Saladin as One of the Greatest Military Leaders - Essay Example

Saladin Introduction Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub commonly known as Saladin in the western world was born in Tikrit, Iraq in 1138. The name of Saladin has gone down in medieval history as one of the greatest military leaders in the world who significantly influenced the Third Crusade.1 In the Muslim, Arab and Kurdish culture, Saladin is a prominent and respected historic figure. He was a strict observer of the Sunni Islam and is recognized as chivalrous and noble character. He was the first Sultan of Syria and Egypt accredited for founding the Ayyubid dynasty. In addition to this, Saladin also became the Sultan of Yemen, Mesopotamia and Kurdistan. One of his key contributions revolves around the role he played in leading the Arab and Muslim protest to the Franks and European crusaders2. Under his military leadership, Saladin and his forces managed to defeat the crusaders during the battle of Hattin, this in turn facilitated the capture of Palestine. Besides being a great Muslim leader, Saladin was also a noble, generous and brave character who can be considered as a worthy role model. As a result of his amicable character and qualities, Saladin is not only celebrated by his own kinsmen but he is also acclaimed in Europe and other parts of the world.3 This essay will examine the military leadership attributes exhibited by Saladin that I would wish to emulate as a junior officer. It will illustrate why I would wish to emulate some of Saladin’s military leadership attributes. Foremost, this essay will examine the role and achievements of Saladin as a military leader. Moreover, it will highlight some of the military leadership attributes exhibited by Saladin and discuss why I would wish to emulate some of these attribute. The role and achievements of Saladin as a military leader Historically, Saladin is considered as one of the most celebrated and famous Muslim military leaders. His career as a military leader began when he joined the staff of his uncle, Asad ad-Din Shirkuh as a commander. Basically, Saladin was born in an influential Kudish family in Tikrit. Following his birth, his father moved to Aleppo and joined the service of a powerful and influential Turkish governor based in the Northern part of Syria. Saladin grew up in Ba’l bek and Damascus and became a distinguished youth who mainly focused on religious studies rather than military training. Over time, he was influenced to become part of his uncle’s staff. Saladin’s uncle, Asad ad-Din Shirkuh was a powerful military commander serving the emir Nureddin. In the course of three military expeditions, to prevent the Frankish rulers comprising of Latin Christians from conquering Egypt Saladin’s uncle was killed. Following the death of his uncle, at the age of 31 Saladin was appointed to become the commander of the Syrian troops and Vizier in Egypt. Over time, Saladin quickly rose into power not only because of his clannish nepotism but also as a result of his qualities and talents. As the vizier of Egypt, Saladin was subsequently declared to be the King however, he was generally referred to as the Sultan4. In 1711, Saladin’s power and influence was further influenced when he disintegrated the unpopular Shiite Fatimid caliphate and decreed in Egypt the return of Sunni Islam. Consequently, Saladin became the sole ruler of Egypt. Over time, Saladin changed his course and begun to pursue the goal of integrating and uniting Islamic territories of Northern Mesopotamia, Palestine, Egypt and Syria. He managed to realise this goal through skilful diplomacy and the use of military force when necessary. With time, Saladin’s reputation grew and people begun to consider him as a virtuous, generous but firm ruler who was not cruel and pretentious. Saladin managed to stand out as a leader who was above the intense rivalry and bitter dissension among Muslim troops resisting the crusaders5. Through his leadership, Saladin managed to unite Muslims physically and spiritually. Under his leadership, he did not allow his soldiers to attack, rob or kill civilians or damage the cities of their enemies. Rather he emphasised on diplomacy and used military force as the last result. The more successful his rulership was, the more Muslims begun to see him as their natural leader.6 Saladin’s course was mainly inspired by his unwavering and intense devotion to the notion of Jihad or the Muslim Holy War, this is equivalent to the Christian crusade. Jihad was an integral aspect of Saladin’s policy to promote the spread and growth of Islamic religious institutions. He courted the preachers and scholars of these institutions and founded mosques and colleges in order to promote the growth and spread of Islam. Furthermore, Saladin commissioned preachers and scholars to write and document edifying works particularly on Jihad. Genuine moral regeneration was one of Saladin’s ways of life, he tried to create his own realm. His enthusiasm and zeal proved to be valuable to Muslims in the first generation7. In the course of his rulership, Saladin managed to turn the balance of military power in his favour by integrating, uniting and disciplining many unruly forces through the use of new and improved military tactics and techniques. In 1187, Saladin and his forces dedicated their full strength towards