Imam Ali from the View Point of Nun-Muslim Scholars 1
Ali (as), a magnanimous and honored man
The famous British Orientalist, General Sir Percy Sykes Says, “Among the Caliphs, he [Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS)] was well-known for the honor and glory and he was very observant for his inferiors. The claims of the messengers and agents had not effect on him and their gifts were not effective. He was not ever comparable to Mu’awiya, his cunning and wicked opponent who was committing the hardest crimes to achieve his goals and was creating the most vicious means for his progress. His severe caring and observing in the trusteeship and faith have caused the greedy Arabs to be dissatisfied; those who plundered the entire empire. However, honesty, truthfulness, full friendship, austere life style, true worshipping, purity and spirituality, deliverance and his other significant traits and characteristics made him truly admirable. Certainly, the fact that the people of Iran consider his position as a true guardian and divine instructor, it is very admirable and worthy of praise. However, his position is much higher than that.”
The love of Ali (AS) is the last resort.
Janine, the German poet, says, “We have no choice but to love and be enchanted of Ali (AS), because he was a noble and magnanimous young. He had a pure conscience full of kindness and beneficence and his heart was full of help and sacrifice. He was more courageous than a wrathful lion, but courage blended with kindness, grace, compassion, love and affection.”
The superior of Arabs
The French Professor, Stanislav Gouryard says, “Mu’awiya has behaved in many respects contrary to the rules of Islam, as he acted in a hostile manner with Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) who was considered the greatest, the most courageous, the most righteous, the most knowledgeable man and the best orator of Arab after the Prophet Muhammad (S).”
Ali (AS) did not infringe the right path.
Georgi Zidan, an Arab Christian author and scholar, says, “Mu’awiya and his friends committed any crimes in order to achieve their personal intentions, but Ali (as) and his companions never infringe the right path and defending the truth and dignity.”
Superior to Jesus Christ
Georgi Zidan states, “If I say Jesus Christ is superior to Ali (AS), my sagacity would not allow me and if I say Ali is superior to Jesus Christ, my religion would not allow me.”
A courageous hero but a tender hearted and sympathetic one
Baron Carrdyfo, French scholar utters, “Ali (AS) was not created by events but he had created events. His actions were the result of his own thoughts, creativity and affection. He was a courageous hero but a tender hearted and sympathetic one, a knight who was pious in the midst of fight. He felt contempt for wealth and positions in this world and in fact he devoted his life. He had a very deep soul that its origin was unknown and he always feared God in everywhere.”
Faithful to the religion with love and rapture
Ilya Pavlovich Petrushevsky, Russian historian and orientalist, says, “Ali (AS) [nurtured by prophet Mohammed (S)] was deeply faithful to the Prophet in the issue of Islam. Ali (AS) was faithful to the religion with love and rapture, and he was honest and trustworthy. He was so strict about the moral issues. He was both warrior and poet and he was a collection of all qualities attributed to great friends of God.”
The unique brave and the unrivalled hero
Baron Carra de Vaux, French researcher and historian, says, “Ali (AS) was the unique brave and unrivalled hero fighting shoulder to shoulder with the Prophet and he rose up with eminent and miraculous actions. In the battle of Badr, he was twenty years old who bisected the noble knight of Quraysh at one stroke. In the battle of Ohud, he took the Prophet’s sword (Du Al-Faghār) and cracked the helmets on the heads and tore armors on bodies. In one attack on castles of the Jews (Kheybar), he removed the heavy iron gate with one hand and used it as a shield over his head. The Prophet (S) loved and trusted him very much. One day he pointed to Ali (AS) and said, “For whomsoever I am his guardian, so Ali is his guardian”.”
So brilliant and of a quick perception
George Jordac, Arab Christian author, states, “Ali ibn Abi-Tālib (AS) used to stand on the pulpit and speak with calmness and having complete self-confidence and trust in his just words. He was so brilliant and had a quick perception. He knew the secrets of the people’s hearts and their whims and desires. He had a heart full of affection, freedom, humanity, virtue, etc. Ali ibn Abi-Tālib (AS) was honored and known as honest and trustworthy in [his] life.”
“Nowadays, it really deserves that warmongers and those who cause misery to the nations and people listen to the words and helps of the hero of Arabic thoughts, the magnanimous human conscious, Ali ibn Abi-tālib (AS) and memorize them and bow before the great person who has said these sayings.”
Imam Ali (AS), the martyr of his glory
George Jordac writes elsewhere in his book, “In my opinion, the son of Abi-tālib (AS) was the first Arab man who was in company with the human spirit. Imam Ali (AS) was martyred for his glory. He was killed while he was uttering the prayer on his lips and he demised with a heart full of love toward God. Arabs did not recognize his true dignity and status since some people from their Persian neighbor rose who distinguished the gem from pebble well.”
Awakening the Slaves
On the issue of “slavery”, the Christian George Jardac has compared the viewpoint of Imam Ali (AS) with Omar ibn Khattab’s and says, “Why did you slave people? While they were born free, said Omar. This quote refers to the Lords and it is nothing more than an advice, but Ali ibn Abi-tālib (AS) was awakening the slaves and telling them, “Do not be the servant of others, since God has created you free.” Notice the depth of thought!”
Imam Ali (AS), the Martyr of Justice
George Jordac has a clear wording on the justice of Imam Ali (AS), “He was killed in his altar for his justice.”
