‘He Read the Qur'an to Understand Us’ – American Muslim Leader Pays Tribute to Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

“Number one, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of President Carter,” Azhar Azeez began. “I very strongly believe that he was one of the most ethical U.S. presidents, one of the most ethical presidents in the history of our nation. And I have nothing but a great amount of admiration for him.”

Azeez recalled his numerous encounters with President Carter, particularly during his time as president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). One significant meeting took place in 2014 when Carter served as the keynote speaker at ISNA’s annual convention.

“We had the great joy of hosting him. We spent the entire day with him. He addressed our Community Service Recognition Luncheon, where he delivered his keynote speech, and later that evening he spoke to more than 10,000 people about topics extremely dear to him,” Azeez said.

Carter’s speech resonated with many in attendance, particularly for his advocacy for human rights and social justice. Azeez recalled Carter’s humility, personal warmth and laughter, as he recalled a touching moment when the former president offered him a job.

“He told the audience, ‘I would like to borrow your new president and ask him to come and join the Carter Center.’ This was on camera and on record. I thought it was the greatest compliment I could have received from the former president.”

A Champion for Human Rights

Azeez highlighted Carter’s lifelong commitment to fighting human trafficking, a cause he championed both during and after his presidency.

“He spoke about human trafficking in our own backyard in the U.S., where girls and women are forced into prostitution. His center was working hard to address this challenge,” Azeez explained. “He was always focused on how to alleviate human suffering.”

Carter’s humanitarian efforts extended across the globe, often taking him to countries that had strained relations with the United States. Azeez pointed to Carter’s diplomatic visits to Cuba and various Muslim-majority nations as examples of his commitment to fostering peace and understanding.

“He went to Cuba and tried to establish diplomatic relations with Fidel Castro. He also supervised elections there,” Azeez noted. “He traveled to many parts of the Muslim world that were going through difficult times, offering his wisdom and advice. His humbleness, humility, and understanding of different issues are things the world will miss.”

A Personal Encounter with the Carter Family

Azeez shared another touching story about introducing his wife and children to President Carter during a convention in Detroit. After requesting a brief meeting, Carter graciously agreed to meet them.

“He stood up from his seat before they could walk to him. He hugged my children and asked them what they wanted to be when they grew up,” Azeez recalled. “He gave us two signed books: ‘A Call to Action’ and ‘Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.’ He wrote my children’s names and signed the books. I will cherish them for the rest of my life.”

The book, published in 2006, caused a huge backlash against the president with accusations of anti-Semitism from the pro-Israel and zionist lobby. 

“Apartheid is a word that is an accurate description of what has been going on in the West Bank,” said Carter to NPR in 2007. “This is a word that's a very accurate description of the forced separation within the West Bank of Israelis from Palestinians and the total domination and oppression of Palestinians by the dominant Israeli military.”

In 2016, Carter also urged President Obama to recognize a Palestinian state, arguing it would bolster moderate Palestinian leadership while ensuring Israel’s security. Another courageous stance that would earn him the respect of Muslim and Arab communities across the nation and abroad.

Understanding Islam and Building Bridges

During his travels, Carter made a concerted effort to learn about Islam and engage with Muslim communities. Azeez recounted how Carter received a copy of the Qur'an during the Iran hostage crisis and read it in its entirety to better understand the Muslim mindset.

“He told us he was amazed by what he read and expressed disappointment that some actions he saw in the world contradicted the teachings of the Qur'an,” Azeez said. “Only a leader of his stature would make such an effort.”

Carter’s efforts to promote peace in the Middle East were groundbreaking. His role in negotiating the Camp David Accords, a historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, remains one of his most significant achievements. Azeez recounted Carter’s friendship with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.

“President Sadat did more for their friendship than for his role as head of state. He put a lot at stake to fulfill his commitments,” Azeez noted.

A Legacy of Humanitarianism

Beyond politics, Carter’s humanitarian work through organizations like Habitat for Humanity left an enduring legacy. Azeez recalled how ISNA partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for victims of natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

“We mobilized thousands of volunteers to build a home for one of the hurricane survivors. It was a humbling experience,” he said.

Carter’s commitment to eradicating diseases like polio and malaria, particularly in Africa, also stood out.

“He sought the help of ISNA in his fight to eliminate these dreadful diseases. His commitment to eradicating suffering was unwavering,” Azeez said.

Lessons for Today’s Leaders

Reflecting on Carter’s legacy, Azeez emphasized the need for today’s politicians to learn from his example.

“American politicians—members of Congress, members of the Senate, and those in the highest positions—should study President Carter’s life and learn from his experience. His humility, empathy, and commitment to addressing human suffering are qualities we desperately need in our current leadership.”

Azeez concluded by expressing his deep respect for Carter’s lifelong contributions.

“He was only a one-term president, but his legacy will always be remembered and applauded by the Muslim community and all Americans. His humility, moral clarity, and integrity set him apart. He always did what was right and spoke the truth, regardless of political consequences. His positive impact will be felt for generations to come.”