The name of Salaahuddeen Ayyoobi (rahimahullah) is synonymous with Palestine and Masjidul Aqsa. It is a name which brings great joy to the heart of a Muslim even today and refreshens the memories of the conquest and liberation of Masjidul Aqsa after a barbaric eighty-eight-year rule by the Christians. This conquest, however, was a culmination and fruition of many years of effort and determination, supported by a high level of spirituality and a strong connection with Allah Ta‘ala.
Not long after Salaahudden (rahimahullah) had liberated Masjidul Aqsa, the army of the Franks once came to a place named Bayt Noobah which was less than one day’s journey from Jerusalem. The spies of Salaahuddeen (rahimahullah) came to him and informed him that the disbelievers had resolved to march on Jerusalem and fight for the city. This news created fear in the hearts of many of the Muslims.
Salaahuddeen (rahimahullah) summoned the various Muslim leaders, informed them of the situation and told them that he felt that the Muslims should remain in Jerusalem and defend the city. The leaders told him that they would remain in the city, but he should go out to surround the enemy and cut off their supply of provisions. From their response, Salaahuddeen (rahimahullah) gauged that they wished him to leave, as they did not want to defend the city.
The lack of support of these leaders left him in a severe predicament, and he did not know what to do. He was overcome by worry and concern to the extent that he did not sleep the entire night. Finally, the following morning – which was a Friday morning – after the Fajr Salaah, an ‘aalim with whom he enjoyed a very close association, Ibnu Shaddaad (rahimahullah), said to him, “I have an idea that may help us solve our problem.”
Ibnu Shaddaad (rahimahullah) then told Salaahuddeen (rahimahullah) that after he took the sunnah ghusl of Jumu‘ah, before performing the salaah in the masjid, he should give some charity in secret. Thereafter, between the azaan and iqaamah of the Jumu‘ah, he should perform two rakaats of salaah, engage in du‘aa in his sajdah and beg Allah Ta‘ala to help him, (as du‘aas are accepted between the azaan and iqaamah over and above the fact that it was the occasion of Jumu‘ah). He also advised him to beg Allah Ta‘ala thus, “O Allah, my worldly means of helping your Deen have been depleted. The only option that remains is turning to you, holding firm on Your rope and reliance on Your grace. You are sufficient for me and what an excellent Disposer of affairs (You are).”
Salaahuddeen (rahimahullah) took his advice to heart and engaged in du‘aa, expressing such helplessness and desperation before Allah Ta‘ala that his tears flowed onto the musalla. Allah Ta‘ala accepted his du‘aa and granted him divine assistance. He created dissension and disunity between the disbelievers, and as a result, by Monday morning, they all departed and left the area. (An-Nawaadirus Sultaaniyyah pg. 38)
Lessons:
1. Whenever a believer is going through any difficulty, no matter how severe it may be, he always has a recourse – turning to Allah Ta‘ala in du‘aa. In fact, du‘aa is the greatest recourse and weapon, as Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said on one occasion, “Should I not show you something that will save you from your enemies and increase your sustenance? Make du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala day and night. For indeed, du‘aa is the weapon of a believer.” (Abu Ya’laa – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #17153) Hence, whenever we are faced with any difficulty, especially the current plight of the Ummah in Palestine and worldwide, we should turn to Allah Ta‘ala in du‘aa as this is the most effective weapon and recourse of a believer. How unfortunate it is nowadays, that we involve ourselves in unnecessary discussions regarding the plight of the Ummah, spend multiple hours in following the latest news updates, and we knock on every other door, before realizing that there is only one door and there is only One Being whose attention we need – Allah Ta‘ala.
2. Keeping in close contact with pious ‘Ulama and taking their advice seriously is a means of getting the divine closeness of Allah Ta‘ala and protecting oneself from making incorrect decisions. This aspect was found to a great extent in the life of Salaahuddeen (rahimahullah), as well as in many other upright leaders of the Muslim Ummah. We too should keep in contact with our pious ‘Ulama by listening to their talks and taking their advice.
3. Whilst Salaahuddeen (rahimahullah) possessed great leadership skills and military expertise, the secret to his success was undoubtedly the special connection with Allah Ta‘ala which he enjoyed. Hence, at a time when his army did not offer him the support which he desired, and he had no other recourse, begging and imploring Allah Ta‘ala once was sufficient to turn the tide in his favour and chase away the disbelievers.
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