Why did Thomas Jefferson Own and Read a Quran?

Answer 1

Despite popular myth, Jefferson didn't own a Koran because he thought it was poetic, or even inspired by God. He owned a Koran for ONE purpose: he needed to know everything possible about Muslims because he was about to advocate war against the Islamic 'Barbary' states of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Tripoli.

When American colonists rebelled against the English in 1776, merchant ships from what later would be the United States lost British navy protection. They were attacked and their Christian crews enslaved by Muslim pirates operating under the control of the 'Dey of Algiers' – an Islamist warlord ruling Algeria.

The Continental Congress then met in 1784 to talk about treaties with leaders of the region, and John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were appointed to oversee the work.

"Tribute" and "ransoms" first were paid to the Muslim slavers, but Jefferson was opposed, proposing a settlement of the issue "through the medium of war."

Two years later, when Jefferson was ambassador to France, he and other U.S. representatives met in London with Sidi Haji Abdul Rahman Adja, the ambassador to Britain from the "Dey of Algiers."

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."

For years the American government paid Muslims millions of dollars for the safe passage of American ships or the return of American hostages, but not long after Jefferson's inauguration in 1801, he dispatched the USS Constitution, USS Constellation, USS Philadelphia, USS Chesapeake, USS Argus, USS Syren and USS Intrepid to the Mediterranean.

Jefferson's first presidency coincided with what generally is called the Barbary Wars running from approximately 1801-1805. That year the Marines marched from Egypt into Tripolitania, freeing Americans held there as slaves.

Knowing all this, doesn't it make sense he'd own the enemies' plan book??

Answer 2

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 3

I'm not sure that he read and owned The Quran. They say that the Muslim senator gave oath on the Quran. But Jefferson is my favorite American president, I have read a lot about him, he had many interestings, such as architecture, languages and reading. And maybe that's the reason of reading the Quran.

Answer 4

I have read the Book of Mormon, some of the Quran and many Watchtower Pamplets of Jehovah Witness. As a mature Christian you are to discern between the Bible and false doctrine. Thomas Jefferson knew the Bible. The Quran was a gift to him. We are curious about different things. Most false doctrines strengthen your faith because you see the great difference from the word of God.

Answer 5

Jeancommunicates is right. you do need to know the difference between true and false doctrine. Which is why after studying the earlier books of the bible, I know that the bible today contains false doctrine and that God really did give us the Quran to show us the truth once again just like he did with every single prophet before Mohammed.

Answer 6

Because as an educated man of his time, Jefferson knew about all religions in all parts of the world.

Answer 7

Because it is a Great Book. There's nothing wrong to read a Holy Book of another religion. There are many great teachings in the Quraan.

Answer 8

Like many learned men, he believed that knowing was preferable to not knowing. He read it because he was curious, because he wanted to know more about it. He owned many books, and I'm sure he read almost all of them. A book, religious or not, has information and the opinion of the author(s) making it fun and informative to read. If you are trying to imply something or think that it implies something, read more assume less.

Answer 9

~~~L & F ,,,, Because he, among many of The Founding Fathers, were called "Freethinkers" and accorded themselves the Knowledge of ALL philosophies available to them. As a well educated and knowledgeable atheist it is incumbent upon me to know of the philosophies of my counterparts so that I may make an intelligent response. Obviously this is a rare case here at "R & S", from ALL viewpoints.

Answer 10

Many people find the words poetically soothing..
Some just have it around to compare to their own religious scripts..
Like myself, for example.. I am muslim.. but I also own a Bible.. I'd like some Jewish scripts.. but its so hard to find here...

Peace and Love..