Saladin Al-Ayyubi
Saladin, known as Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, was born in 532 AH (1137 CE) in the castle of Tikrit. He hailed from the reputable Rawadi family, one of the noblest Kurdish families known for their integrity. The Rawadi tribe originates from the town of Dvin, located near the borders of Azerbaijan, close to Tbilisi in Armenia. Tikrit, where Saladin was born, is an ancient town that lies closer to Baghdad than to Mosul.
Notable Attributes of Saladin Al-Ayyubi
Saladin was distinguished by his admirable character and notable traits, which contributed to his widespread respect and admiration. Among these attributes are:
- Purity of Heart and Strong Belief: Saladin was known for his frequent remembrance of God and his dedication to prayer, often performing it in congregation. It was reported that for many years, he prayed in congregation consistently, and even while ill, he would summon an imam to lead him in prayer, often standing to do so. He was also diligent in observing sunnah prayers, nightly vigils, and had a firm commitment to paying zakat and fasting during Ramadan, often supplementing with additional fasts.
- Love for the Quran and Hadith: Saladin had a profound passion for listening to the Quran and the Prophetic Hadith. He required that his imam be knowledgeable and proficient in the Quran, showing great reverence for religious practices and fostering positive expectations of God, upon whom he relied.
- Justice: One of Saladin’s most notable qualities was his commitment to justice. He believed that justice is one of the divine laws established by God and a natural outcome of true faith.
- Courage: Courage is an essential trait for any leader, as it instills fear in adversaries and commands respect. Saladin exemplified this trait, being courageous and unwavering in his pursuit of truth.
- Generosity: Generosity is a key virtue among noble individuals, and Saladin was among the most generous of his time. Upon his passing, it was found that he possessed only a modest sum of 47 silver dinars and a single gold dirham.
- Commitment to Jihad: Saladin was deeply devoted to jihad, passionately focused on it above all else. His conversations and thoughts revolved around jihad and the promotion of Islamic conquests, having prioritized this over worldly matters, including family and homeland.