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Saladin, The "Righteousness of the Faith"

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Saladin, from a 12th-century Arab codex

Saladin, The "Righteousness of the Faith"

 
 
Despite the differences in beliefs, Christian lords respected Saladin. Richard the Lionheart once praised Saladin as a great prince saying, “he was without doubt the greatest and most powerful leader of the Islamic world.” Saladin returned the praise stating, “that he would rather lose Jerusalem to Richard than to anyone else.” After the treaty, Saladin and Richard sent each other many gifts as tokens of respect.
 
 
 
Through the ages, the name Saladin has been an inspiration for Muslims in many respects. Many modern Muslim rulers have tried to capitalize on the reputation of Saladin, including Sadim Hussien who grew up near his hometown. Shortly after Richard's departure from the holy lands, legend reports, Saladin died, leaving behind only one piece of gold and 47 pieces of silver. He had given the rest away to his poor subjects.

 

 
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                       Kingdom Of Heaven

Amalric died in 1174, leaving Jerusalem to his 13-year old son, Baldwin IV. This forged an agreement with Saladin to allow free trade between Muslim and Christian territories. In 1176, Raynald of Châtillon was released from prison and began raiding caravans throughout the region. He expanded his piracy to the Dead Sea, by sending galleys to raid ships, and to assault the city of Mecca. These acts enraged the Muslim world, giving Raynald a reputation as the most hated man in the Middle East.

In 1187, Raynald raided a rich caravan and had its travelers imprisoned. Saladin demanded the prisoners and their cargo be released. The newly crowned King Guy appealed to Raynald to give in to Saladin's demands, but Raynald refused. It was this final act of outrage that prompted Saladin to attack the city of Tiberias in 1187. While he was advised patience, King Guy, acting on advice from Raynald, marched his army to the Horns of Hattin outside of Tiberias.The Crusade army was slaughtered in the ensuing battle.

King Guy and Raynald were brought to Saladin's tent where Guy was offered a goblet of water. Guy took a drink but was forbidden to pass the goblet to Raynald The Muslim rule of hospitality states that one who receives food or drink is under the protection of the host. Saladin would not offer protection to the treacherous Raynald by allowing him to drink.

According to later reports, Raynald, who had not had a drop of water in days, grabbed the goblet out of Guy's hands. Seeing Raynald's disrespect for Arab custom, Saladin beheaded Raynald for past betrayals. Saladin still honored tradition with King Guy, who was sent to Damascus and eventually ransomed to his people. He was one of the only captive crusaders to avoid execution.By the end of the year, Saladin had taken Acre and Jerusalem. Pope Urban III is said to have collapsed and later died upon hearing the news.

       The Execution of Raynald

 

In 1187 Saladin invaded the kingdom, defeating the Crusaders at the Battle of Hattin. The battle left Saladin with many prisoners. Most prominent among these prisoners were Raynald and King Guy. The chronicler Imad al-Din, who was present at the scene relates:

 

Saladin invited the king [Guy] to sit beside him, and when Arnat [Raynald] entered in his turn, he seated him next to his king and reminded him of his misdeeds. 'How many times have you sworn an oath and violated it? How many times have you signed agreements you have never respected?' Raynald answered through a translator: 'Kings have always acted thus. I did nothing more.'

 

During this time King Guy was gasping with thirst, his head dangling as though drunk, his face betraying great fright. Saladin spoke reassuring words to him, had cold water brought, and offered it to him. The king drank, then handed what remained to Raynald, who slaked his thirst in turn. The sultan then said to Guy: 'You did not ask permission before giving him water. I am therefore not obliged to grant him mercy.' After pronouncing these words, the sultan smiled, mounted his horse, and rode off, leaving the captives in terror. He supervised the return of the troops, and then came back to his tent. He ordered Raynald brought there, then advanced before him, sword in hand, and struck him between the neck and the shoulder blade.

 

When Raynald fell, he cut off his head and dragged the body by its feet to the king, who began to tremble. Seeing him thus When Raynald fell, he cut off his head and dragged the body by its feet to the king, who began to tremble. Seeing him thus upset, Saladin said to him in a reassuring tone: 'This man was killed only because of his maleficence and perfidy'.
 
 
 
 
 

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