Muslims have been in America for centuries. In fact, they were present during the founding of the country. It is estimated that up to 30% of the enslaved Africans brought to North America during the transatlantic slave trade practice Islam, meaning thousands of Muslims were in the colonies in 1776.
The relationship between Islam and America's founders includes these key realities:
Enslaved Muslim:
Many early Muslims were subjected to chattel slavery. Notable figures like Omar ibn Said who was born in Senegal enslaved for over 50 years, and wrote his autobiography in Arabic in 1831 actively maintained their Islamic faith.
Thomas Jefferson's Qur`an:
Founding father Thomas Jefferson famously owned a personal English translation of the Quran, which he used to study Islamic law and history while helping draft the Nations early democratic framework.
White House Iftar (1805):
The presence of Muslims was acknowledged at the highest levels of early government, in 1805, president Thomas Jefferson hosted a dinner at the White House for Sidi Soliman Mellimelli , an envoy from Tripoli (modern day Libya), to accommodate his Ramadan fast.
Early Free Immigrants:
In the mid 1600s, free Muslim immigrants began to settle in the colonies, such as Anthony Janszoon van Salee (a merchant of Moroccan descent) who helped settle New Amsterdam (now New York).
Muslims were here before the founding father, while the founding of our great nation and present time today.
Former President Obama is totally correct and I totally agree with him.