In a sermon at the Islamic Center of Southern California in Los Angeles, Hathout told worshipers before Friday prayers to expect questions from non-Muslims.
"We find ourselves in that very awkward and uncomfortable place" of answering questions and accusations about Islam and violence, he said.
"People will come to you
to find answers, and they have that right," he said. "Life is not fair. You will be put in that position
[of people asking] 'Whats wrong with you guys?' And so you will find yourselves as a spokesperson for us."
He urged those gathered not to apologize for their faith because they had done nothing wrong. The attackers, he said, were criminals, not people abiding by the tenets of Islam. Hathout urged worshipers to be present in the community, to be willing to answer questions about their faith, and to love and support their fellow citizens.
"Muslims, dont lose heart," he said. "We are really good people. We are really good Americans."