The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed its deepest condolences on the passing of internationally-respected scholar of Islam and interfaith relations Professor John L. Esposito at the age of 86.
Professor Esposito, a distinguished professor of religion and international affairs at Georgetown University, was widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost scholars on Islam and Muslim-West relations. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he authored or edited dozens of influential books and academic works that helped foster a deeper understanding of Islam, challenged harmful stereotypes about Muslims, and promoted dialogue among people of different faiths and cultures.
His books include: Shariah: What Everyone Needs to Know (with Natana Delong-Bas; Oxford, 2018), Islam and Democracy after the Arab Spring (with J. Voll & Tamara Sonn; Oxford, 2015), Religion and Violence (Mdpi AG, 2016), Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think (with Dalia Mogahed; Gallup, 2008), What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam (Oxford, 2011), The Future of Islam (Oxford, 2013), Islamophobia: The Challenge of Pluralism in the 21st Century (Oxford, 2011)
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“To God we belong and to Him we return. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Professor John Esposito’s family, friends, colleagues, students, and all those whose lives he touched through his scholarship, teaching, and unwavering commitment to truth and justice.
“Professor Esposito devoted his life to advancing an accurate understanding of Islam and Muslims at a time when misinformation and prejudice too often dominated public discourse. His scholarship helped educate generations of students, policymakers, journalists, religious leaders, and members of the public around the world.
“He was not only an extraordinary academic, but also a compassionate friend and trusted voice who consistently stood for religious freedom, interfaith cooperation, and the dignity of all people. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scholars and advocates working to build greater understanding and mutual respect.
“May God have mercy on him, grant comfort and patience to his loved ones, and reward him for his lifelong service to knowledge and humanity.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | TikTok | Website | YouTube
Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.
You are receiving this email due to your interest selection from commercial media databases. If you would like to join CAIR’s media list, please sign up here: https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters — For more information, email: [email protected], CC [email protected]
END
CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]