Reza Aslan is an Iranian-American scholar, writer, and religious commentator known for his expertise in religious studies. He was born on May 5, 1972, in Tehran, Iran, and moved to the United States during his childhood. Aslan holds a Ph.D. in sociology of religion and has authored several books, including Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth. Aslan is also recognized for his appearances on television and in documentaries, where he discusses various aspects of religion and culture. He has contributed to platforms like CNN and has been involved in interfaith dialogue, promoting understanding among different religious communities.