“If you want to destroy any nation without war, make adultery or nudity common in the young generation.” Salahauddin Ayyubi
“Allama Iqbal has rightly said, ‘ Ye Gazi, Ye Tere Pur Asraar Nandhe Jinhe Tune Bakhsha Hai Zauq-e-Khudai.’ In these profound words, Allama Iqbal captures the essence of individuals who are blessed with divine purpose and a profound connection to the divine. These words resonate deeply with the life and legacy of Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi…” Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi, widely recognized as Saladin, stands as an illustrious figure in Islamic history, renowned for his valor and leadership during the 12th century. Born in 1137 into a Kurdish family, he emerged as the founder of the Ayyubid Sultanate and became the first Sultan to rule both Egypt and Syria. His legacy is indelibly linked with the liberation of Al-Quds, Jerusalem—the cherished city and the first Islamic Qiblah. Saladin assumed a pivotal role in the Muslim military campaign against the Crusader states in the Levant. His tactical brilliance and unwavering commitment to justice marked him as an exceptional leader. At the zenith of his power, the Ayyubid domain extended from Egypt and Syria to Upper Mesopotamia, the Hejaz, Yemen, the Maghreb, and Nubia. Despite his Kurdish roots, Saladin transcended ethnic boundaries, exemplifying unity over division. A devout Orthodox Sunni Muslim, Saladin was also a disciple of Shaykh Sayyid Abdul Qadir Jillani, a prominent leader of Sunni Orthodoxy and a direct descendant of the Fifth Rightly Guided Caliph, Imam Hassan ibn Ali. This unique spiritual connection traced back to the lineage of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Yet, what truly set Saladin apart was his magnanimity.
On 4th March 1193, Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi succumbed to a fever in Damascus, shortly after the departure of King Richard. His possessions at the time included just one piece of gold and forty silver pieces, as he had selflessly distributed his wealth to his impoverished subjects. He found his final resting place in a mausoleum situated in the garden outside the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria.
After the gruesome massacre of Muslims by the Crusaders during the initial capture of Jerusalem in 1099, Saladin’s compassion shone brightly. He granted amnesty not only to common Catholics but also to the defeated Christian army, provided they could pay a ransom. Greek Orthodox Christians, who often opposed the Western Crusaders, received even more favorable treatment. Saladin’s reputation transcended time and borders. French author Albert Champdor dubbed him “The purest Hero of Islam.” His benevolence and empathy were legendary, exemplified by his personal intervention to reunite a distraught Frankish woman with her stolen infant. On 4th March 1193, Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi succumbed to a fever in Damascus, shortly after the departure of King Richard. His possessions at the time included just one piece of gold and forty silver pieces, as he had selflessly distributed his wealth to his impoverished subjects. He found his final resting place in a mausoleum situated in the garden outside the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria. Saladin’s enduring legacy embodies not only military brilliance but also dedication to justice, compassion, and adherence to Islamic values. He remains an emblem of courage, unity, and chivalry, epitomizing the highest standards of leadership in the face of adversity. May the light of Allah’s mercy forever grace his grave.
(The author is Senior EDP Head at DD Target PMT Parraypora Srinagar, a reputed Institute of coaching for medical/JEE/Foundation Classes. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are exclusively those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
[email protected]
