The zeal of Salahuddin Ayyubi for Jihad against crusaders

Qadi Ibn Shaddad described Salahuddin’s state when the crusaders were occupying Muslim land.

“The occupation of Jerusalem was a great matter that even a mountain could not bear. He was like a mother who is bereaved of her child. He rode from one place to another urging the people to jihad and wandered about places crying “Oh for Islam” and his eyes shed tears. The more he looked at Acre (which was occupied by Crusaders) and the trials afflicted the people, the more he urged people to Jihad. At that time he ate nothing. He drank medicine given by the doctor. I was told by some of his doctors that from Sunday till Friday he ate only insignificant amount because he was so interested in Jihad”. 

When Salahuddin Ayyubi was asked about the reason why he ate a little, he answered “How can mirth, food and sleep be agreeable to me while Jerusalem is in the hands of the crusader’s”. 

Qadi Ibn  Shaddad also says

“Because of his Jihad and desire to make Allah’s word supreme, he left his children and family for a long time in order to liberate Jerusalem from the claws of the wicked crusaders and cruel invaders.  

Once Salahuddin was told that the enemy has defeated the Muslims, he prostrated and prayed “Oh Allah, my worldly means have been exhausted, so I have failed to achieve victory for your religion. Nothing remains but your aid, holding fast to your rope, and depending on Your grace. You are sufficient for me, as you are the best Trustee “. I saw his weeping so much in prayer that his tears fell on his beard, then on the carpet. I could not hear what he said. 

On the day he was told the Muslims had triumphed over their enemies. He used to fight on Friday in order to get the Blessings of the supplications of the ones giving the sermons in the mosques, for maybe their prayers would be answered”. 

Source: Salah Ad-Din Al Ayyubi (Saladin), Hero of the battle of Hattin and Liberator of Jerusalem from crusaders by ‘Abdullah Nasih ‘Ulwan