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• A courageous & brilliant Muslim leader during the

12th century emerged from Kurdistan

• Kurdistan includes adjacent (neighbouring) parts

of Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.

• His firm foundation in religion and its prime

values, leading to his commitment to the Islamic

cause, enabled him to accomplish great things. 2

• His Ayyubid Empire united Egypt and Syria.

• Played important roles in Crusades by

successfully reclaiming Jerusalem & earned a

name for himself in the annals (records) of

both Muslim and Western history.

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• In the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries, a military expedition (journey or Mission) by European Christians to recapture areas in the Holy Land i.e Jerusalem captured by Muslims

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• Best known for repelling the Crusaders

and recapturing Jerusalem.

• Defeated & decimated (to Remove large

proportion of a group of people) large

numbers of the Crusaders in the decisive

(vital) Battle of Hattin in July, 1187.

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Saladin As A Hero

• Although one would expect Saladin to be hated among the Crusader nations, he became one of the most esteemed Muslim figures.

• When Christians had overtaken Jerusalem during the very first Crusade, they carried out mass atrocities(shockingly cruel act), creating a bloodbath in which the Muslim residents were the most prominent targets

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• When Saladin retook Jerusalem, Christians waited for a similar onslaught(attack).

• However, Salahuddin spared (treat somebody leniently) the Christians

• Treated them honorably • Allow those who wished to leave to do so in

peace, and for those who wished to stay to do so in harmony.

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Saladin : A Great Muslim

• Truly, he was a living example of the:

Tolerant (Broad-minded) and Inclusive

(wide ranged) faith

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Saladin : A Great Muslim

• His chivalrous (mannerly) conduct toward King Richard I, and the mutual respect which ensued (to follow closely after something) despite their warring (military) roles, won him further accolades(praise and public recognition) in quarters that could not bring themselves to despise (hate) him.

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Saladin : A Great Muslim

• “When Richard falls sick at the siege (military operation) of Acre in 1192, Saladin not only sends his personal physician Maimonides over to treat him, he sends ice to help him fight the fevers and certain healing (remedial) fruits.

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Saladin : A Great Muslim

• When Richard’s horse is killed during battle, and the English king finds himself on foot facing the entire Muslim army, the Muslims let him walk by their entire phalanx (group of soldiers that attacked in close formation) without attacking.

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• In 1193 AD at the age of 56.

• Although he was at the helm (had control) of vast empire stretching from Egypt to Syria, he himself owned very little.

• At the time of his death, his property and assets included a horse and money which was not sufficient even to bury him.

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