KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Professor John L. Esposito, describing the internationally renowned academic as a close friend and one of the world’s foremost scholars of Islam.
In a heartfelt tribute, Anwar said he first met Professor Esposito in the early 1970s, with their friendship spanning more than five decades. He described the late scholar as a trusted confidant whose wisdom and counsel he greatly valued throughout the years.
Anwar praised Professor Esposito’s lifelong commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of Islam in the West and promoting dialogue between Muslim and Christian communities. He said the American scholar played a pivotal role in breaking down misconceptions about Islam through his academic work and public engagement.
Among Professor Esposito’s many achievements were founding Georgetown University’s Centre for Muslim-Christian Understanding, editing the Oxford Encyclopaedia of the Islamic World, serving as President of the Middle East Studies Association of North America, and co-authoring Makers of Contemporary Islam with Professor John Voll. His widely read publications, including What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam and Who Speaks for Islam?, co-authored with Dalia Mogahed, helped broaden public understanding of Islam, particularly in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
“John built bridges where others were content to build civilisational barriers,” Anwar said, adding that Professor Esposito’s scholarship encouraged dialogue, mutual respect, and greater understanding between different faiths and cultures.
The Prime Minister also remembered Professor Esposito as a man of great generosity and integrity, saying he remained a steadfast friend through both good and difficult times.
On behalf of the Malaysian government and people, Anwar extended his deepest condolences to Professor Esposito’s wife, Jean, as well as his family, colleagues, and students.
“May his scholarship and the dialogue he spent his life building continue to bear fruit. He was, to the end, a true friend to the Muslim world,” Anwar said.
— MINUTESMY
