Saladin is often remembered as the chivalrous Muslim leader who recaptured Jerusalem during the Crusades. Yet his life extended far beyond the battlefield. Beneath the armour was a thoughtful, devout, and surprisingly complex individual.
By comparing various biographies—some of which are distinctly hagiographic and portray Saladin as an ideal princely figure—we nonetheless begin to discern a more nuanced, almost mosaic-like portrait of the man. From these accounts emerges a richer understanding, captured in eighteen fascinating and lesser-known insights that illuminate his character, habits, and worldview.
1. He Was Deeply Educated
Saladin was not simply a man of war. In Egypt, he studied languages and religious sciences under some of the most respected scholars of his time. His intellectual curiosity remained with him throughout his life.
2. He Personally Wrote to Loved Ones
19th-century depiction of a Saladin, by Gustave Doré.
While his official correspondence was often handled by secretaries, Saladin himself took up the qalam (reed pen) to write to his family and close companions.
3. He Had Memorised the Qur’an
Saladin knew the Qur’an by heart and took immense pleasure in listening to its recitation. He demanded that only the most skilled imams perform it.
4. He Loved Listening to Hadith Scholars
Whenever time allowed, he invited leading hadith scholars to his court to recount the sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. Learning was a lifelong pursuit for him. Sometimes he asked hadith scholars to teach his horsemen just before they charged.
5. He Asked Religious Questions About Dyeing Hair
16th-century depiction of Saladin by Cristofano dell’Altissimo (1527–1605)
In Jerusalem in 1189, he once consulted a Hanbalite jurist, al-Nasih Ibn al-Hanbali al-Shirazi al-Dimashqi, about whether dyeing one’s hair black was permissible. The answer was negative—revealing his concern with even small aspects of religious conduct.
6. He Had a Strong Interest in Sufism
Saladin was not limited to formal religious practice. He visited ascetics living in isolation and attended Sufi recitals in Hama in 1188, showing an openness to spiritual experiences beyond rigid structures.
7. He Studied While on Campaign
Even during wartime, Saladin continued learning. During campaigns with his friend Ibn Shaddad, he studied legal texts by Sulaym al-Razi.
8. He Could Forget Basic Needs
Saladin was so focused on leadership and warfare that he sometimes forgot to eat or drink. His doctors reportedly struggled to ensure he took even basic nourishment or medicine.
9. He Believed in Leading from the Front
He once said that the army would only act effectively if he rode with them, observing and sharing their efforts. He did not lead from afar: he was present, visible, and engaged.
10. He Personally Helped Rebuild Jerusalem
After conquering Jerusalem, Saladin took part in restoring its defences. He even carried stones himself to set an example for his men.
11. He Died in Poverty
Dirham coin issued by Saladin in AD 1190-91. Ut shows the Sultan sitting facing, cross-legged, on high-backed throne. Image by Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com
Despite ruling vast lands, Saladin died with almost nothing. His treasury reportedly contained only a few silver coins and a single gold piece. He owned no estates, no house, and no wealth—an extraordinary contrast to his power.
12. He Never Performed the Hajj
Although known for his piety, Saladin never made the pilgrimage to Mecca, unlike his father and uncle. This absence is often quietly overlooked in historical accounts.
13. His Appearance Was Unusual
Descriptions of Saladin suggest he had light hair and blue eyes. Even more striking, he did not wear a beard, which was rare for a Muslim ruler of his time.
14. He Loved Sport—Especially Polo
Like many nobles of his era, Saladin enjoyed hunting, particularly falconry. However, his favourite sport was polo, which he played frequently. These games were often held in large hippodromes used for both sport and military training.
15. He Was Passionate About History and Culture
Saladin had a genuine interest in history. According to Imad al-Din, in 1177, during a visit to Cairo, he is said to have discussed the history of the pyramids under the moonlight.
16. He Was a Devoted Family Man
Saladin had twenty-four children and took an active role in their upbringing. He closely oversaw both their religious and military education, and did not hesitate to intervene in their personal lives when he deemed it necessary.
In one particularly touching episode, he dismissed a visiting envoy simply because one of his young sons was frightened by the man’s presence.
He was also attentive to their social influences: on one occasion, he forbade his son from associating with a musician whom he believed might distract him from his duties.
17. He Was (Indirectly) Accused of Homosexuality
Poets of the period, often fiercely critical of those in authority, cultivated a satirical tradition known as hijāʾ, which could be at once witty and sharply cutting. While such verses entertained courtly audiences, they could also carry serious consequences, including exile or even accusations of heresy.
Within this context, several close associates of Saladin became targets of biting satire. These poems sometimes levelled scandalous allegations—particularly of homosexual conduct—as a way of indirectly discrediting the ruler himself.
For instance, the poet Ibn Unayn accused Ibn al-Mutran of maintaining an affair with a handsome young man named Umar, who was said to accompany him everywhere. Another prominent figure, Al-Fadil, was the subject of especially crude accusations, including bestiality. Meanwhile, the poet Al-Wahrani mocked Imad al-Din al-Isfahani by alleging that he harboured homosexual inclinations.
18. He Survived an Assassination Attempt
A 15th-century depiction of Saladin – British Library MS Add. 30359
In 1176, Saladin narrowly escaped death during an attack by the Nizari Ismailis—often referred to as the “Assassins”. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent dangers that surrounded his rule.
