In 1795, George Washington ordered the creation of a "treaty of peace and friendship" between the US and the Muslim nations of northern Africa. These nations infamously pirated ships and enslaved captives, mostly Christians. Without French or English naval assistance to rely on, the US had to protect their merchant ships somehow.

In 1797, the Treaty of Tripoli was submitted by John Adams and ratified unanimously by the US Senate. Article 11 is cited as clear, defining language by our founding fathers on the secular intention of our goverment. Read aloud in the Senate before unanimous approval, the English version reads, "the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion" and "has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Muslims." Furthermore, "no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony" between the signing nations.

In conclusion, the religion of Islam was well known and respected by our founding politicians.

Oren, Michael B. (2005-11-03). "The Middle East and the Making of the United States, 1776 to 1815"

"[D]eal with it" it what sense?

I don't understand the question or what you are trying to imply about Islam being something that must be "dealt with".