Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi (d. 1193), known in the West as ‘Saladin,’ remains one of the most celebrated figures in Islamic and world history. He was the great Muslim leader who, in 1187, liberated and recaptured Masjid Al-Aqsa, Al-Quds (Jerusalem), and Palestine after 88 long years of Crusader occupation. While history often remembers him for his military brilliance, his true legacy lies in his justice, humility, unity-building, and moral leadership—qualities that the Ummah deeply longs for today.
Section One: The World Before Salah ad-Din — Crusades and Disunity
Before Salah ad-Din emerged, the Muslim world was fragmented. The Crusaders took advantage of political weakness, sectarian division, and internal rivalry across the Muslim lands. Jerusalem—one of Islam’s holiest cities—fell to Crusader forces in a tragedy that shook the entire Ummah.
The Levant was carved into Crusader kingdoms while Muslim rulers remained divided, unable to mount a unified defence. This period of deep humiliation set the stage for a leader who would restore dignity, unity, and strength to the Muslims.
The Levant was carved into Crusader kingdoms while Muslim rulers remained divided, unable to mount a unified defence. This period of deep humiliation set the stage for a leader who would restore dignity, unity, and strength to the Muslims.
Section Two: The Rise of Salah ad-Din — Upbringing, Character & Vision
Salah ad-Din was born in Tikrit in 1137 to a Kurdish family known for their piety, integrity, and service to Islam. Raised among scholars, commanders, and servants of the Ummah, he grew up with a rare balance between religious devotion and military discipline.
From a young age, he was committed to reviving the Sunnah, establishing justice, and uniting Muslims under truth—not power.
From a young age, he was committed to reviving the Sunnah, establishing justice, and uniting Muslims under truth—not power.
When he rose to prominence in Egypt, he faced one of the greatest internal challenges: the collapse of unity caused by the Fatimid state. Through wisdom, patience, and strategic leadership, he restored Sunni orthodoxy, stabilised Egypt, and rooted his governance in Islamic law.
He reformed the administration, strengthened the army, revived education, supported scholars, and ensured justice for the weak. His character—humble, compassionate, and principled—won him the love of his people long before he won battles.
He reformed the administration, strengthened the army, revived education, supported scholars, and ensured justice for the weak. His character—humble, compassionate, and principled—won him the love of his people long before he won battles.
Section Three: The Liberation — Hattin, Jerusalem & the Third Crusade
The defining moment came at the Battle of Hattin in 1187—one of the most significant victories in Islamic history. Salah ad-Din’s strategy, patience, and reliance upon Allah crippled the Crusader forces and opened the door to Jerusalem.
But it was not only victory that defined him—it was mercy.
But it was not only victory that defined him—it was mercy.
When the Crusaders had conquered Jerusalem in 1099, they carried out a massacre.
When Salah ad-Din retook it in 1187, he allowed the Christian population to leave safely. No mass killings. No revenge. No humiliation.
This chivalry, rooted in Islamic ethics, earned him respect even from his enemies.
When Salah ad-Din retook it in 1187, he allowed the Christian population to leave safely. No mass killings. No revenge. No humiliation.
This chivalry, rooted in Islamic ethics, earned him respect even from his enemies.
The Third Crusade soon followed, led by figures like Richard the Lionheart, yet Salah ad-Din—despite immense pressure—protected Muslim lands and maintained the honour of Jerusalem. His diplomacy was as sharp as his sword.
The Legacy of Salah ad-Din
Salah ad-Din’s greatness was not only in reclaiming Al-Aqsa—it was in the way he did it:
• with justice
• with unity
• with moral strength
• with mercy
• with an unwavering commitment to Allah
He reunited a divided Ummah, re-established Islamic governance rooted in justice, and revived the hope of Muslims at a time of despair.
His life is a timeless reminder that victory is not only a matter of power—but of righteousness, sincerity, and leadership grounded in faith.
Conclusion
The story of Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi remains a powerful inspiration for Muslims around the world. His journey teaches us that even in times of political chaos and oppression—as we see today in many parts of the Ummah, especially in Palestine—Allah raises leaders who stand for justice, unity, and truth.
May Allah grant us the character, courage, and sincerity of Salah ad-Din. May He unite our hearts, strengthen our resolve, and bless our efforts in standing for justice and protecting Masjid Al-Aqsa, Ameen