Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi (d. 1193), also known as 'Saladin' the West, is one of the most celebrated figures in both Islamic and world history. He was the legendary Muslim leader who, in 1187, liberated and recaptured Masjid Al-Aqsa, Al-Quds (Jerusalem), and Palestine after 88 long years of Crusader occupation. His remarkable achievements on the battlefield are often highlighted in history books, but his legacy extends far beyond military conquests. Salah ad-Din embodied the qualities of a true Islamic leader, one who was dedicated to justice, unity, and the moral elevation of the Ummah. His life serves as a beacon of hope, particularly in today's context of ongoing struggles in the Muslim world.
To truly appreciate the depth of Salah ad-Din’s life, leadership, and enduring influence, I highly recommend the reading of a three-volume biography entitled Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi, authored by the respected contemporary Islamic historian Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi. This work provides an invaluable and detailed account of his life, drawing on classical Islamic sources and offering modern insights.
Volume One - Crusades Prior to the Rise of the Ayyubid State:
The first volume of Dr. al-Sallabi's biography, Crusades Prior to the Rise of the Ayyubid State, sets the stage for the emergence of Salah ad-Din and his rise to power. This volume is essential for understanding the broader geopolitical and social context in which the Crusades took place and their impact on the Muslim world. The Crusades were not merely a military campaign launched by Western Christendom; they represented a systematic effort to dismantle Muslim political authority in key regions, including the Levant and parts of North Africa. The early Crusader incursions capitalised on a period of disunity and internal conflict within the Muslim world, especially in the wake of the Seljuk and Fatimid dynasties’ political decline. The fragmentation of Muslim territories into small, rival principalities made it easier for the Crusaders to advance.
Dr. al-Sallabi provides an in-depth analysis of the Muslim response to the first waves of Crusader invasions. He details how the initial Muslim leaders who fought against the Crusaders were unable to mount a unified resistance due to political fragmentation and sectarian divisions. This volume gives readers insight into the ideological motivations of the Crusaders, the consequences of their occupation of Jerusalem, and the tragic loss of one of Islam’s holiest cities. It is crucial to understand the deep humiliation and sorrow that the Muslim world experienced during this time, as this sets the stage for the rise of Salah ad-Din, who would later restore the dignity of the Muslim Ummah through his leadership.
Volume Two - The Establishment of the Ayyubid State:
In the second volume, The Establishment of the Ayyubid State, Dr. al-Sallabi delves into the life of Salah ad-Din from his early years, detailing his upbringing, education, and character. Salah ad-Din was born in Tikrit, Iraq, in 1137, into a Kurdish family that was deeply committed to Islam. His father, Najm ad-Din Ayyub, served as a military commander, and Salah ad-Din followed in his footsteps, receiving both military and religious training. This balance between the sword and the pen defined much of his later career, as he was not only a skilled general but also a man of deep Islamic knowledge and piety.
Dr. al-Sallabi highlights the important role Salah ad-Din’s character and upbringing played in shaping his leadership style. His early commitment to the revival of the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) and his emphasis on justice were central to his rule. Salah ad-Din’s moral integrity and commitment to Islamic principles allowed him to win the trust of both his allies and his subjects. His ethical leadership is a stark contrast to the political corruption and division that plagued the Muslim world prior to his rise.
This volume also covers Salah ad-Din’s crucial role in dismantling the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt, which had long been a source of internal strife and division within the Muslim world due to its adherence to Ismaili Shia doctrines. Salah ad-Din’s ability to restore the Sunni orthodoxy in Egypt was a significant turning point in Islamic history, as it helped to unify the Muslim world and provided a strong base from which to launch his campaigns against the Crusaders.
Moreover, Dr. al-Sallabi emphasises Salah ad-Din’s administrative reforms, which were aimed at strengthening the state and ensuring justice for all citizens. Salah ad-Din reorganized Egypt’s finances, reformed its military, and implemented systems of governance that were rooted in Islamic law (Sharia). His efforts to revive Islamic education, patronize scholars, and promote the spread of Islamic knowledge were all part of his broader vision to unite the Muslim Ummah under a common religious and political framework.
Volume Three - The Battle of Hattin, the Conquest of Jerusalem, and the Third Crusade:
The third and final volume, The Battle of Hattin, the Conquest of Jerusalem, and the Third Crusade, brings the reader to the defining moments of Salah ad-Din’s career. The Battle of Hattin in 1187 was a pivotal moment in Islamic history. It marked the beginning of the end for Crusader dominance in the Levant and paved the way for the recapture of Jerusalem. Dr. al-Sallabi provides a detailed account of the strategies employed by Salah ad-Din during this battle, showcasing his military brilliance and his ability to outmaneuver the Crusader forces.
Salah ad-Din’s victory at Hattin is not just significant for its military implications, but for the ethical and humane way in which he treated his defeated enemies. While the Crusaders had committed numerous atrocities against Muslim civilians, Salah ad-Din showed remarkable restraint and mercy. After the conquest of Jerusalem, he allowed the Christian inhabitants of the city to leave peacefully, in stark contrast to the massacre carried out by the Crusaders when they first captured the city in 1099. Salah ad-Din’s chivalry and adherence to Islamic principles of justice earned him the respect of even his enemies.
The third volume also discusses the challenges posed by the Third Crusade, which was launched in response to Salah ad-Din’s successes. Led by figures such as Richard the Lionheart, the Third Crusade aimed to retake Jerusalem but ultimately failed. Dr. al-Sallabi examines the diplomatic and military maneuvers that characterized this period, and how Salah ad-Din managed to defend Muslim lands while continuing to work toward the unification of the Muslim world.
The Legacy of Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi:
Salah ad-Din’s legacy is one of justice, unity, and steadfastness. His life and leadership offer countless lessons for Muslims today. He was a leader who understood that true strength comes not just from military might, but from moral integrity and faith in Allah. His commitment to the cause of Islam was unwavering, yet he balanced this with a deep sense of compassion, even for his enemies. Salah ad-Din’s ability to unite the Muslim world at a time of immense political division is perhaps one of his most important legacies, one that is particularly relevant in today’s fragmented world.
As Muslims, we are called to derive lessons from Salah ad-Din’s life and implement them in our own. His dedication to justice, his vision for unity, and his moral uprightness should serve as guiding principles for us in our personal lives and in our collective struggles. At a time when the Muslim Ummah faces numerous challenges—from political disunity to ongoing oppression, particularly in Palestine—Salah ad-Din’s example reminds us of the power of faith, perseverance, and leadership grounded in Islamic values.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the life of Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi, as beautifully captured in Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi’s three-volume biography, offers a timeless source of inspiration for Muslims around the world. His story is not just one of military victory, but of justice, ethical leadership, and unwavering commitment to the principles of Islam. As we reflect on his legacy, we must strive to apply the lessons of his life in our own struggles, particularly in the ongoing fight for justice in Palestine and the protection of Masjid Al-Aqsa.
May Allah subḥānahu wa-taʿālā grant us the ability to follow in the footsteps of Salah ad-Din, to work toward the unity of the Ummah, and to stand firm against oppression in all its forms. May He bless us to be leaders of justice in our communities and to embody the values of mercy, integrity, and dedication to the cause of Islam. Allahuma Ameen.