History has witnessed many great personalities whose influence transcended the boundaries of their own communities and eras. Among such figures stand Imam Ali (AS) ibn Abi Talib, (A.S) the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, whose legacy continues to inspire millions across the world. What is particularly remarkable is that admiration for Imam Ali (AS) has not been confined to Muslims alone.
Throughout history, scholars, philosophers, poets, and thinkers from different faiths have expressed profound respect for his character, wisdom, and commitment to justice. One of the most notable examples is George Jordac, a distinguished Lebanese Christian writer, philosopher, and literary critic. Jordac devoted a significant portion of his life to studying Imam Ali (AS) and eventually produced his monumental five-volume work, The Voice of Human Justice (Sawatul-Adalat-e-Insaniyyah).
This masterpiece remains one of the most celebrated modern studies of Imam Ali (AS) and is often cited as evidence of Ali’s universal appeal. The story of why a Christian intellectual became so deeply attached to the life and teachings of Imam Ali (AS) is both fascinating and inspiring. It demonstrates how truth, justice, and moral excellence can unite people across religious and cultural boundaries.
George Jordac was born in southern Lebanon in 1931 into a Christian family. From an early age, he displayed a remarkable interest in literature, philosophy, and history. He developed a reputation as an accomplished writer and thinker, eventually becoming one of the Arab world’s respected literary figures. Jordac grew up in an intellectual environment where books and learning were highly valued. His brother, Fuad Jordac, was a teacher who introduced him to classical Arabic literature.
This early exposure helped him develop an appreciation for eloquence, philosophy, and the power of ideas. Although he was a Christian by faith, Jordac possessed a broad intellectual outlook. He believed that wisdom should be sought wherever it may be found and that great human beings should be appreciated regardless of religious affiliation. This perspective would later shape his approach to studying Imam Ali (AS). The turning point in George Jordac’s life came when he was introduced to Nahjul-al-Balagha, the famous collection of sermons, letters, and sayings attributed to Imam Ali (AS).
As a young student, Jordac was struck by the extraordinary literary beauty of the text. The eloquence of its language, the depth of its thought, and the universality of its message captivated him. He found in its pages a vision of humanity that emphasized justice, compassion, equality, and moral responsibility.
Unlike many historical texts that are confined to a particular time or place, Nahjul-al-Balagha appeared to Jordac as timeless. The issues discussed by Imam Ali (AS)-oppression, corruption, poverty, human dignity, ethical governance, and social justice-remained relevant centuries after they were first expressed. Jordac later acknowledged that reading Nahjul-al-Balagha profoundly affected his intellectual development. It inspired him to undertake a lifelong study of Imam Ali (AS)’s personality and ideas.
One of the main reasons George Jordac was drawn to Imam Ali (AS) was his conception of justice. For Jordac, justice was not merely a political principle but a moral necessity. He believed that societies could only flourish when fairness, equality, and respect for human dignity were upheld. As he studied Imam Ali (AS)’s life, Jordac discovered countless examples of these principles in action. He was impressed by Ali’s refusal to grant privileges based on wealth, family connections, or social status. He admired Ali’s insistence that all people should be treated equally before the law.
Particularly inspiring to Jordac was Ali’s concern for the poor, the weak, and the marginalized. He saw in Ali a ruler who regarded public office as a sacred trust rather than a means of personal enrichment. According to Jordac, many of the ideals associated with modern human rights movements had already been articulated and practiced by Imam Ali (AS) more than fourteen centuries earlier.
Another aspect of Imam Ali (AS)’s character that fascinated Jordac was his deep respect for human dignity. Throughout his writings, Imam Ali (AS) emphasized the value of every human being regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social status. One of his most famous statements describes people as either “your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity.” Jordac regarded this principle as revolutionary. In a world often divided by race, religion, and nationality, Ali’s words presented a vision of universal human brotherhood.
