Remembering Professor John L. Esposito (1940-2026)

[Prabin]

The International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) mourns the passing of Professor John L. Esposito, one of the world’s most distinguished scholars of Islam and a lifelong advocate for interfaith understanding, academic excellence, and meaningful dialogue between civilizations.

For more than five decades, Professor Esposito devoted his life to advancing a deeper and more nuanced understanding of Islam and Muslims. He was a student of the late Dr. Ismail Al Faruqi, one of the founders of IIIT, who served as his Ph.D. advisor. Through his pioneering scholarship, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to intellectual engagement, Professor Esposito transformed the study of Islam in the West and inspired generations of students, scholars, policymakers, and faith leaders around the world.

As the founding director of Georgetown University’s Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, editor of the Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World, and author of numerous influential works, Professor Esposito consistently challenged misconceptions and fostered informed, respectful dialogue. His scholarship built bridges across communities and cultures, especially during times when such bridges were most urgently needed.

Professor Esposito was a valued friend of IIIT and a steadfast supporter of its mission to promote sound scholarship, ethical reflection, and constructive engagement. May his lifelong service to knowledge and humanity be remembered with gratitude, and may his enduring contributions to scholarship and interfaith dialogue continue to inspire future generations while bringing comfort to all who mourn his passing.

With deepest condolences from the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT)



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