Source: Los Angeles Times
On February 1, 2002, The Los Angeles Times reported, "Southland Muslims Take a PR Approach." The article explained that "A new advertising campaign aimed at promoting good relations between Muslims and their neighbors will be unveiled today on billboards in Southern California. Two billboards in Los Angeles County and one in Orange County will show a diverse group of smiling Muslims above the slogan, '"Even a smile is Charity" --a message from your Muslim neighbor.' ... The $15,000-a-month campaign, funded by the Southern California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, is designed to counteract the negative images of Islam and Muslims since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. ... Other planned slogans include 'Family is life, life is family,' 'Kindness is a mark of faith' and 'A nice thought is an act of worship.' The themes are taken from the Koran, Islam's holy book, or the words of the prophet Muhammad, although they remain uncredited on the billboards.