Over the years I have penned many articles to highlight the pluralist spirit of the U.S. founding fathers. Independence Day is an opportunity for Americans and people worldwide to celebrate human rights and religious tolerance. The founding fathers were by no means perfect, and neither is America, but their vision for the U.S. is something that I think we should admire. Here is a list of articles which document the founding fathers’ relationship with Islam and Muslims in their midst:

GEORGE WASHINGTON WAS JUST LIKE THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD – Fox News

“In seventh century Arabia, a middle-aged man had a vision to create a new religious and social order for a largely pagan and tribal society. The man, Muhammad, told his band of followers to behave wisely and civilly. “The best among you,” he said, “are those who have the best manners and character.” More than 1,000 years later, Muhammad’s wisdom would be echoed again, this time in the British colony of Virginia, by a 13-year-old schoolboy jotting down a lengthy set of behavioral rules that would later be published as “Rules of Civility.” The schoolboy was none other than George Washington, who would one day become the first president of the United States of America.”

FIRST U.S. PRESIDENT GEORGE WASHINGTON – A FRIEND OF MUSLIMS IN HIS MIDST – Huffington Post

“George Washington’s birthday, celebrated annually on Febr. 22nd, is an opportunity to reflect upon his exemplary character and the example he set for future generations of Americans. While much is known about Washington’s military service and political career, less is known about his attitude towards religious freedom and his relationships with Muslims. Looking closely at his personal documents, letters, and activities, we can see that Washington was indeed a proponent of religious tolerance and a friend to the Muslims in his midst.”

DOCUMENTS SHOW PROPHET MUHAMMAD AND U.S. FOUNDING FATHERS WERE KINDRED SPIRITS – Craig Considine’s blog

“Although they are typically seen to represent overwhelming opposites, the Prophet Muhammad and America’s founding fathers shared many common characteristics and beliefs, which can be seen in historical documents. By comparing the speeches and texts that they left behind, we can learn of the similar viewpoints that Muhammad and the founding fathers held on issues pertaining to equal rights and religious liberty.”

PAINTING THE TRUE PICTURE OF AMERICA – Today’s Zaman

“My country is facing many challenges. It now stands literally at an unprecedented and dangerous crossroads.
America is being torn this way and that by those on the left and the right; by older, more settled families and new immigrants; by Democrats and Republicans. The very livelihood and health of my country is in danger. I wonder constantly, which roads will my country go down? Will it head down roads that promote inclusivity or exclusivity, listening or ignoring, respect or disrespect?”

ONE FILM 9/11 CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE – Islamophobia Today

“For Muslims worldwide, Journey into America can serve as a lesson on the Muslim experience in the U.S. The film can help shatter the prevalent notion in the Muslim world that America is a monolithic entity which hates Muslims and Islam. By watching Journey into America, Muslims worldwide can learn that the has U.S. welcomed their fellow Muslims throughout its history with open arms and that Muslim-Americans are proud of being American and happy living in the U.S. A particular scene detailing the life of one Pakistani immigrant shows how the ‘American Dream’ offers unlimited opportunities for Muslims. Simple and practical stories such as these help demonstrate to Muslims worldwide that many Americans value their Muslim neighbors and that many Americans adhere to the pluralist and egalitarian vision laid out by founding fathers.”

WHAT WOULD AMERICA’S FOUNDING FATHERS SAY ABOUT ISLAM – Huffington Post

“In recent weeks, people the world over have heard a great deal about divisions and conflict between Muslim communities and America. Yet, looking more deeply at American history shows how much American tradition actually runs in the opposite direction. In today’s seemingly divisive world, I cannot help but think of the values of America’s Founding Fathers and their faith that America would always be a place that is open to people from all religious backgrounds.”