As America celebrates 250 years of growth into a fuller independence and freedom for all Americans, how has Al-Islam (commonly called “Islam”) fared throughout this semiquincentennial?
The first country to recognize America as a sovereign country was the Islamic government of Morocco, in northern Africa. On December 20, 1777, Sultan Muhammad III of the Kingdom of Morocco formally recognized the newly independent United States by opening Moroccan ports to American merchant ships.
Many American presidents since, have openly welcomed Muslims and Islam to the United States of America. Seven out of the last eight U.S. presidents have spoken favorably towards Al-Islam. Let’s review some of the quotes of American presidents on Islam since 1776. With the exception of Presidents John Quincy Adams and President Donald Trump, my research, so far, has found deep respect for Islam by American presidents.
President George Washington: Washington cared for “good workmen.” He confirmed, “They may be of Asia, Africa or Europe. They may be Mahometans [Muslims], Jews, or Christians of any sect, or atheists.” [1784]
Words of the Founding Fathers: The US Senate, full of founding fathers, “As the Government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Musselmen (Muslims); and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan (Islamic) nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.” [The Treaty with Tripoli (now Libya) of 1797]
President Thomas Jefferson: In 1805, Jefferson hosted a Ramadan dinner for Sidi Sleman Meli, the first Muslim ambassador to the United States, adjusting the state dinner’s timing to sundown to respect the ambassador’s religious practices. [Dec. 9, 1805]
President Dwight Eisenhower: “And I should like to assure you, my Islamic friends, that under the American Constitution, under American tradition, and in American hearts, this Center, this place of worship, is just as welcome as could be a similar edifice of any other religion. Indeed, America would fight with her whole strength for your right to have here your own church and worship according to your own conscience.” [June 28, 1957]
President Gerald Ford: “As our fellow Americans of the Islamic faith look forward to the celebration of the special feast days at the end of Ramadan, Mrs. Ford and I express our greetings and best wishes to each of you. For you it is a time of renewal and remembrance. It is an opportunity to rededicate yourselves to your religious heritage and to its timeless principles. For all your fellow Americans it is a chance to reflect with pride and admiration on the way in which the Islamic heritage enriches all of us. Mrs. Ford and I hope that this year’s holidays will be especially satisfying and happy ones for each of you.” [Oct. 2, 1975]
President Jimmy Carter: “On the basis of both values and interests, the natural relationship between Islam and the United States is one of friendship. I affirm that friendship, both as a reality and as a goal — just as I totally reject any attempt to make moral and spiritual beliefs a barrier to understanding, rather than the bridge they can and should be.” [Feb. 7, 1980]
President Ronald Reagan: Speaking during the 1985 welcoming ceremony for Saudi King Fahd, spoke of the universal threat to religious freedom and remarked on the commonality of faith: “Marxist tyranny… strangles the prayers of Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. We all worship the same God.” [Feb. 11, 1985]
President George H.W. Bush: He publicly condemned anti-Muslim discrimination and urged Americans to “join together to rid our communities of the poison of prejudice, bias, and discrimination.” [April 11, 2017]
President William Clinton: “United in faith,” Clinton declared, “America’s Muslims are also united in their commitment to building a society rich in diversity and grounded in mutual respect. I believe America is made stronger by the core values of Islam — commitment to family, compassion for the disadvantaged, and respect for difference.” [Dec. 21, 2000]
President George W. Bush: Immediately following the evil “9-11” attack said, “America counts millions of Muslims amongst our citizens, and Muslims make an incredibly valuable contribution to our country. Muslims are doctors, lawyers, law professors, and members of the military, entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, moms and dads. And they need to be treated with respect. In our anger and emotion, our fellow Americans must treat each other with respect.” [Sept. 17, 2001]
President Barack Obama: “Islam has always been part of America. Starting in colonial times, many of the slaves brought here from Africa were Muslim. And even in their bondage, some kept their faith alive. A few even won their freedom and became known to many Americans. And when enshrining the freedom of religion in our Constitution and our Bill of Rights, our Founders meant what they said when they said it applied to all religions.” [Feb. 3, 2016]
Benjamin Franklin: “Both house and ground were vested in trustees, expressly for the use of any preacher of any religious persuasion who might desire to say something to the people at Philadelphia; the design in building not being to accommodate any particular sect, but the inhabitants in general; so that even if the Mufti of Constantinople were to send a missionary to preach Mohammedanism (Islam) to us, he would find a pulpit at his service.” [“The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin”]
In my conclusion, I hope we readily see that Al-Islam has been in the American conversation — overwhelmingly positive — since the birth of our nation. This fact is very important, especially in light of the rising voices that seek to sow discord where there is no discord. The vast majority of American presidents over the last 250 years have promoted great respect for Al-Islam as a religion (way of life) that has benefitted the whole human family. Al-Islam and Muslims, too, are an integral part of America’s semiquincentennial.
Imam Michael “Mikal” Saahir is a leader of the Nur-Allah Islamic Center. Learn more at nurallah.org.
 that has benefitted the whole human family. Al-Islam and Muslims, too, are an integral part of America’s semiquincentennial.){kind=link}