Writer re-examines scholar's faith after reports of conversion

An Indonesian writer is grappling with conflicting information regarding the religious affiliation of the late scholar John L. Esposito. In a previous obituary, the writer, Ahmadie Thaha, stated unequivocally that Esposito was not Muslim. However, new information has emerged suggesting Esposito may have converted to Islam before his passing.

Thaha received a WhatsApp message containing a screenshot that circulated widely from Morocco to Malaysia, claiming Esposito recited the Shahada (declaration of faith) in front of Hamza Yusuf and Esposito's wife. While Thaha acknowledges the possibility, he stresses that he has not yet independently verified these claims. He is awaiting confirmation from Hamza Yusuf or Esposito's wife and has not found official statements from Georgetown University, Esposito's family, or close colleagues to confirm the conversion.

Thaha explains that many Muslims hoped Esposito would die as a Muslim due to his fair treatment of Islam in his scholarly work. He views this hope as an expression of love but insists that love should not replace factual verification. The writer notes that while some sources report Esposito's death without mentioning a religious conversion, others, like Muslim Network TV, highlight his role in giving a voice to a billion Muslims. Thaha chooses to remain cautious, stating that while he would be happy if the conversion proves true, he cannot alter a presumption into a fact without solid evidence.