Saladin's

Saladin's reputation in the West became that of a gracious, generous, chivalrous, wise and just ruler; in the modern Near East he became a ferocious incarnation of pan-Arab, pan-Islamic resistance; and during his life he was hailed as the hero of the dominant Sunni strain of Islam.

The Crusaders' Favorite Muslim Christopher Tyerman 2011

Oddly, Saladin's reputation for clemency and wisdom was more cherished in western Europe than in the lands he once ruled.

The Crusaders' Favorite Muslim Christopher Tyerman 2011

This last supplies the glue that binds the work: "Saladin's greatest success was no doubt the image of himself," she argues.

The Crusaders' Favorite Muslim Christopher Tyerman 2011

Maimonides even served the royal court of Saladin's empire as a physician and often demonstrated nuanced views of Islam, which he even defended at one point against accusations of idolatry from rabbis less versed in its teachings.

Joshua Stanton: 'History Centrism': A Challenge To Abrahamic Faiths Joshua Stanton 2011

Despite the massive western European counterattack of the Third Crusade 1188-92, which recaptured some bases on the Mediterranean, Saladin's empire survived, outlasting its founder by more than 50 years and establishing a new regional equilibrium that endured until the Ottoman conquest of the Near East in the 16th century.

The Crusaders' Favorite Muslim Christopher Tyerman 2011

Saladin's example single-handedly shattered many Christians 'negative perception of Islam and made them question whether the cruel and backwards version of Christianity that they were being sold by the Church of the time actually reflected the teachings of Christ.

Kamran Pasha: The Mosque by Ground Zero: A Lesson from the Crusades 2010

Saladin's magnanimity was renowned by medieval historians, even among Christians, who were perplexed that an "infidel" would show mercy while the "true believers" had chosen barbarity.

Kamran Pasha: The Mosque by Ground Zero: A Lesson from the Crusades 2010

Reginald even organized a raid into the Muslim holy city of Mecca and was set upon invading Medina and desecrating the grave of Prophet Muhammad until Saladin's forces routed him.

Kamran Pasha: The Mosque by Ground Zero: A Lesson from the Crusades 2010

Saladin's acts of honor and wisdom single-handedly shattered the negative image that many Christians held of Muslims.

Kamran Pasha: Anwar Al-Awlaki: The Jim Jones of Islam 2010

Saladin's acts of honor and wisdom single-handedly shattered the negative image that many Christians held of Muslims.

Kamran Pasha: Anwar Al-Awlaki: The Jim Jones of Islam 2010