Dr Lorris Chevalier, who has a Ph.D. in medieval literature, is a historical advisor for movies, including The Last Duel and Napoleon. Click here to view his website.
By Lorris Chevalier
Saladin is often remembered as the chivalrous Muslim leader who recaptured Jerusalem during the Crusades. Yet his life extended far beyond the battlefield. Beneath the armour was a thoughtful, devout, and surprisingly complex individual.
By comparing various biographies—some of which are distinctly hagiographic and portray Saladin as an ideal princely figure—we nonetheless begin to discern a more nuanced, almost mosaic-like portrait of the man. From these accounts emerges a richer understanding, captured in eighteen fascinating and lesser-known insights that illuminate his character, habits, and worldview.
1. He Was Deeply Educated
Saladin was not simply a man of war. In Egypt, he studied languages and religious sciences under some of the most respected scholars of his time. His intellectual curiosity remained with him throughout his life.
2. He Personally Wrote to Loved Ones
While his official correspondence was often handled by secretaries, Saladin himself took up the qalam (reed pen) to write to his family and close companions.
3. He Had Memorised the Qur’an
Saladin knew the Qur’an by heart and took immense pleasure in listening to its recitation. He demanded that only the most skilled imams perform it.
4. He Loved Listening to Hadith Scholars
Whenever time allowed, he invited leading hadith scholars to his court to recount the sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. Learning was a lifelong pursuit for him. Sometimes he asked hadith scholars to teach his horsemen just before they charged.
5. He Asked Religious Questions About Dyeing Hair
In Jerusalem in 1189, he once consulted a Hanbalite jurist, al-Nasih Ibn al-Hanbali al-Shirazi al-Dimashqi, about whether dyeing one’s hair black was permissible. The answer was negative—revealing his concern with even small aspects of religious conduct.
6. He Had a Strong Interest in Sufism
Saladin was not limited to formal religious practice. He visited ascetics living in isolation and attended Sufi recitals in Hama in 1188, showing an openness to spiritual experiences beyond rigid structures.
7. He Studied While on Campaign
Even during wartime, Saladin continued learning. During campaigns with his friend Ibn Shaddad, he studied legal texts by Sulaym al-Razi.
8. He Could Forget Basic Needs
Saladin was so focused on leadership and warfare that he sometimes forgot to eat or drink. His doctors reportedly struggled to ensure he took even basic nourishment or medicine.
9. He Believed in Leading from the Front
He once said that the army would only act effectively if he rode with them, observing and sharing their efforts. He did not lead from afar: he was present, visible, and engaged.
10. He Personally Helped Rebuild Jerusalem
After conquering Jerusalem, Saladin took part in restoring its defences. He even carried stones himself to set an example for his men.
11. He Died in Poverty
Despite ruling vast lands, Saladin died with almost nothing. His treasury reportedly contained only a few silver coins and a single gold piece. He owned no estates, no house, and no wealth—an extraordinary contrast to his power.
12. He Never Performed the Hajj
Although known for his piety, Saladin never made the pilgrimage to Mecca, unlike his father and uncle. This absence is often quietly overlooked in historical accounts.
13. His Appearance Was Unusual
Descriptions of Saladin suggest he had light hair and blue eyes. Even more striking, he did not wear a beard, which was rare for a Muslim ruler of his time.
14. He Loved Sport—Especially Polo
Like many nobles of his era, Saladin enjoyed hunting, particularly falconry. However, his favourite sport was polo, which he played frequently. These games were often held in large hippodromes used for both sport and military training.
15. He Was Passionate About History and Culture
Saladin had a genuine interest in history. According to Imad al-Din, in 1177, during a visit to Cairo, he is said to have discussed the history of the pyramids under the moonlight.
16. He Was a Devoted Family Man
Saladin had twenty-four children and took an active role in their upbringing. He closely oversaw both their religious and military education, and did not hesitate to intervene in their personal lives when he deemed it necessary.
In one particularly touching episode, he dismissed a visiting envoy simply because one of his young sons was frightened by the man’s presence.
He was also attentive to their social influences: on one occasion, he forbade his son from associating with a musician whom he believed might distract him from his duties.
17. He Was (Indirectly) Accused of Homosexuality
Poets of the period, often fiercely critical of those in authority, cultivated a satirical tradition known as hijāʾ, which could be at once witty and sharply cutting. While such verses entertained courtly audiences, they could also carry serious consequences, including exile or even accusations of heresy.
Within this context, several close associates of Saladin became targets of biting satire. These poems sometimes levelled scandalous allegations—particularly of homosexual conduct—as a way of indirectly discrediting the ruler himself.
For instance, the poet Ibn Unayn accused Ibn al-Mutran of maintaining an affair with a handsome young man named Umar, who was said to accompany him everywhere. Another prominent figure, Al-Fadil, was the subject of especially crude accusations, including bestiality. Meanwhile, the poet Al-Wahrani mocked Imad al-Din al-Isfahani by alleging that he harboured homosexual inclinations.
18. He Survived an Assassination Attempt
In 1176, Saladin narrowly escaped death during an attack by the Nizari Ismailis—often referred to as the “Assassins”. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent dangers that surrounded his rule.
Dr Lorris Chevalier, who has a Ph.D. in medieval literature, is a historical advisor for movies, including The Last Duel and Napoleon. Click here to view his website.
Click here to read more from Lorris Chevalier
Further Readings:
Eddé, Anne-Marie. Saladin. Paris: Flammarion, 2008
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