Interesting Facts About Salahuddin Al Ayyubi (Saladin)
Interesting Facts About Salahuddin Al Ayyubi (Saladin)
Johanfredo21 - The name Salahuddin Al Ayyubi or Saladin is remembered in history because he managed to seize Jerusalem from the rule of the Christians on October 2, 1187.
Saladin's conquest differed from previous conquests when Crusaders or Knights of the Knights occupied Jerusalem in 1099.
John Man in the book Salahuddin Al Ayyubi: Life History, Legend and Islamic Empire called Saladin the embodiment of dreams and desires.
Karen Armstrong's description of Saladin's subtlety when capturing Jerusalem was also written by Karen Armstrong in the book Holy War.
"The amount of the ransom was deliberately very low. Saladin wept bitterly because of the sad situation resulting from the family being torn apart. And he released many of them, according to the Koran's call," Armstrong wrote.
Before actually taking Jerusalem, Saladin first captured the surrounding cities such as Jebail, Arcre, Nazareth, Sepphoris, Tabor, Sebaste, Nablus, Haifa and Arsuf.
On arriving near the walls of Jerusalem, Saladin saw that the city was heavily guarded. The fortifications were strengthened and the moats deepened to make it more difficult for his troops to move.
The western end where he camped, was a difficult area to penetrate. According to John Man, this was done because the location was the key to entering the city.
To penetrate the defenses, Saladin used giant catapults and deployed archers.
The Kingdom of Jerusalem asked for help, but received no response.
Saladin and his troops laid siege to Jerusalem from September 20 to October 2, 1187.
The Knights of the Temple Balian from Ibelin who represent the Kingdom of Jerusalem order with a variety of nuances come to negotiate with Saladin. However, the negotiations were deadlocked.
However, Balian still has a scorched earth tactic.
If Saladin did not comply, he risked losing the city he had coveted for so long. Only with a peace agreement, he is sure to get what he wants.
"So it was more for tactical reasons than personal reasons that he neglected revenge and forgiveness," explained John.
The provisions of surrendering explanation with a perplexing nuance were carried out on October 2, 1187. Christians redeemed themselves by paying 10 dinars for men, 5 dinars for women, 1 dinar for children which had to be paid within 40 days.
Those who couldn't pay, had to be prepared to become slaves.
Not only that, horses and war equipment must also be surrendered.
Saladin also valued children. Those who came were given robes and food, after which he took them on his lap.
Saladin also helped the wives and daughters of knights who died in war.
"Saladin has never been happier, as he proudly wrote to the Khilafah that he had fulfilled its ultimate goal: to unite Islam," explained John Man in his book.
The Muslims, re-endeavored affiliation of John Man, avenged themselves for the conquest of Jerusalem and all was accomplished without the bloodshed and destruction that the Christians captured it.
"Islam won twice, militarily and morally."