Salahuddin Ayyubi, the Kurdish Muslim leader, rose from humble beginnings to unite Egypt, Syria, and much of the Muslim world during a time of deep fragmentation. Rather than rushing to war, he spent years building stability through diplomacy, reforms, and strategic alliances. His decisive victory at the Battle of Hattin in 1187 broke Crusader power and opened the way to Jerusalem. Unlike the massacre of 1099, Salahuddin reclaimed Al-Quds peacefully, allowing ransoms, protecting Christian and Jewish communities, and restoring Islamic holy sites with dignity. His chivalry impressed even his enemies, including Richard the Lionheart. Despite ruling a vast empire, he died nearly penniless, remembered for justice, mercy, and unity—a timeless model of ethical leadership.
