Muslims have been part of the American story since before independence

Many early Americans were astute enough, unlike so many Americans today, to distinguish between good and bad Muslims. From the 16th to the 18th Centuries the Barbary pirates (also known as the “naval mujahadeen”) raided the southern coasts of Europe. They stole cargo from other ships and enslaved or ransomed their sailors. Hundreds of Americans (about 100 in 1793 alone) were snatched in these attacks.