The Biography of Sultan Salah ad-Din Ayyubi “May Allah have Mercy on Him” (Part One)
Keywords: Ayyubi, Salah ad-Din, Palestine.
Summary: Sultan Salah ad-Din Ayyubi (may Allah have mercy on him) is one of the great honors of the Islamic nation. He hailed from a noble Kurdish lineage and benefited from the teachings of Islam. His real name was “Yusuf,” and he was given the title “Salah ad-Din.” His father’s name was “Najmuddin Ayyub,” which ultimately led to him being known as Salah ad-Din Ayyubi. With his bright spirit, noble character, and his father’s dedicated attention to his upbringing, Salah ad-Din emerged as a wise leader.
Initially, Salah ad-Din served as a commander under Nur ad-Din Zangi. Through Nur ad-Din’s guidance and mentorship, he rose to become a sultan and king. His remarkable legacy speaks for itself, as he successfully defeated major empires, including the Crusaders, the Jews, and the Fatimids, liberating and reclaiming Palestine.
Researching and reflecting upon historical figures like Salah ad-Din —leaders of Jihad and noble knights—are among the most cherished and valuable acts. They serve as beacons of guidance and bright stars amidst the darkness of the world. Salah ad-Din stands out as one of these heroic men who united people under true Islam, raised the flag of unity in Islamic lands, liberated cities from oppressive occupiers, and inscribed enduring victories in the annals of history.
Some may wonder why I chose to study the life of Sultan Salah ad-Din Ayyubi. The answer lies in his profound connection to the liberation of Palestine from the grip of the Crusaders. By uncovering the secrets behind his victory at Hattin and exploring the factors that led to such a monumental triumph, I aim to present a clearer path for the Islamic community to reclaim the holy lands from the oppressive forces of Zionists, alongside the criminals among the Jews and their supporters.
Dear reader, in this research, you will discover how this victory was achieved by a Kurdish leader without Arab heritage, how he united people under Islamic law, and how he led the Islamic states under his command toward unity. He fought for the sake of “Allah’s Word” and triumphed over the Crusaders through unwavering faith and reliance on Allah. He also exhibited noble and honorable behavior towards his enemies.
The Islamic nation—both Arabs and non-Arabs—needs the guidance of such heroes to find the path to victory, honor, and dignity. From Salah ad-Din ’s life, we can glean valuable insights into the elements that contributed to the victory at Hattin, which can aid in reclaiming Palestine in a more effective manner. The importance of studying the life of Sultan Salah ad-Din Ayyubi can be summarized in the following points:
1. Our nation awaits a new hero like Salah ad-Din Ayyubi to replicate his role, making it essential to understand the characteristics of such a hero.
2. Today, Jerusalem is in distress, and Muslims must learn from history how it was liberated in the past to do so again.
3. The nation has lost its way, and rediscovering figures like Salah ad-Din Ayyubi can provide the necessary guidance.
4. The community has forgotten that Jihad is the sole path to liberate Palestine, highlighting the need for a powerful reminder through the life of Salah ad-Din, serving as a source of strength and motivation.
The only way to lead this nation now is by earnestly taking up the cause of Palestine, aligning this duty with the aspirations, thoughts, culture, and history of the Islamic community. This community cherishes Salah ad-Din ’s memory as one of the finest examples of a just leader.
To better understand, we will begin by discussing the Crusades and the noble character of Atabeg Nur ad-Din Zangi, as these subjects are closely tied to the life of Sultan Salah ad-Din Ayyubi. Then, we will delve into the life of Sultan Salah ad-Din himself, Insha’Allah.
I pray that Allah grants Muslim leaders everywhere the success to follow Salah ad-Din ’s path of sacrifice and Jihad and to pursue his way with faith and piety in rebuilding unity and honor. He is indeed worthy of our highest hopes and fulfillment.
