ACT for America, a self-described grassroots organisation focusing on national security, staged the so-called "anti-Sharia" rallies in New York, Chicago, Boston, Denver and Seattle, as well as many smaller cities.
Pro Muslim demonstrators waved signs that said "We stand with our Muslim neighbors" while vocalizing their message of support through speeches, chants, drumming and even rapping.
Those against Sharia Law in America, ACT for America, stood across the street from the ANSWER Coalition and Indivisible Colusa while police lined up along the roadway, blocking people from walking across the street to the other side.
Sirens blared and police vehicles pulled to the scene as counter-protesters linked arms, standing side by side on the street.
The turnout was relatively small, with rally crowds of a few dozen in many cities outnumbered nearly 10 to 1 by counter-demonstrators who tried to drown out their voices with drums, bullhorns and cowbells.
Organizers called the "March Against Sharia" rallies to protest what they say is the threat to US society posed by the set of traditional Muslim practices, which they say includes oppression of women, honor killings, homophobic violence, female genital mutilation and other abuses. The organization said it opposes discrimination and supports the rights of those subject to Shariah.
"Again, it shows that the idea here is hate groups like Act For America know exactly what they're doing", said Jaylani Hussein, executive director of CAIR.
The marches were on the backdrop of an uptick in anti-Muslim incidents, including arson and vandalism at mosques, harassment of women wearing Muslim head-covering and bullying of Muslim schoolchildren, according to The Associated Press.
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When they realized the anti-Sharia protest was growing in numbers, counter-protesters crossed the intersection and moved onto their corner, so that the two groups were demonstrating face-to-face.
Three people were reportedly arrested after a large fight broke out, according to the Seattle Police Department.
One anti-Trump demonstrator said, "Glad we ran into each other in a place like this".
The demonstration comes after central IN religious community leaders condemned a billboard on I-465, which protesters said they did not put up.
Masih Fouladi, a spokesperson with the Council for American-Islamic Relations, tells CBS Los Angeles that groups like ACT are doing nothing but spreading unfounded fears about Muslims.
After scuffles broke out between the groups, State Troopers arrested seven people for disorderly conduct and obstructing the legal process. But such efforts have failed to stymie concerns about Sharia laws among people and Muslims have seen a rise in both hostile dialogue and attacks. Authorities said everything had stayed peaceful for the most part, but three people were arrested on suspicion of smashing auto windows. In their view, the rallies are part of a wave of anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiment fueled by President Donald Trump, who called for a ban on Muslims entering the country during his election campaign.
In Seattle, hundreds of counter-protesters outnumbered the anti-Shria contingent. Those opposed to Islamic law were also staunch Trump supporters.
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