Muslims packed an Ottawa mosque Friday to discuss the fallout from the arrest of several Muslim men who police allege were involved in a terrorist plot believed to be linked to Islamic fundamentalism.

There were so many worshipers at the Ottawa Mosque that some people had to pray outside.

Inside, the talk was of peace, attendees said as they left.

Imam Khaled Abdul-Hamid Syed appealed to Muslim youth to avoid terrorism and other criminal activities.

Imam Khaled Abdul-Hamid Syed of the Ottawa Mosque called on Muslim youth to avoid terrorism and other criminal activities. (CBC)

One worshipper said the discussion had been about "how to be a Muslim and a Canadian."

People who condemn all Muslims based on the actions of a few "don't understand the religion. Islam is all about peace," another said.

RCMP arrested four individuals this week in connection with their investigation into a domestic terrorist plot.

Misbahuddin Ahmed, 26, and Hiva Alizadeh, 30, both of Ottawa, and Khurram Sher, 28, of London, Ont., have all been charged with conspiracy to knowingly facilitate a terrorist activity.

Alizadeh is also charged with being in possession of an explosive substance with intent to harm and providing property or financial services for the benefit of a terrorist group.

A fourth person was arrested in Ottawa Friday in connection with the same investigation but has as yet not been charged.

Police meet community leaders

In the wake of the arrests, police in Ottawa have reached out to Muslim groups in the city to reduce concerns about profiling.

More than 30 leaders from the Muslim community met with RCMP Thursday night.

The chair of the RCMP Cultural Diversity Committee said in light of the arrests, police wanted to see if the community had any concerns.

"It's just to open the lines of communication within the communities, to dispel any rumours," said Cpl. Wayne Russett, the RCMP's aboriginal and ethnic liaison officer in Ottawa.

Local Muslim leaders like Safaa Fouda said they were worried the men arrested this week were unfairly targeted.

"My worst fear is that these people were just arrested because the way they look or behave," Fouda said.

But Russett said that was not the case and that the suspects' religion and ethnicity were not an issue.

"These people were arrested and charged for a criminal activity," he said. "This is strictly a criminal investigation."

Some people left Thursday's meeting feeling reassured.

"Really, this is a very important issue in terms of thanking the police and telling them we are very grateful that they are protecting us," one participant said.

But not everyone was satisfied. An official with the Muslim Canadian Congress said everyone should have been invited.

"It is the larger community at risk, so bring everybody in," the official said.

The RCMP is planning a similar meeting open to the general public on Monday.