Reconquest of Jerusalem by Saladin

Saladin's reconquest of Jerusalem on 27 Rajab 583 AH — the anniversary of the Isra' wal-Mi'raj — was a moment of profound spiritual and historical significance. After the decisive victory at Hattin, Saladin systematically recaptured the crusader fortresses of the Levant. The garrison of Jerusalem under Balian of Ibelin initially threatened to destroy the city and kill its Muslim population if not given terms. Saladin negotiated a surrender: Christians could ransom themselves and leave; those who could not pay were to become slaves. Saladin then personally and quietly paid the ransoms of many poor crusaders, and his brother was criticised for releasing 1,000 captives without ransom. The contrast with the 1099 Crusader massacre was immediate and widely noted. Saladin entered the city and restored it to Muslim administration. The gold cross was removed from the Dome of the Rock, and the al-Aqsa mosque was cleansed and restored to worship after 88 years. Saladin's chivalrous conduct became legendary even in Western tradition.