New Jersey's Muslim leaders gathered Tuesday to condemn last week's attacks in Paris and denounce terrorism.

About two dozen of the state's Muslim leaders met at Rutgers University to issue a joint statement condemning the terror attacks and to offer their condolences to the families of the victims of the attacks in Paris and around the world.

The leaders also say that they wanted to remind the people of New Jersey and the world that the attacks are the opposite of what their religion teaches.

"They call themselves the Islamic State, but that isn't the state that is in their heart," says Imam Wahy-Ud Deen Shareef. "The state in their hearts is evil."

The imam added, "When people use the term radical Islam, it's an oxymoron. There's no such thing as radical Islam."

The group also called on their members to join with other religions, races and communities to create a better understanding of one another.