Historical Story
The battles between Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi and the Crusaders continued for many years
For many years, battles continued between Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi and the Crusader warriors. Finally, after various military campaigns and confrontations, a battle took place that proved decisive in history—one that brought an end to the Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem in Palestine and sealed the fate of the Crusaders. This was the Battle of Hattin, which occurred on Saturday, 24 Rabi‘ al-Akhir 385 AH. In this battle, the Muslims achieved a decisive victory.
The selected and elite soldiers of the Christian army were taken prisoner. The King of Jerusalem, Guy, his brother Raynald (Reginald), and many prominent Christian nobles were captured. All remaining Christian fighters and cavalry in Palestine came under Muslim custody. Ordinary Christian soldiers—both infantry and cavalry—who survived were also taken captive by the Muslims.
It was commonly seen that a single Muslim soldier was escorting dozens of Christian prisoners whom he himself had captured, binding them with tent ropes. Broken crosses lay scattered across the battlefield, and the fallen bodies were piled in large numbers. For a long time, this battlefield—where a fierce and bloody conflict had taken place and where it is said that around three thousand men were killed—remained well known. Even after a year, heaps of bones could reportedly be seen from afar, and remnants left after animals had fed were still visible across the battlefield.
Along with this victory, another incident occurred that remains memorable in history and reflects the Sultan’s religious devotion and strength of faith. Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi set up his tent on the battlefield and ordered that the prisoners be brought before him. The King of Jerusalem, Guy, and his brother Raynald were brought inside.
The Sultan seated the King of Jerusalem beside him. Seeing that he was thirsty, the Sultan gave him a bowl of chilled water. When the king offered that water to Raynald, the Sultan was displeased and, through an interpreter, said that the king had given the water. According to custom, sharing bread and salt ensured protection, but this man (Raynald) could not be spared from punishment under such protection.
Saying this, Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi stood up and came before Raynald, who had been standing since entering the tent. The Sultan said to him: “Listen, I swore twice to kill you. Once when you intended to attack the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah, and the second time when you deceitfully attacked a caravan of pilgrims. When those helpless pilgrims appealed to your sense of humanity and honor, you mockingly told them to ask their Prophet (peace be upon him) to free them.”
When this statement reached Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi, he swore that if this disrespectful and insolent man ever fell into his hands, he would kill him himself. The Sultan said, “Now I take revenge for your insolence and disrespect,” and drew his sword. As he had vowed, he killed Raynald with his own hand; whatever life remained was ended by the guards.
Seeing this, King Guy trembled, fearing that his turn had come next. The Sultan reassured him, saying that it was not the custom of kings to kill other kings. “Your brother repeatedly broke his pledges. What has passed has passed.”
According to one narration, Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi summoned Raynald and said: “Now I take revenge for the insult shown to the honor of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).”
Success achieved through deceit and cruelty never lasts, but success rooted in integrity leaves a lasting legacy. This lesson reminds today’s youth to develop strong character, respect moral values, and stand against injustice with wisdom rather than anger. In a world full of challenges, learning from such historical examples can guide the younger generation to become balanced, ethical, and purposeful leaders who serve humanity rather than themselves.
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Sudais Zakwan
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Sudais Zakwan is a passionate story writer known for crafting emotionally rich and thought-provoking stories that resonate with readers of all ages. With a unique voice and creative flair.
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