Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi
Name
Ṣalāḥ ad-Dīn Yūsuf ibn Ayyūb (صلاح الدین یوسف بن ایوب)Known in the West as Saladin
Birth:
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Date: 1137 CE (some sources say 1138)
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Place: Tikrit, Iraq (then part of the Abbasid Caliphate)
Date: 1137 CE (some sources say 1138)
Place: Tikrit, Iraq (then part of the Abbasid Caliphate)
Family Background:
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Father: Najm ad-Dīn Ayyūb (a Kurdish general)
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Tribe: Kurdish, from the Rawadiya tribe
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Dynasty: Ayyubid Dynasty (which he founded)
Wife and Family:
Salahuddin had multiple wives (names not all clearly known in history). His wives were mainly from prominent Muslim noble families, and his marriages were often for political alliances. Known wife: Ismat ad-Din Khatun, the widow of Nur ad-Din Zangi. She was from a noble family and their marriage was political to strengthen his legitimacy in Syria .He had several children—sons like al-Aziz Uthman and al-Afdal Ali, who later ruled parts of his empire after his death.
Major Achievements:.jpeg)
Unification of the Muslim World: Brought together Egypt, Syria, Palestine, and parts of Iraq under one rule. Ended the Fatimid Caliphate (Shia) and brought Egypt back under Sunni rule aligned with the Abbasids.
✅ 2. Victory in the Battle of Hattin (1187):
The decisive battle against the Crusaders. Led to the capture of Jerusalem after 88 years of Crusader control.
✅ 3. Reclaiming Jerusalem (1187):
Took Jerusalem from the Crusaders without bloodshed. Allowed safe passage for Christians and Jews—showing great mercy and chivalry.
4. Third Crusade Resistance:
Fought against King Richard the Lionheart of England. Though they respected each other, neither could completely defeat the other. A truce was made in 1192: Muslims retained Jerusalem, but Christians could visit.
Military Campaigns:
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Father: Najm ad-Dīn Ayyūb (a Kurdish general)
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Tribe: Kurdish, from the Rawadiya tribe
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Dynasty: Ayyubid Dynasty (which he founded)
Wife and Family:
Salahuddin had multiple wives (names not all clearly known in history). His wives were mainly from prominent Muslim noble families, and his marriages were often for political alliances. Known wife: Ismat ad-Din Khatun, the widow of Nur ad-Din Zangi. She was from a noble family and their marriage was political to strengthen his legitimacy in Syria .He had several children—sons like al-Aziz Uthman and al-Afdal Ali, who later ruled parts of his empire after his death.Major Achievements:
Unification of the Muslim World: Brought together Egypt, Syria, Palestine, and parts of Iraq under one rule. Ended the Fatimid Caliphate (Shia) and brought Egypt back under Sunni rule aligned with the Abbasids.
✅ 2. Victory in the Battle of Hattin (1187):
The decisive battle against the Crusaders. Led to the capture of Jerusalem after 88 years of Crusader control.✅ 3. Reclaiming Jerusalem (1187):
Took Jerusalem from the Crusaders without bloodshed. Allowed safe passage for Christians and Jews—showing great mercy and chivalry.4. Third Crusade Resistance:
Fought against King Richard the Lionheart of England. Though they respected each other, neither could completely defeat the other. A truce was made in 1192: Muslims retained Jerusalem, but Christians could visit.Military Campaigns:
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| 1187 | Battle of Hattin | Major victory, Crusader army crushed |
| 1187 | Siege of Jerusalem | Recaptured city |
| 1189–1192 | Third Crusade | Stalemate, peace treaty with Richard |
Character and Ethics:
Known for mercy, justice, and humility. Despite being a warrior, he avoided unnecessary bloodshed. Generous to both Muslims and non-Muslims. Loved by even his enemies, especially Richard the Lionheart who called him “a great prince”.
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Death:
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Date: 4 March 1193 CE
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Age: 55–56 years
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Place: Damascus, Syria
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Buried at: The Umayyad Mosque, Damascus
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Date: 4 March 1193 CE
Age: 55–56 years
Place: Damascus, Syria
Buried at: The Umayyad Mosque, Damascus
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After Death:|
Died poor—his treasury had barely enough money for a proper funeral.
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His wealth had been given away in charity, helping the poor, and funding education
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His wealth had been given away in charity, helping the poor, and funding education
In Popular Culture:
Shown in movies like Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Featured in many Islamic books and history documentaries
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