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He was a distinguished figure of orientalism and a pioneer in the dialogue between Muslims and Christians, or rather between civilizations. He was a meticulous researcher and a very cultivated instructor. He opened the doors of knowledge to his students, wisely, patiently, with a great sense of analysis and synthesis. This university administrator knew how to combine wisdom with devotion.

Michel was born in Brest that was, and still is, a very important naval military base West of France. His father was a marine officer and, therefore, Michel loved the sea. When he finished high school with the Jesuits in that same city, he first thought of following in his father’s footsteps and enrolling in the navy. However, after a spiritual retreat he did shortly after graduating, he understood that God was calling him to sail in another direction. He joined the Jesuits and served in the Orient.

As soon as he finished his first years of spiritual and literary education, he started learning Arabic and its literature in 1946 in his order’s institute created to teach Arabic to foreigners in Bikfaya, Lebanon . He pursued his specialization in this field in the Sorbonne University where he obtained his PhD after writing two theses acclaimed by all experts. The first, entitled The Problems of the Divine Attributes in the Doctrine of al-Ašh’arî and his First Great Disciples, was published in 1965. The second was a verification of a manuscript left by the orientalist philosopher the Jesuit Father Maurice Bouyges entitled An Attempt of Chronology for the Works of al-Ghazãlî, published in 1959. After that, he published other books on Islam, one of which in collaboration with his relative the scholar Gérard Troupeau entitled Letter of the Most Honored Hadîth on the Honor of Monotheism and Trinity, by Muhyiddîn al-Isfahãnî (1962). He also wrote with his Jesuit friend Father François Hours and two other researchers a work about the conceptual analysis of the Koran on punched cards. Furthermore, he published other apologetic texts about Islam written by Abdallah ibn Abd al-Malik Guwaynî (who died in 1085 AD/478H), with a French introduction and translation.

He wrote in Arabic a book entitled The Scientific Method and the Critical Spirit. In addition to these basic works, there are many scientific articles which were published in magazines specialized in theology, philosophy and orientalism, as well as in the magazine Travaux et Jours that he directed for a while.

Upon reading his books and articles, it is not difficult to notice the subjects that interested him. He studied Islam and its doctrines, old and modern Arab civilizations, trying to meet the other respectfully, loyally and faithfully. Hence, he was among the first to pave the way for the dialogue between civilizations and religions for he was convinced that the difference did not lead to discord but to the exchange of talents for a mutual enrichment.

His position in favor of the dialogue oriented his teaching activities and administrative work as well. When he was nominated President of the “Oriental Literature Institute” in 1963 – staying in office until his death – he developed this Institute as never before. Dozens of PhD candidates enrolled thanks to his good scientific reputation. At the end of 1975, some 800 PhD candidates registered in the Institute and he personally directed a great number of them, as if he were the elder brother. His knowledge, affection and devotion were obvious to all.

When the Lebanese war started in 1975, he pursued his work relentlessly, in spite of the hurdles that the bloody events and dangers set, impeding him from communicating with his students. He used to go to Arab countries to meet them and advise them, sparing them the dangers of the trip and saving their lives. On the night of January 15, 1976, upon returning from Damascus, he went up to his room on the 7^th floor. While he was asleep, he was blown up by a bomb the morning after, like a scythe cuts the corn in the ear.

Father Allard died at 52 after having given so much. His boat took him and sailed away, where there was no limit to the West or the East, on the sea of immortality given to martyrs to faith, love and hope. The conversation that took place two weeks prior to his death between him and one of his Jesuit friends who became afterwards President of the Saint Joseph University in Beirut constitutes a good example of the martyrdom of Father Allard for the faith, love and hope. His friend said, “If Lebanon is demolished, part of our faith in bringing men together, i.e. the future, will fade away with it”. Father Allard lowered his head and replied, “This is exactly what I think, yet I have not lost hope”…

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