Saladin

Sultan, recaptured Jerusalem

Medieval influential 51 sayings

Sayings by Saladin

I have sworn an oath to God that I will cleanse the Holy Land of the infidels, and I will not rest until it is done.

c. 1180s — Expressing his religious motivation for the wars.
Controversial Unverifiable

Let not the weakness of the enemy deceive you, for he who is weak today may be strong tomorrow.

c. 1180s — A cautionary advice to his commanders.
Controversial Unverifiable

My ambition is to unite all Muslim lands under one banner and drive out the invaders.

c. 1170s — Statement of his overarching political and religious goals.
Controversial Unverifiable

We must be patient, for victory comes to those who persevere.

c. 1180s — A common statement of encouragement during prolonged campaigns.
Controversial Unverifiable

The blood of our martyrs cries out for vengeance.

c. 1180s — A motivational phrase used to rally his troops.
Controversial Unverifiable

I would rather face a thousand Franks on the battlefield than one treacherous Muslim.

c. 1180s — Expressing his disdain for internal dissent and betrayal.
Controversial Unverifiable

The love of justice is the essence of leadership.

c. 1180s — A reflection on his principles of governance, as reported by chroniclers.
Controversial Unverifiable

God has given us victory, not because of our strength, but because of His mercy.

c. 1180s — A statement of humility and religious devotion after a victory.
Controversial Unverifiable

Do not fear death, for it is the gateway to paradise.

c. 1180s — A motivational phrase for his soldiers.
Controversial Unverifiable

To conquer is not enough; we must also hold what we have conquered.

c. 1180s — Emphasizing the importance of consolidation and defense.
Controversial Unverifiable

The sword is the key to paradise and hell.

c. 1180s — A statement reflecting the religious significance of warfare in his time.
Controversial Unverifiable

I fight for the glory of God and the liberation of His lands.

c. 1180s — Stating his primary motivations for his campaigns.
Controversial Unverifiable

Let no man think he is safe from me, for I will pursue him to the ends of the earth.

c. 1180s — A statement of his relentless pursuit of his enemies.
Controversial Unverifiable

The unity of the Muslims is our greatest strength.

c. 1170s — Highlighting the importance of Muslim solidarity against the Crusaders.
Controversial Unverifiable

I have never seen a man more valiant in battle than Richard, but he is also the most treacherous.

c. 1191 — A controversial assessment of Richard the Lionheart, mixing admiration with distrust.
Controversial Unverifiable

The Franks are like dogs, always barking but rarely biting.

c. 1180s — A dismissive and somewhat contemptuous view of the Crusader forces.
Controversial Unverifiable

I will not make peace with the Franks until they have abandoned all their lands in the East.

c. 1190 — Stating his uncompromising stance in peace negotiations.
Controversial Unverifiable

The tears of a child are more powerful than the swords of an army.

c. 1180s — A statement attributed to him, often interpreted as showing his compassion, but also possibly a rhet…
Controversial Unverifiable

Justice is the foundation of power.

c. 1180s — A philosophical statement on governance, reflecting Islamic principles.
Controversial Unverifiable

I would rather suffer a thousand deaths than surrender a single inch of Muslim land.

c. 1180s — Expressing his fierce determination to defend his territories.
Controversial Unverifiable