For Jordac, this message resonated deeply with modern concepts of human rights and social justice. He believed that Imam Ali (AS)’s teachings provided a moral framework capable of addressing many contemporary social problems. The more Jordac studied Ali’s life, the more convinced he became that Ali’s message belonged not only to Muslims but to all humanity.
One of the unique features of The Voice of Human Justice is Jordac’s comparative approach. Rather than limiting his discussion to Islamic history, Jordac compared Imam Ali (AS) with some of the greatest philosophers and reformers in human civilization. He explored similarities between Ali and figures such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and other influential thinkers. His purpose was not simply to praise Imam Ali (AS) but to demonstrate that Ali’s intellectual and moral contributions deserved a place among the world’s greatest traditions of thought.
Jordac argued that many principles associated with Western political philosophy-justice, equality, freedom, and ethical governance-could also be found in Ali’s teachings. He also examined the relationship between Ali’s ideas and the ideals of the French Revolution, particularly liberty, equality, and fraternity. In Jordac’s view, Imam Ali (AS) had articulated these values centuries before they became central themes in modern political discourse.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Jordac’s work is the fact that it was written by a Christian scholar. In many parts of the world, religious differences often create barriers to understanding and appreciation. Yet George Jordac demonstrated that genuine scholarship can transcend such boundaries. He approached Imam Ali (AS) not as a sectarian figure but as a universal human being whose life offered lessons for everyone.
Jordac repeatedly emphasized that his admiration for Ali was based on objective study rather than religious affiliation. He was inspired by Ali’s character, wisdom, courage, and commitment to justice. This approach earned Jordac respect from both Muslim and non-Muslim readers. His work became an example of how intellectual honesty and open-mindedness can foster mutual respect among different communities.
Writing The Voice of Human Justice was not a casual undertaking. Jordac devoted years to researching Islamic history, studying classical texts, and examining various aspects of Imam Ali (AS)’s life. He sought to understand not only Ali’s political achievements but also his moral and philosophical teachings. The result was a comprehensive five-volume work that explored numerous dimensions of Ali’s legacy. These volumes addressed themes such as human rights, social justice, ethical leadership, philosophy, literature, and historical influence.
Jordac’s extensive research reflected his belief that Imam Ali (AS) deserved serious academic attention. He wanted readers to appreciate Ali not merely as a historical figure but as a profound thinker whose ideas remain relevant today. George Jordac’s admiration for Imam Ali (AS) is often summarized in one of his most famous statements:
“If Ali belonged to us Christians, we would have raised his banner in every corner of the world.”
Although brief, this statement reveals the depth of Jordac’s respect for Imam Ali (AS). It was not intended as a theological claim but as an expression of admiration for Ali’s extraordinary qualities. Jordac believed that Ali represented the highest ideals of courage, justice, compassion, and wisdom. For him, such qualities deserved universal recognition.
Since its publication, The Voice of Human Justice has been translated into multiple languages and read by audiences around the world. The book has introduced countless readers to Imam Ali (AS)’s teachings and has encouraged dialogue between people of different religious traditions. Many readers regard it as one of the finest modern works written about Imam Ali (AS). Its influence extends beyond religious scholarship. Students of history, philosophy, political science, and ethics continue to find value in Jordac’s analysis.
The book also serves as a reminder that the search for truth should transcend prejudice and narrow-mindedness. Jordac’s willingness to study and celebrate a figure from another faith tradition remains an inspiring example of intellectual integrity. The story of George Jordac and Imam Ali (AS) carries important lessons for contemporary society.
First, it demonstrates that justice is a universal value. People from different cultures and religions can unite around principles such as fairness, compassion, and respect for human dignity.
Second, it highlights the importance of open-minded scholarship. Jordac did not allow religious differences to prevent him from appreciating greatness wherever he found it.
Third, it reminds us that true leadership is based on service rather than power. Imam Ali (AS)’s example continues to inspire those who seek ethical and responsible governance.
Finally, the relationship between Jordac and Imam Ali (AS) illustrates the power of ideas to build bridges between communities. In an age often characterized by division and conflict, this message is more relevant than ever.
zahid.irfan32@gmail.com
