The Islamic Foundation expresses its profound sadness at the passing of Professor John L. Esposito, one of the world's most distinguished scholars of Islam and Muslim–West relations, who passed away on 15 July 2026.

His passing is a great loss not only to the academic community but also to all those committed to fostering understanding, dialogue, and mutual respect between people of different faiths and cultures.

The Islamic Foundation feels this loss particularly deeply. Only a few months ago, Professor Esposito travelled from the United States to Markfield to deliver the inaugural Professor Khurshid Ahmad Memorial Lecture at the Islamic Foundation. Despite his demanding international commitments, he graciously accepted our invitation, remarking that he "owed it to his friend Khurshid." His lecture was intellectually inspiring, insightful, and deeply moving, reflecting both his scholarship and his longstanding friendship with the Foundation. Memorial Lecture Video

With Professor Esposito's passing, the global Muslim community has lost one of its most respected and trusted scholars. For more than five decades, he dedicated his academic life to promoting a deeper and more balanced understanding of Islam, challenging misconceptions, and encouraging constructive engagement between Muslims and the wider world. His work helped shape public discourse on Islam and inspired generations of scholars, policymakers, journalists, and students.

Professor Esposito served as Professor of Religion, International Affairs, and Islamic Studies at Georgetown University, where he founded the Centre for Muslim-Christian Understanding in 1993. Under his visionary leadership, the Centre became one of the world's leading institutions for the study of Islam and for promoting dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding between religious communities.

Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Esposito authored and edited numerous influential books that transformed the study of Islam and helped counter stereotypes and misinformation. His publications include Shariah: What Everyone Needs to Know (with Natana J. DeLong-Bas), Islam and Democracy after the Arab Spring (with John O. Voll and Tamara Sonn), Religion and Violence, Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think (with Dalia Mogahed), What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam, The Future of Islam, and Islamophobia: The Challenge of Pluralism in the 21st Century. His scholarship combined academic rigour with a commitment to fairness, intellectual honesty, and public understanding.

Professor Esposito will be remembered not only as an outstanding scholar but also as a sincere friend of the Muslim community and of the Islamic Foundation. His lifelong commitment to objective scholarship, interfaith dialogue, and the pursuit of justice and mutual understanding has left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

On behalf of the Trustees, staff, students, and friends of the Islamic Foundation, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Professor Esposito's family, colleagues, students, and all who were touched by his remarkable life and work.

"Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return." (Qur'an 2:156)

May his legacy of scholarship, dialogue, and bridge-building continue to enrich humanity for many years to come.