Thomas Jefferson's Qur'an

Islam and the Founders

By: Denise A. Spellberg

Narrated by: Jo Anna Perrin

In this original and illuminating book, Denise A. Spellberg reveals a little-known but crucial dimension of the story of American religious freedom - a drama in which Islam played a surprising role. In 1765, 11 years before composing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson bought a Qur'an. This marked only the beginning of his lifelong interest in Islam, and he would go on to acquire numerous books on Middle Eastern languages, history, and travel, taking extensive notes on Islam as it relates to English common law. Jefferson sought to understand Islam notwithstanding his personal disdain for the faith, a sentiment prevalent among his Protestant contemporaries in England and America. But unlike most of them, by 1776 Jefferson could imagine Muslims as future citizens of his new country.

Based on groundbreaking research, Spellberg compellingly recounts how a handful of the Founders, Jefferson foremost among them, drew upon Enlightenment ideas about the toleration of Muslims (then deemed the ultimate outsiders in Western society) to fashion out of what had been a purely speculative debate a practical foundation for governance in America.

©2013 Denise A. Spellberg (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Fascinating.... Revelatory.... Thomas Jefferson's Qur'an breaks fresh ground." ( The New York Times Book Review)

Well Said

A very good collection of research not just from Jefferson’s view on Islam but many founding fathers and contemporaries. The narrator botched some pronunciations but not enough for me to say it was intelligible. This is a powerful reference to use in this political climate when people try to force theocracy and Kings onto America.

An informative history of religious liberty

it's a great chapter in the history of american religious liberty beginning with John Locke. My only issues with the book is the narration seemed flat and the book wasn't better organized. still I highly recommend given the dearth of material on this topic as it pertains to Islam

amazing

Amazing historical perspective on the wisdom of founding fathers to stabd firm in the face of opposition to ensure that our nation remains pluralistic. Sad rhough that centuries later we are still struggling with same ignorance. Must read!

Exceptional research and integration

In contrast to other reviews, I found this book exceptional in its research of the topic, associated material, and overarching topics: xenophobia, sectarianism and intolerance, despite declarations, proclamations, exhortations, and the establishment of laws to procure rights and freedoms for the people, all citizens, by our nation’s founders!

Yes but

Whitewashing of the moral issues in Islam. Well written. Left leaning. Summary - founding fathers didn’t expect large Muslim population when writing first amendment, too late now.