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Chicago Muslim Council On Bin Laden: 'End Of Dark Era'

CHICAGO (CBS) -- People all over the world are reacting to the death of Osama bin Laden.

In Chicago, the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago says the killing of the al-Qaeda leader marks "the end of a dark era."


LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Mike Krauser Reports

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"When I first heard the news I felt an immense level of relief and gratitude," said Mazen Asbahi, a board member with the council.

Relief for the victims and gratitude for justice, he says.

Asbahi believes the news will be good for Muslims.

"Osama Bin Laden was a major figurehead," Asbahi said. "It has been a very difficult 10 years for all of us in America with this attack, in particular to the American Muslim community. Osama Bin Laden didn't just hijack some planes, he hijacked our faith."

He sees Bin Laden's death as a turning point.

And he hopes that non-Muslims will associate Islam with their neighbor, instead of Osama Bin Laden.

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