John Esposito would occasionally joke that he owed his success to Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran.
As one of a limited number of academic specialists on Islam at the time of the 1979 Iranian revolution, Esposito would be called upon time and again throughout his illustrious career to help explain the significance of events in a rapidly transforming region to a mystified American public.
Even as the field proliferated with scores of scholars and analysts aiming to fill the void with expert knowledge and policy recommendations, he stood apart.
He stood apart for his deeper engagement with the people of the Muslim world, and for his commitment to fostering compassion and understanding.
As friends, colleagues and former students come together to mourn Esposito following his death on 15 July, we reflect upon a life lived with purpose and an unwavering commitment to knowledge and truth in the face of prejudice and ignorance.
