously denounced Australian radicals who support ISIS.
The Muslim leader received death threats on Twitter after the comments and has since bolstered his online security to protect his family.
When asked if he was concerned these new comments would reignite threats, Dr Rifi said he had the NSW police to protect him.
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