It\’s 27th December 2024, a cozy home in India. A young boy, Omar, sits cross-legged on the floor, staring at the television news showing distressing images from Gaza (the Israeli military raided Kamal Adwan hospital in Mashrou’ Beit Lahiya and arbitrarily detained its director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, along with other medical staff and patients, bloodshed of Gazans, etc.).
Omar (with teary eyes): \”Dada Abba, why do people fight like this? Why can\’t we have peace? Is there anyone who can bring peace to places like Gaza?\”
Grandfather (placing his hand gently on the boy\’s shoulder): \”Ah, my dear Omar, your question is heavy, and the answer is not simple. But let me tell you a story about a man who fought not for power or wealth, but for justice, and once brought peace to those very lands—a man named Salahuddin Ayyubi…the Lion of Islam. Do you know who he was?\”
Omar (shaking his head): \”No, Dada Abba. Who was he?\”
Grandfather (leaning forward, his voice steady): \”Salahuddin Ayyubi, or Yusuf ibn Ayyub, was a great leader, a reformer, and a man who dedicated his life to the unity of the Muslim Ummah. But he did not start as a mighty warrior. He was born in 1137 CE in Tikrit, Iraq, into a family of Kurdish origin. His father, Najm ad-Din Ayyub, was a respected military leader. He trained under his uncle, Shirkuh, a general of Nur ad-Din, the ruler of Syria. He grew up during a time when Jerusalem, our holy city, was under the control of the Crusaders. Muslims were divided, much like the world today.\”
Omar: \”Did he always want to be a warrior?\”
Grandfather: \”Not at all! As a young boy, Salahuddin loved studying more than fighting. He learned the Quran, Islamic education, philosophy, and history. But fate had greater plans for him.\”
Omar: \”What changed him?\”
Grandfather: \”The Muslim world was divided. The Crusaders had captured Jerusalem, and Muslim rulers were busy fighting among themselves. Young Salahuddin realized that without unity, the Ummah would never be strong.\”
Omar: \”Was it difficult for him?\”
Grandfather: \”Oh, very! He fought in harsh deserts, crossed dangerous rivers, and faced betrayal. But he never gave up. His faith in Allah’s justice kept him going. But Salahuddin changed all of that.\”
Omar (curious): \”How, Dada Abba? How did he change things?\”
Grandfather: \”After becoming the Sultan of Egypt and Syria, he focused on two things: uniting the Muslims and liberating Jerusalem. He began by uniting the Muslim states. He knew that division made them weak, and only unity could make them strong. He knew that Muslims had to stop fighting among themselves. He sent letters, negotiated peace, and united Egypt, Syria, and Iraq. He ensured justice, built hospitals, and supported scholars. He showed that a ruler’s duty is not just war but serving his people. He worked hard to bring leaders together, not through force, but through wisdom and diplomacy. When he became a leader, he ruled with fairness and compassion. His most famous victory came in 1187, at the Battle of Hattin. He defeated the Crusaders and recaptured Jerusalem.\”
Omar (excited): \”He won back Jerusalem? What did he do to the people there?\”
Grandfather (his voice soft but firm): \”Ah, this is where Salahuddin\’s greatness shines. Unlike the Crusaders, who had killed thousands when they took Jerusalem, Salahuddin showed mercy.\”
Omar: \”Mercy? In war?\”
Grandfather: \”Yes, my child. Salahuddin never attacked the weak. He treated prisoners with kindness, unlike the Crusaders, who had killed innocent Muslims. When he finally recaptured Jerusalem in 1187, he did not take revenge. He allowed the Crusaders to leave peacefully. He treated them with dignity and respect, as our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us. Even his enemies admired him for his kindness. They called him a true knight and a noble king. Even Christian historians praised his chivalry.\”
Omar: \”Was he ever defeated?\”
Grandfather: \”He faced many hardships. In some battles, he lost. But he never let defeat break his spirit. Even in sickness, he led his people with courage.\”
Omar: \”What was his biggest lesson?\”
Grandfather: \”He taught us that true jihad is not just the sword but justice, unity, and mercy. He showed that power is not for self-gain but for the service of Allah and His people.\”
Omar (thoughtful): \”He was not just a warrior… he was a leader of hearts.\”
Grandfather (nodding): \”Exactly! His name still shines because he ruled with justice, fought with honor, and lived with purpose.\”
Omar (thoughtful): \”But Dada Abba, why do people still fight if Salahuddin brought peace? Didn\’t they learn from him?\”
Grandfather (sighing): \”My child, the lessons of history are often forgotten. People become greedy for power, wealth, or land, and they lose sight of what truly matters—justice and humanity. Salahuddin fought wars, yes, but not for personal gain. He fought to protect the oppressed and to restore peace. His life teaches us that peace can only come when leaders are selfless, when they think of their people before themselves.\”
Omar: \”Then what can we do to help places like Gaza, Dada Abba?\”
Grandfather (placing his hand on the boy’s head): \”Remember Salahuddin\’s legacy, my dear. Stand for justice and unity. Help the oppressed in any way you can—be it through your words, your prayers, or your actions. Most importantly, never lose hope. Salahuddin once said, ‘Victory is not by numbers or strength, but by faith and perseverance.’ Always believe that with unity, wisdom, and compassion, peace can be achieved.\”
Omar (smiling faintly): \”I want to be like Salahuddin, Dada Abba. A leader who helps people and brings peace.\”
Grandfather (with pride): \”And you can, my child. The world needs more Salahuddins. It begins with a pure heart like yours and a strong will to do good. Never stop learning, and always stand for what is right. InshaAllah, one day, you will make a difference.\”
The life of Salahuddin Ayyubi (Rahmatullah Alayh) is a supreme example of struggle, sacrifice, and leadership based on Islamic principles. All aspects of his life demonstrate that he dedicated all his energies to the glory of Islam, the unity of Muslims, and the elimination of oppression and tyranny.
The life of Salahuddin Ayyubi (Rahmatullah Alayh) is a shining example of how a sincere, pious, and selfless leader can change the course of history through his struggles and sacrifices. His struggle teaches that with faith, wisdom, and determination, any challenge can be overcome. His life will forever remain a beacon of guidance for Muslims around the world.
~ Dr. Daniya Momin and Dr. Sumayya Khan