On this day in 1191, the forces of Sultan Salahuddin al-Ayyubi were routed by the Crusaders under Richard the Lionheart at the Battle of Arsuf. There are a number of interesting features to this battle, but I will briefly write on the results of this loss suffered by the Muslims.
Despite possessing more men, the Muslims were defeated and put to flight. While their army was not destroyed, it made Salahuddin cautious about committing forces to a pitched battle as it would risk leaving Jerusalem defenceless as Richard took the port of Jaffa.
Being able to control a large swathe of territory along the Mediterranean coast meant that the Crusaders could continue to supply and land forces. They ended up controlling a strip of territory between Jaffa and Acre - not insubstantial and a serious threat to Muslim control.
Salahuddin was compelled to recognise Crusader control over these areas, and almost exactly a year later in 1192 the Treaty of Jaffa was signed, ending the Third Crusade. What are the lessons here, particularly to those who reference Salahuddin as an example in the modern day?
1. Losing battles does not mean losing wars;
2. Recognising political facts on the ground brought about by force of arms is not treachery, it is simply dealing with reality;
3. Negotiated settlements to emotionally charged wars is possible & in a manner beneficial to Muslims.
2. Recognising political facts on the ground brought about by force of arms is not treachery, it is simply dealing with reality;
3. Negotiated settlements to emotionally charged wars is possible & in a manner beneficial to Muslims.
The problem with many Muslims today is they look at politicised versions of Islamic history & idealise its participants, that is to say, "Salahuddin would never recognise an invader!" yet he did. He also won & never sold out his people (I'm looking at you, UAE).
Wisdom in politics while being firm upon one's spiritual path and heritage is possible, and numbskull takes on Salahuddin's noble exploits need to end, as does the disowning of Islamic history/beliefs to "chart a new course forward" devoid of our heritage a la the UAE.
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