Mar 03
Death of Salahuddin Ayubi
Wednesday 27 Safar, 7575
Mar 03
Wednesday 27 Safar, 7575
Salahuddin Ayyubi, commonly known in the West as Saladin, was a Muslim King and warrior of the 12th Century CE. His actual name was Yousaf Ibn Ayyub. He was born in 1137 CE in Tikrit, a city in present day Iraq. Salahuddin was his title (Arabic – laqab), which translates to "Righteousness of the faith". He is more famously remembered with this title than his actual name. He is the founder of the Ayyubid Dynasty and became the first King (Sultan) of Egypt and Syria in 1174 CE. That’s why he is often called “Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi”.
Salahuddin Ayyubi was a great military commander in the history of Islam. He remained triumphant in many military campaigns, right from the beginning of his career, even before assuming the Kingship of Egypt and Syria. He is known for the historic victories in the Third Crusade and the recapturing of Jerusalem. In addition to his military achievements, Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi is also remembered for his chivalry, mercy, and sincere devotion to Islam.
While his life is highlighted by his huge contributions to the Muslim world in the Medieval era, his death in his middle age was heartbreaking. His early death left a deep impact on the Muslim World.
Salahuddin Ayyubi hailed from a Kurdish family. The family initially settled in Mosul and subsequently went to Damascus. Here, he received his initial religious education, which was, in fact, his primary interest. However, he also gained a proper education in military sciences as well as administration skills.
After getting the initial military education, he gained practical experience by joining the military services under the command of his uncle, Shirkuh, who was a commander of the Zengid Ruler, Nuruddin Zengi. Here, Salahuddin Ayyubi soon gained recognition by exhibiting his knowledge, intelligence, discipline, and leadership skills.
When Shirkuh died in the year 1169 CE, Salahuddin was raised to the post of Minister of Egypt (known as Vazeer in those days). At that point in time, Egypt was under the Fatimid Caliphate. Soon, he abolished the Fatimid Caliphate. With that, Egypt returned to Sunni Islam, while his loyalties remained firm with Nuruddin Zengi. However, after the death of Nuruddin Zengi in 1174, he assumed the role of King (Sultan) by founding the Ayyubid Dynasty. Entire Egypt, Syria, Yemen, and some parts of Iraq and Hejaz came under his rule. He remained Sultan of this entire region till his death.
The military achievements of Salahuddin Ayyubi are enormous, for which he is remembered as one of the greatest military commanders in the history of Islam. His entire political and military career focused on the unification of the Muslim World, for which he struggled effortlessly. He believed that this was the only way to face the Crusaders.
Some of his key military successes include:
Apart from his military successes, he is also known as a symbol of piety, justice, and humility. He possessed a profound knowledge of the Quran and took great pleasure in listening to it. He also had a good knowledge of arithmetic, astronomy, and law. His deep spiritual character, wisdom, and a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of war strategies left a lasting impact on history, not only on the Muslim World but also beyond it. He is equally revered in the Muslim world as well as by his rival Christians.
After winning the battle of Hattin and subsequently recapturing Jerusalem, Salahuddin Ayyubi remained engaged in the Third Crusade. It was of great importance to the Muslim world, as it was associated with defending Jerusalem. He successfully defended it, while maintaining and assuring the peace and stability of his Country. That was a time when he held absolute power and authority, which often distracts rulers. However, despite having absolute authority, Salahuddin remained firm in his principles of justice, mercy, and unwavering belief in his religious duties towards his nation.
The final years of his life are marked by asceticism (Zuhd). He lived a pious life, strictly following the Islamic theology. He did not gather any assets for himself. He spent all that he had on the development and care of the poor and needy. He did not lead a luxurious lifestyle at any stage of his life.
The Treaty of Ramla, which essentially marked the end of the Third Crusade, was signed in 1192 CE between Saladin Ayyubi and King Richard of England. The main clauses of this agreement included:
This treaty established the Rule of Salahuddin Ayyubi over Jerusalem and ensured stability in the region. It is seen as a diplomatic victory of Salahuddin Ayyubi.
In the last phase of his life, Salahuddin Ayyubi faced critical health problems. He fell sick, suffering from an acute fever. He remained in this condition for several weeks. It was a medical condition that can be described as a prolonged fever related illness. It was a type of typhoid or an infectious viral fever, which was extremely common in those days due to the lack of medical facilities and inferior sanitary conditions. He suffered from severe weakness, weight loss, fatigue, and many other similar medical conditions.
Despite all possible and available medical help, Salahuddin could not survive this prolonged fluctuating fever. Eventually, he died on March 4, 1193 CE (27th of Safar, 589 AH) in Damascus, Syria, at the age of 55. Till his last breath, he remained firm in faith. It is reported that he was listening to the recitation of the Quran during his last moments. It is also reported that at the time of his last breath, he recited the Shahadah, declaration of faith, La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah. ( لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ).
When he breathed last, at that point, he did not own any land, a palace, or any wealth. He did not possess enough money for his funeral at that stage. That was the character of a pious Muslim Ruler.
Salahuddin Ayyubi left a rich legacy that can be summarized as follows:
Salahuddin Ayyubi was a great military commander and the founder of the Ayyubid Dynasty in the 12th Century CE. He is known for his greatest military achievement in recapturing Jerusalem, which remained under Christian rule for more than a century. He is also known for his great victories in the era of the Third Crusade. Apart from these enormous military achievements, he was a pious, just, and true Muslim ruler of his time. His era is marked by the unification of Muslims, enabling them to defend their lands against the Crusaders.
His death at a relatively early stage was not just the end of a ruler; it marked the end of an era —a chapter in the Medieval Islamic glory. He died at the age of 55, but his life remains a symbol of modesty, justice, and humility. He will be remembered for his military and political achievements for centuries to come.