We have approached the blessed month of Rajab, The month of Rajab holds a special place in the heart. Why? Because, as soon as Rajab arrives, we begin to feel the breezes of the month of Ramadan, a month eagerly awaited by the believers year after year. When Rajab enters, you find the people of the Quran preparing themselves, those devoted to night prayers getting ready, and those observing fasting rejoicing.
The seekers of the Hereafter are eagerly preparing with anticipation and longing.
For those who aspire for the Hereafter, Ramadan presents a great opportunity to accumulate good deeds, elevate ranks, and seek forgiveness for sins. (And among you is he who desires the world and among you is he who desires the Hereafter.)
Dear ones in Allah, the month of Rajab also comes carrying memories of great events from the history of this Ummah. These events are filled with lessons and reflections, and we must take a moment to ponder them and revive them among us.
Today, with the permission of Allah, our discussion revolves around a significant event from the events that took place in the month of Rajab—an event that, whenever remembered, fills us with pride, honor, and glory.
Do you know what I am referring to? On such a day, the Friday of the 27th of Rajab, an extraordinary event occurred—the liberation of Jerusalem at the hands of the great leader, the generous king, Salah al-Din, the son of Ayyub, Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi.
It was one of the great days of the days of Allah, The Muslims entered Al-Aqsa Mosque proclaiming the greatness of Allah, shedding tears, reciting verses, and raising the call to prayer. Salah al-Din and the Muslims entered Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, cleaning and purifying them.
We have previously mentioned what the Crusaders did to Al-Aqsa Mosque, turning it into a stable for horses and animals!!!, placing crosses on it!!!, and putting a large cross above the Dome of the Rock!!!. The Muslims removed the crosses, restored the mosque to its original state, and washed it with pure water, followed by musk and rosewater.
They were unable to perform Friday prayers until a week later, on the fourth day of Sha'ban. And, those who used to kill, violate, and harm children, women, and the elderly came out humiliated, oppressed, seeking forgiveness and mercy, acknowledging their disobedience.
Salah al-Din stationed a prince at each gate of Jerusalem, collecting the ransom and counting those leaving. And How much was the ransom? A thousand? A hundred? No The ransom was meager—10 dinars per man, 5 dinars per woman, and 2 dinars per child. And those who couldn’t even afford it? Salah al-Din and his brother al-Adil paid on behalf of those who couldn't afford it.
The generals and the common Muslims followed suit. Amazingly, Salah al-Din's mercy and generosity were acknowledged by the enemy before his own people.
We witnessed what we do today with their prisoners, and what they do with ours.
On that day, Islam's mercy and leniency, demonstrated by Salah al-Din, were praised even by the adversary before friends.
There isn't enough time to delve into what Salah al-Din did for the wives of the Crusaders when they came weeping, or the Crusader woman who lost her child, and many others.
However, he was strict with those who committed crimes against women and children openly.
There was a prince among the Crusaders, a criminal like those we see today killing children, women, and the sick. He was the ruler of the Karak region in Palestine, named Arnaut Renaud de Châtillon . He attacked pilgrim caravans, killed children and women, looted wealth, and showed no respect for anything. His crimes reached the point where he would mockingly say, "Where is Muhammad to defend you?" referring to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
When Salah al-Din conquered Jerusalem, he summoned the Crusader princes to his tent. He offered them a drink, took a sip himself, passed it to the first prince, who took another sip, and then offered it to Arnaut. Salah al-Din became angry and said, "I offered it to you, and I did not permit you to give it to him; he has no agreement with me."
Salah al-Din approached Arnaut and said, "You are the one who asked, 'Where is Muhammad to defend you?' I am the humble servant representing the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him," took his sword, and beheaded him.
Islam teaches that there is a time and place for severity and mercy. Misplacing either leads to corruption. Placing mercy where severity belongs or vice versa is detrimental. This is the essence of Islam, exemplified by the actions of Salah al-Din, learned from the messenger of Allah The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) pardoned some and punished others upon entering Mecca after its conquest. Salah al-Din purified Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Friday prayers were held there a week after its liberation on the fourth day of Sha'ban. Salah al-Din appointed the renowned jurist Sheikh Muhyi al-Din ibn al-Zaki as the preacher for Al-Aqsa Mosque. Muslims from all over gathered, and Sheikh Muhyi al-Din delivered a profound sermon, praising those who forgave and acted justly. He reminded them of the compassion shown by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when he entered Mecca and how he forgave some while punishing others for their grave crimes.
أقول قولي هذا وأستغفر الله لي ولكم، فاستغفروه.
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