their struggle against Latin crusaders. Through the good sense and versatility of his army, Saladin managed to trap and destroy crusaders at Hattin in northern Palestine. The losses of the crusaders in this battle was great such that the Muslims were able to conquer and overrun the almost the entire Kingdom of Jerusalem. Subsequently within three months, Sidon, Toron, Beirut, Nazareth, Acre, Ascalon, Nabulus, Jaffa and Caesarea. Nonetheless, one of Saladin’s crowning and significant achievements that had a big blow to the entire crusading movement was on October 2nd, 1187 when inhabitants of Jerusalem both Christian and Muslim surrendered to Saladin’s army. This victory was realised after 88 years in the conquest of the Franks. In most cases, conquests executed by Christians were characterised by blood shed and barbaric slaughter of civilians. In contrast conquest carried out under the leadership of Saladin, were marked by courteous and civilised behaviour on the part of Saladin and his soldiers8 The success of Saladin in his conquest reduced the occupation of crusaders to only three cities. Nevertheless, he failed to capture Tyre which later became the base for Christian survivors to recuperate and a counterattack point for Latin troops. Saladin’s conquest of Jerusalem deeply shocked countries in the West as a result they called for a new series of crusades. In addition to many famous knights and great nobles, the third crusade brought the rulers of the three countries into struggle. Saladin’s conquest earned him the reputation of a chivalrous and gallant enemy. This was an added lustre to his military achievements9. During the third crusade, Saladin managed to contain the greatest fighters from the Western countries from making any considerable advances. When the fighting ended in 1192, crusaders had conquered a relatively small territory in the Levantine.10 Generally, some of Saladin’s key achievements include; leading Muslim troops against the crusaders and recapturing Palestine and Jerusalem among many other cities. He also ruled Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Hejaz. He was revered as a Muslim hero who united Islamic territories and Arab forces. Besides this, historians, Muslims and Christians alike noted that Saladin was a polite, noble and diplomatic leader. Moreover, history portrays Saladin as a more benevolent military leader that crusaders. When Saladin conquered Jerusalem, he allowed crusaders opponents to leave unharmed however, Richard a leader of the crusaders had over 2000 Muslim women and children killed even after Saladin tried to pay for their ransom.11 Nevertheless, Saladin extend a hand of help to Richard when he was sick and his mount had been killed battle. Saladin extended a hand of help to his enemies mainly because he was a strict and strong Muslim who believed that one of the main values of Islam accentuated that Muslims should help people who are in need. Throughout his life as a military leader, Saladin displayed total bravery, chivalry integrity, lack of pretension and generosity when it comes to his personal wealth. As a result of his military victories, amicable character and qualities, Saladin continues to be revered and acclaimed as a phenomenal historical figure.12 Military leadership attributes exhibited by Saladin Based on roles and achievements of Saladin as a military leader discussed in the section above, it is evident that Saladin exhibited military leadership attributes such as dedication, bravery, tactful diplomacy, benevolence, generosity, virtuousness and prudence. In addition to this, Saladin was a positive influence to his troops, kinsmen as well as his opponents13. Throughout his career as a military leader, Saladin was dedicated to his kinsmen, his course as a military leader and his religion as a Muslim. He was committed towards fighting for the plight of his people and religion. For instance, after he became the vizier of Egypt and the commander of Syrian troops, Saladin dedicated himself and used his considerable talents and capabilities to launch holy war against European crusaders and bring Islamic territories such as Palestine, Mesopotamia and Syria and Egypt under his control.14 In his endeavours and conquests as a military leader Saladin portrayed bravery. His quick rise to power came as a result of his bravery and tenacity to defeat the crusaders and recapture Muslim territories that were under siege. His victory over the crusaders can not only be attributed to his bravery and tenacity but also to his military tactics and techniques. Through his military techniques and tactics Saladin managed to conquer Jerusalem which had been under the crusaders for more than 88 years. Furthermore, through his military tactics and techniques, he managed to contain and prevent the crusaders from advancing thus reducing the occupation of crusaders to only three cities.15 Saladin also exhibited the qualities of a tactful diplomat. Unlike the European conquest of Jerusalem, Saladin’s conquest of the city was less bloody and more civilised. Under his leadership, he did not allow his troops to attack, rob or kill civilians or damage the cities of their enemies. Instead, he emphasised on diplomacy and used military force as the last result. Moreover, he managed to unite Muslims territories physically and spiritually.16 One of the key