Youssef bin Ayoub bin Shadi bin Marwan bin Yaqoub Al-Duwaini Al-Tikriti, Saladin Al-Ayyubi, whose name is “Youssef”. He is the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty, and the leader of the Islamic military campaigns against the Crusader states in the Levant. He was a Kurdish Muslim, and he was the first Sultan of Syria and Egypt, and his authority extended to the Hijaz (western Arabian Peninsula), Upper Mesopotamia (Iraq), and some parts of western North Africa.

Where and when was Saladin Al-Ayyubi born?

Saladin Al-Ayyubi was born in the year 532 AH (1138 AD) in Tikrit Citadel – Iraq. He grew up with his Kurdish family.

The title of Saladin Al-Ayyubi

“King Al-Nasser”, “King Al-Nasser Abu Al-Muzaffar” and “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques” were all titles given to Saladin Al-Ayyubi.

A brief overview of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi

The beginning of his life

Saladin Al-Ayyubi grew up in Damascus and Baalbek. On the night he was born, his family moved to Aleppo where they entered the service of the powerful Turkish ruler in northern Syria at the time, Imad al-Din al-Zengi ibn Aq Sanqar. At that time, Al-Ayyubi was distinguished by his inclination towards religious studies and his distance from military training.

His professional life

His father, Ayyub, and his uncle, Shirkuh, were elite military commanders under Imad al-Din Zengi. After growing up in Damascus and rising through the military ranks, the young Saladin al-Ayyubi joined the army commanded by his uncle Shirkuh, who served Nur al-Din Zengi and his heir on a military expedition to Egypt.

After Shirkuh’s death in 1169 AD, Saladin was chosen as his successor in command of Nur al-Din’s forces in Egypt. He was also appointed minister of the collapsed Fatimid Caliphate that ruled Egypt at that time. With the death of the last Fatimid caliph in 1171 AD, the Ayyubids abolished the Fatimid Caliphate and annexed Egypt to Zengid rule, so his status and popularity increased.

After the collapse of the Fatimid state, Saladin began to strengthen his position in Egypt and strive for its independence. He worked to win the love of the Egyptians and assigned state positions to his supporters and relatives.

Saladin’s most renowned achievement was his successful campaign against the Crusaders. In 1187, he achieved a momentous victory at the Battle of Hattin, leading to the reconquest of Jerusalem from the Crusaders. Saladin’s magnanimity and chivalry during this time earned him respect not only from his Muslim allies but also from his Christian adversaries.

IV. Cultural and Architectural Contributions:

Saladin’s reign in Egypt witnessed a flourishing of Islamic art, culture, and scholarship. He sponsored the construction of numerous schools, mosques, and public works, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Cairo. This cultural renaissance under Saladin’s rule reflected the values of learning and enlightenment promoted by Islamic civilization.

V.Legacy and Impact:

Saladin’s legacy extends far beyond his military triumphs. His commitment to justice, chivalry, and religious tolerance set him apart as a leader of unparalleled virtue. After his death in 1193, Saladin’s example continued to inspire generations of leaders in the Islamic world and beyond.

Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi, the Sultan of Egypt, left an enduring legacy that transcends the boundaries of time and geography. His contributions to the unification of Muslim territories, his chivalrous conduct during the Crusades, and his patronage of culture and learning continue to resonate in the annals of history. Saladin’s life serves as a testament to the power of leadership guided by principles of justice, tolerance, and the pursuit of knowledge, leaving an indomitable mark on the history of Egypt and the Islamic world.