Let us extend to Muslims the courtesy of defining themselves. Countless Christians and a good number of Jews, especially those in leadership, insist that Islam is a religion of peace. There are certainly reasons why Muslims never say such a thing. That Islam is a religion of peace is just is one of many fantasies Americans indulge in.
If someone from the Nation of Islam steps forward and says that Islam is a religion of peace and gives examples, hopefully everyone will listen. But, it is unfair for Christians and Jews to to tell Muslims what they think and believe.
There are good reasons why it is not good for people to doubt what they see, or worse ignore it.