leadership qualities of Saladin that awed European crusaders was his benevolence and chivalry. Saladin stands out as a phenomenal historic figure not only because of his military conquests but also of his benevolence and chivalry. During war, he never allowed his soldiers attack, torture or kill civilians. Civilians who were captured were allowed to leave the sieged territories unharmed. Unlike Saladin, the European conquests were marked by violence and blood shed. In addition to this, Saladin extended a hand of help to his enemies mainly because he believed that Muslims should help people who are in need. Saladin was also a generous leader who not only extended his generosity to his kinsmen but also to his enemies. For example, in one instance he sent his enemies supplies of water and fruits. As a ruler, he was very generous to the extent that he did not leave enough money to pay for his burial. In addition, history also portrays Saladin as a virtuous and noble military leader. He cared for the plight of his people and sought to unite them. As a military leader, he not only focused on military escapades, he was also devoted towards the unity of his people. Over time, he managed to become a Muslim hero who united Islamic territories and Arab forces.17 Military leadership attributes of Saladin that I choose to emulate As a junior officer, I find Saladin to be a good role model since he exhibited admirable military leadership attributes. Some of his attributes that I would wish to emulate include; dedication, bravery, tactful diplomacy, benevolence and virtuousness. Dedication is a state of complete commitment and loyalty towards a course. In any vocation dedication or commitment is important. Being dedicated towards a vocation or a particular course ensures that one gives their best or does something to the best of the ability. This in turn is bound to bring about success and positive results. As a result of Saladin’s dedication, he was able to conquer Palestine and Jerusalem among many other cities18.Therefore, as a junior officer I choose to emulate Saladin’s dedication. Bravery is also a military leadership attribute portrayed by Saladin that I choose to emulate. Bravery is the ability to confront danger or fears even in spite of fear. Bravery is an important character trait for any leader or person many because it enables someone to become zealous and practical. It also enables a person to confront their fears, explore the unknown frontiers and persevere in what they believe in. Moreover as junior officer, I would wish to emulate Saladin’s tactful diplomacy. I find this quality to be very admirable. Tactful diplomacy involves conducting negotiations prudently and reaching at a compromise. As an individual, it is advisable to be diplomatic especially in the face of controversy or confrontation. Basically, in any work settings conflicts are inevitable one of the most effective ways of resolving conflicts is through tactful diplomacy. Therefore, I would wish to emulate this leadership attribute.19 In addition to this, benevolence, chivalry and virtuousness are also other military leadership attributes of Saladin that I would wish to emulate. Due to his benevolence and virtuousness Saladin was revered and respected not only by Muslims but also Christians. Military leaders of his time were arrogant, cruel and malicious. Nevertheless, Saladin stood out and continues to be acclaimed due to his virtuousness, benevolence and chivalry.20 As a junior officer, I find that it is important to be benevolent and virtuous in order to earn the respect of others. Therefore, I will endeavour to emulate this leadership quality. Conclusion The name of Saladin has gone down in medieval history as one of the greatest military leaders in the world who significantly influenced the Third Crusade.21 One of his key achievements is that he led the Arab and Muslim protest to the Franks and European crusaders. Under his military leadership, Saladin and his forces managed to defeat the crusaders and in turn conquer Palestine and Jerusalem among many other territories. In addition to this, Saladin managed to unite Muslims physically and spiritually. . Besides being a great Muslim military leader, Saladin was also a noble, generous, benevolent and brave character who can be considered as a worthy role model.22 As a junior officer, I find Saladin to be a good role model since he exhibited admirable military leadership attributes. Some of his attributes that I would wish to emulate include; dedication, bravery, tactful diplomacy, benevolence and virtuousness. Bibliography Egar, C., 2007, Saladin Moslem Military Hero, Retrieved on February 2, 2012 from Grossman, M., 2007, World military leaders: a biographical dictionary, InfoBase Publishing, New York, pp. 303-304. Lane-Poole, S., 2007, Saladin and the fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, The Other Press, Kuala Lumpur, pp.xi-xiv. Nicolle, D., 2011, Saladin: The background, strategies, tactics and battlefield experiences of the greatest commander of history, Osprey Publishing, New York. Stanley, D., 2002, Saladin: noble prince of Islam, Harper Collins, New York. Lyons, M. & Jackson, D., 1985, Saladin: The politics of the Holy War, Cambridge University Press, UK. Weir, W., 2006, 50 military leaders who changed the world, Career Press, New York, pp, 79-82. Read More

