Saladin’s Conquest of Jerusalem and Treatment of Minorities

A Historical Review in the Context of Interfaith Harmony

Abstract

Salah al-Din Ayyubi is known as one of the best generals and rulers in history not only because of his fighting skills, determination and bravery, but also because of his treatment of non-Muslims living in his state. He is known as a symbol of interfaith harmony. The main purpose of the article under review is to present a historical review of Ayyubid's conquest of Jerusalem in such a way as to know what kind of attitude he adopted towards the non-Muslims who settled there after this historical conquest. Does this portion of history provide any lesson that solve contemporary issues of interfaith harmony? To do this, first a brief biography of Ayoubi is written providing an introduction of him as a person, general, and ruler. Jerusalem itself is a historical place of interfaith relations in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Therefore, taking a brief look at the history of this region, Ayyubid's conquest of Jerusalem is analyzed historically, and particular events are identified that help to understand Ayyubid's treatment of Christians and Jews there.