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Saladin, also known as Yusuf ibn Ayyub, stands as a monumental figure in Islamic history, renowned for his pivotal role in the Crusades and the establishment of the Ayyubid dynasty. Born in 1137 in Tikrit, Iraq, he ascended as a military leader under the Zengid dynasty, eventually founding the Ayyubid dynasty.
He was born in Tekrit in 1138 CE when his father Ameer Najmudin was the ruler of Tekrit. His real name was Yusuf ibn Ayyub, the title of Salahuddin which he was given due to his extraordinary qualities means ‘the Righteousness of the Faith’.
He was brought up by his noble father and talented uncle, Asad-ud-din Shirkhu. Salahuddin was a very intelligent and noble person. He loved peace and never enjoyed fighting battles.
He became the commander and Vizier of Egypt after his uncle's death. When the Fatmid caliph Al Aziz died, Salahuddin became the ruler of Egypt. When Salahuddin took over Damascus the people opened the gates of the city to him and greeted him warmly.
The Crusaders uniting their forces, planned a decisive attack in a Muslim area. Battle of Hittin took place. Muslims won under the leadership of Salahuddin. Thousands of Crusaders were arrested. Salahuddin treated the prisoners with tolerance.
His legacy is entrenched in numerous historical accounts. Among these, the insights provided by eminent British historian Stanley Lane-Poole shed light on Saladin's life and the period in which he flourished. However, it's important to note that Lane-Poole's work on Saladin encompasses a broader historical perspective rather than just an Islamic viewpoint.
The Battle of Hittin in 1187 stands as a landmark event in Saladin's life. This crucial battle resulted in a definitive triumph for Saladin's forces against the Crusaders, leading to the recapture of Jerusalem. It remains a standout moment among Saladin's many military achievements.
Saladin's life epitomized chivalry, religious tolerance, and respect for scholarly and religious figures. Notably, his statesmanship was evident in the relatively lenient terms of surrender he offered to the Christian defenders of Jerusalem, defying the harsh norms of his time.
The Ayyubid dynasty, Saladin's enduring legacy, left an indelible mark on the Middle East. This era was characterized by cultural, scientific, and architectural advancements, significantly shaping the region's historical trajectory.
Saladin's influence extends far beyond Islamic history. His role significantly impacted the political landscape and the interactions between the East and the West during the Crusades. His life and legacy continue to be studied and admired across various historical and cultural contexts.
Saladin's early life, born in Tekrit in 1138 CE while his father, Ameer Najmudin, ruled Tekrit, reflects his upbringing by his noble father and talented uncle, Asad-ud-din Shirkhu. Known for his intellect and nobility, Saladin eschewed conflict, despite later becoming a military leader.
Rising to become the commander and Vizier of Egypt, Saladin assumed power upon his uncle's passing and later became the ruler of Egypt upon the death of the Fatimid caliph, Al Aziz. His acquisition of Damascus was met with warm reception by the people.
The Battle of Hittin saw Muslims emerge victorious under Saladin's leadership. Many Crusaders were captured, and despite this, Saladin treated the prisoners with remarkable tolerance.
During his zenith of power, he ruled over Egypt, Syria, Mesopotamia, Hijaz, and Yemen. Particularly notable among his many accomplishments are the Wars against the Crusaders and the Capture of Jerusalem.
The capture of Jerusalem in July 1187 stands out significantly in history. Salahuddin's forces successfully overtook most of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. At the Battle of Hattin, Salahuddin confronted the combined forces of Guy of Lusignan, King Consort of Jerusalem, and Raymond III of Tripoli. The battle resulted in a substantial defeat for the Crusaders, marking a turning point in the history of the Crusades.
Salahuddin personally executed Raynald de Châtillon in retaliation for his attacks on Muslim caravans. Upon hearing of the latter's insult to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, Salahuddin swore to personally execute Raynald. Despite the capture of thousands of Crusaders, upon the appeals of their mothers, sisters, and wives, Salahuddin chose to release them.
Between 1187 and 1189 CE, Salahuddin Ayyubi managed to capture 50 Crusader castles and much of the Crusader kingdom.
Upon entering Jerusalem in 583 AH, Salahuddin proceeded directly to the Mosque, signaling the call to prayer from Al Aqsa Mosque for the first time in over 80 years. Salahuddin exhibited generosity by ransoming many Crusaders and paying for others' freedom, offering free passage for the poor to leave the city.
Noted in Baha ad-Din's account, everyone who appeared before Salahuddin was treated honorably, including a Frankish prisoner. Moved by the prisoner's reaction, Salahuddin pardoned and set him free.
Salahuddin Ayubi's legacy as Sultan Saladin is widely revered, celebrated as a formidable warrior in battle and magnanimous towards his enemies.
Saladin was a devoted adherent to Islam, consistently performing the obligatory prayers on time, and spending much of his wealth on optional charity. His aspirations to perform Hajj were curtailed by his engagement in jihad.
To be a great Sultan, Saladin exemplified a blend of courage, firmness, mercy, fairness, and kindness. He heard the pleas of his subjects on Mondays and Thursdays, delivering his views and decisions on their petitions. Saladin was known for his respectful conduct and avoidance of rude speech or actions against Muslims.
Saladin passed away at the age of 57, leaving behind a modest estate. His demise marked the end of an era and a new chapter for the Islamic world.
The tumultuous era saw a divided Islamic world, offering feeble resistance to the Crusaders, allowing the latter to consolidate their influence over the eastern Mediterranean. The internal strife in Egypt and the power shift from the Fatimid Caliphs to the viziers led to anarchy, rendering the Caliphs as pawns in the hands of ambitious viziers.
Egypt's unstable condition presented an opportunity for the Crusaders to make inroads into the region. A series of invasions transpired, with strategic victories leading to the weakening of Muslim defenses in Palestine and eventual loss of Jerusalem.
However, the advent of leaders like Zengi and his son Nuruddin marked a shift. Nuruddin pursued his father's vision with greater determination, orchestrating a systematic campaign to expel the Crusaders from West Asia.
The key to challenging the Crusaders in Palestine lay in controlling Egypt. Upon Saladin's ascent to power in Egypt, he orchestrated a peaceful revolution, abolishing the Fatimid Caliphate and unifying Sunni Islam under the Abbasid Caliph's name. This momentous event facilitated a unified front against the Crusaders and marked a transition to a united, orthodox Islam.
The scenario set the stage for further confrontations and the subsequent Battle of Hittin, where Salahuddin's triumph against the Crusaders demonstrated his military prowess and strategic acumen.
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Saladin Yusuf ibn Ayyub
Published on November 22, 2023
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Saladin, also known as Yusuf ibn Ayyub, stands as a monumental figure in Islamic history, renowned for his pivotal role in the Crusades and the Saladin, also known as Yusuf ibn Ayyub, stands as a monumental figure in Islamic history, renowned for his pivotal role in the Crusades and the establishment of the Ayyubid dynasty.establishment of the Ayyubid dynasty. Born in 1137 in Tikrit, Iraq, he ascended as a military leader under the Zengid dynasty, eventually founding the Ayyubid dynasty.
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