(RNS) – Imam Sohaib Sultan, beloved Muslim chaplain, is dead at 40.
A lecturer and writer on Islam were known for his interfaith leadership as a chaplain at Princeton University and as a bridge-builder to other faith communities.
(Interfaith America) — Imam Sohaib Nazeer Sultan, Princeton University’s Muslim chaplain, and beloved interfaith leader, died Friday (April 16) at sunset after a yearlong battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer at age 40.
He was surrounded by his family while hearing recitations of the Quran and prayers offered in his honor.
In a Facebook post, his wife, Arshe Ahmed, shared the news of her husband’s death: “Sohaib Sultan has passed away peacefully on this beautiful, blessed Friday Jummah day around maghrib time in this most beautiful month of Ramadan.
The month of the Qur’an…Sohaib LOVED the Qur’an. He has returned to his Creator.”
A public lecturer and writer on Islam, Sultan was greatly revered for his compassionate outlook on life inspired by his faith.
He was known for his interfaith leadership in higher education, and as an active bridge-builder between Muslims and other faith communities.
“I had the singular honor of hiring Imam Sultan to his position at Princeton,” said the Rev. Paul Raushenbush, a former associate dean of religious life at Princeton.
“Sohaib brought his kind heart, deep spirit and welcoming smile into every room, and made life better at Princeton not only for Muslims but for every student, staff and faculty member. His presence in my life was a gift that I am forever grateful for.”
Sultan was a graduate of Hartford Theological Seminary and was the first Muslim chaplain at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.
He was one of eight people profiled in the 2010 PBS documentary series “The Calling,” about the spiritual journey of people from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths who chose a life in the clergy.