Overview

Hazrat Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi May Allah have mercy on him remains one of the most celebrated heroes of Islamic history. Through his unwavering faith, justice, courage and leadership, he united the Muslim world and liberated Jerusalem from Crusader rule. His life continues to inspire Muslims across the globe as a model of piety, humility, statesmanship and devotion to the cause of Islam. He was born in the blessed city of Tikrit into a noble Kurdish Muslim family, surrounded by faith, knowledge and dedication to Islam from an early age. He is counted among the greatest rulers and military commanders in Islamic history who were known for their deep religious commitment, justice, courage, generosity and unwavering devotion to the cause of Islam. He is revered throughout the Muslim world as the liberator of Jerusalem and defender of the Ummah.

Full Name

Al-Malik an-Nasir Abu al-Muzaffar Yusuf ibn Ayyub.

Titles

Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi. Al-Malik an-Nasir. Fateh-e-Quds meaning Liberator of Jerusalem. Mujahid-e-Islam. Sultan of Egypt and Syria.

Date of Birth

532 AH corresponding to 1137 or 1138 CE.

Birthplace

Tikrit.

Lineage

He was born into a noble Kurdish Muslim family. He was the son of Najmuddin Ayyub, a respected military commander and governor. He was the founder of the illustrious Ayyubid Dynasty.

Early Education

He received education in the Holy Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh and Arabic literature. He studied under leading scholars of his era. He developed a strong interest in Islamic knowledge, governance and military strategy.

Islamic Learning

He studied and benefited from scholars in Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, Aqeedah, Arabic Literature, History and Military Science. He was renowned for combining deep religious commitment with statesmanship and military leadership.

Military and Political Career

He served under his uncle Asaduddin Shirkuh. He was appointed Vizier of Egypt in 1169 CE. He united Egypt, Syria, Yemen, Hijaz and surrounding Muslim territories. He worked tirelessly to unite the Muslim Ummah against the Crusaders.

Sultanate

He founded the Ayyubid Empire. He established justice, stability and Islamic governance. He strengthened Islamic institutions, mosques and centers of learning.

Greatest Achievement – Liberation of Jerusalem

He defeated the Crusader forces in the historic Battle of Hattin in 583 AH corresponding to 1187 CE. He liberated Jerusalem known as Al-Quds after nearly ninety years of Crusader occupation. He restored Muslim rule over the blessed city. He demonstrated mercy and justice toward the defeated inhabitants.

Battle of Hattin (1187 CE)

The Battle of Hattin was one of the greatest victories in Islamic history. It crushed the Crusader army and captured many of its leaders. It opened the way for the liberation of Al-Quds.

Religious and Social Services

He built and restored mosques, madrasas and charitable institutions. He supported scholars, jurists and students of knowledge. He encouraged adherence to the Qur’an and Sunnah. He promoted justice, honesty and public welfare.

Character and Virtues

He was renowned for humility, courage and generosity. He was known for mercy even toward his enemies. He was deeply devoted to Salah, Qur’an and Islamic values. He lived a simple life despite ruling a vast empire.

Recognition

He is revered throughout the Muslim world as one of Islam’s greatest rulers and military commanders. He is admired by both Muslim and non-Muslim historians for his noble character. He is remembered as the liberator of Jerusalem and defender of the Ummah.

Wisaal Passing Away

27 Safar 589 AH corresponding to 4 March 1193 CE.

Place of Wisaal

Damascus.

Mazaar Sharif

Tomb of Saladin, Damascus.

Legacy

Hazrat Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi May Allah have mercy on him remains one of the most celebrated heroes of Islamic history. Through his unwavering faith, justice, courage and leadership, he united the Muslim world and liberated Jerusalem from Crusader rule. His life continues to inspire Muslims across the globe as a model of piety, humility, statesmanship and devotion to the cause of Islam.