Why did Thomas Jefferson own a Quran?

Question

Since Keith Ellison, a Black American convert to Islam, used the Quran owned by Thomas Jefferson in his recent swearing in ceremony, some people believe Jefferson owned the book because he believed in the contents.

But was this the case or did he own the book to "know his enemies" better?

Here is a quote from Joseph Wheelan's book, "Jefferson's War: America's First War on Terror," in noting Jefferson said, "Too long, for the honor of nations, have those Barbarians been [permitted] to trample on the sacred faith of treaties, on the rights and laws of human nature!"

This was after this:
Sampley writes when Jefferson was ambassador to France, and Adams was ambassador to Britain, they met in London with Sidi Haji Abdul Rahman Adja, the ambassador to Britain from the "Dey of Algiers.

The two Americans asked Dey's ambassador why Muslims had so much hostility towards America.

I'm out of space the article link is:
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=5369

Seeking a peace treaty, based on Congress' vote to pay tribute, the two Americans asked Dey's ambassador why Muslims had so much hostility towards America. They later reported to Congress the ambassador told them Islam "was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Quran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners, and that every Musselman (Muslim) who should be slain in Battle was sure to go to Paradise."

Thumbs up or down it doesn't change the truth and the history of the situation, period.

This isn't meant to Muslim bash but it is to address in naive attitudes about the subject.

Bettyboop -- lipstick queen --

We are fighting the same fight against Islamist extremist today that Jefferson fought 200 years ago. We should learn from history and KNOW your enemies.

I guess somebody has to be smart enough fight for your rights to stand in the mirror and be beautiful.

Answer 1

You are correct that the Jefferson administration was involved in a war in Tripoli. The west has been fighting with the Muslim world off and on since about the seventh century.

Jefferson was a Deist, but also an avid reader. It wasn't that uncommon that the Koran was available even then. Jefferson was very wealthy and had a large library. It isn't at all unusual that he would have read it. He was a guy who was really into reading anything about ethics.

Answer 2

It's an interesting fact, but one can only guess why he owned one.

I'm a unknown and fairly traditional Catholic...but some of my friends have commented on parts of MY library. Amongst the books I own are the Quran...but also writings such as the Book of Mormon, the King James Bible, books on Hinduism and Buddhism, stuff from the Hare Krishna's, and even Mein Kampf, the Satanic Bible and Karl Marx writings...plus I subscribe to "Awake" (The Jehovah's Witness magazine.)

For me...it's not necessarily of "knowing your enemy." I was taught (and believe) that ALL religions hold at least SOME element of Truth...maybe they pick-and-choose...but it's interesting to learn what we agree on (as well as disagree.)

In some cases, learning how others deal with the reality of evil (which is also a part of the Truth) simply helps reinforce my own faith.

From what I know of Tom Jefferson, he probably had similar thoughts.

Answer 3

Actually, there is a little known fact that Muslims have known for decades about Thomas Jefferson. I first heard about this about 10 years ago. Thomas Jefferson secretly embraced Islam and was a practicing Muslim. He had to keep it a secret because he knew he was way ahead of his time and those around him would not understand. He also asked to write the Declaration of Independence so he could integrate Islamic Ideals or morals into the document. He did not keep a Qur'an to "know his enemies"... he himself was Muslim. And Allah knows best.

Answer 4

I was unaware of any Quran owned by Jefferson, and I'm skeptical of the idea. Jefferson might not have had a Bible except for the one he created, where he cut out scriptures he did not like and pasted all the ones he liked together......... Jefferson was not very fond of organized religion.

Answer 5

It is perfectly fine to own the Quran. Muslims believe in the same God. It isn't them who are mislead, because they were always there with God to the beginning with the Jews. Muslims are actually good people, and the moderates behave a lot better. It is the shiites who are ruining the Quran, ruining Islam, and terrorizing innocent people.

I am a Christian and choose not to be labeled, but I study about Muslim and I have conversations with an actual Muslim. The Sunnis are exactly like the Christians. The Shiites are evil.

That's a really rough and mean sounding way to put things, but it is the truth. Go ahead and down-vote me.

Answer 6

do you think Muslims really like Keith Ellison? I m sure they show excitment just because a muslim in the congress. but I m sure they hate him and hate his ideas. simply Ellison pro-gay marriage, pro-israel, against palestinian terror. I m sure they don't listen to him and he is just wasting his credibility by practicing Islam and trying to show he is a moderate muslim. we all know the real islam based on hate.

Answer 7

Because education is a good thing.

Answer 8

He liked learning about other religions.

Answer 9

Who cares about some politicians two hundred years ago?