The film, The Siege, portrays American government and military teams investigating a spate of bombings by Islamic terrorists.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has decided to "turn a challenge into an opportunity" by organising open days at mosques, and distributing pamphlets to present a more positive image of Islam.

Film viewers have been invited to visit mosques beginning on Saturday, the day after the film opened.

"Different people will have different reactions to this film," Omar Ahmad, the Board Chairman of CAIR said.

"But the bottom line is that we believe movie-goers will view the next Muslim or Arab they meet with increased suspicion and hostility."

Stinging trailer

Much of the alarm around the film has been provoked by the trailer which has been screened at American cinemas recently.

A CAIR press release quotes Denzel Washington, who stars in the movie, as saying that the trailer is not a fair reflection of the whole film.

"What that trailer did was say in one image 'Terrorism' and in the next 'Religion'," Mr Washington is quoted as saying.

"It's the juxtaposition of words and image that stings."

The film's director, Edward Zwick, says the film is an attempt to explore stereotypes, and that the most well-rounded character is a Muslim.

Production company 20th Century Fox, which released the film in the US, insists that the film is concerned with loftier issues, such as "At what point does the protection of the country's citizens conflict with the protection of their rights?

"Or more simply put: Will the people of this country be forced to become monsters in order to fight monsters?"

The Siege is the latest in a succession of films, including Executive Decision and True Lies, which feature Muslim fanatics. While critics acknowledge that Islamic extremism should be dealt with on film, they say more sympathetic Muslim characters are needed to balance the picture.