Under his leadership, he did not allow his soldiers to attack, rob or kill civilians or damage the cities of their enemies. Rather he emphasised on diplomacy and used military force as the last result. The more successful his rulership was, the more Muslims begun to see him as their natural leader.6 Saladin’s course was mainly inspired by his unwavering and intense devotion to the notion of Jihad or the Muslim Holy War, this is equivalent to the Christian crusade. Jihad was an integral aspect of Saladin’s policy to promote the spread and growth of Islamic religious institutions.

He courted the preachers and scholars of these institutions and founded mosques and colleges in order to promote the growth and spread of Islam. Furthermore, Saladin commissioned preachers and scholars to write and document edifying works particularly on Jihad. Genuine moral regeneration was one of Saladin’s ways of life, he tried to create his own realm. His enthusiasm and zeal proved to be valuable to Muslims in the first generation7. In the course of his rulership, Saladin managed to turn the balance of military power in his favour by integrating, uniting and disciplining many unruly forces through the use of new and improved military tactics and techniques.

In 1187, Saladin and his forces dedicated their full strength towards their struggle against Latin crusaders. Through the good sense and versatility of his army, Saladin managed to trap and destroy crusaders at Hattin in northern Palestine. The losses of the crusaders in this battle was great such that the Muslims were able to conquer and overrun the almost the entire Kingdom of Jerusalem. Subsequently within three months, Sidon, Toron, Beirut, Nazareth, Acre, Ascalon, Nabulus, Jaffa and Caesarea.

Nonetheless, one of Saladin’s crowning and significant achievements that had a big blow to the entire crusading movement was on October 2nd, 1187 when inhabitants of Jerusalem both Christian and Muslim surrendered to Saladin’s army. This victory was realised after 88 years in the conquest of the Franks. In most cases, conquests executed by Christians were characterised by blood shed and barbaric slaughter of civilians. In contrast conquest carried out under the leadership of Saladin, were marked by courteous and civilised behaviour on the part of Saladin and his soldiers8 The success of Saladin in his conquest reduced the occupation of crusaders to only three cities.

Nevertheless, he failed to capture Tyre which later became the base for Christian survivors to recuperate and a counterattack point for Latin troops. Saladin’s conquest of Jerusalem deeply shocked countries in the West as a result they called for a new series of crusades. In addition to many famous knights and great nobles, the third crusade brought the rulers of the three countries into struggle. Saladin’s conquest earned him the reputation of a chivalrous and gallant enemy. This was an added lustre to his military achievements9.

During the third crusade, Saladin managed to contain the greatest fighters from the Western countries from making any considerable advances. When the fighting ended in 1192, crusaders had conquered a relatively small territory in the Levantine.10 Generally, some of Saladin’s key achievements include; leading Muslim troops against the crusaders and recapturing Palestine and Jerusalem among many other cities. He also ruled Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Hejaz. He was revered as a Muslim hero who united Islamic territories and Arab forces.

Besides this, historians, Muslims and Christians alike noted that Saladin was a polite, noble and diplomatic leader. Moreover, history portrays Saladin as a more benevolent military leader that crusaders. When Saladin conquered Jerusalem, he allowed crusaders opponents to leave unharmed however, Richard a leader of the crusaders had over 2000 Muslim women and children killed even after Saladin tried to pay for their ransom.11 Nevertheless, Saladin extend a hand of help to Richard when he was sick and his mount had been killed battle.

Read More