A Kurdish Leader and Scholar Who Shaped Islamic History

As-salamu alaykum, brothers and sisters! Let’s talk about two amazing figures from our history. First, there’s Yusuf, who you might know as Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi. He was a Kurdish Muslim commander who brought together Egypt, Syria, and other Muslim lands, and led the fight against the Crusaders. He was born around 1137 or 1138 and passed away on March 4, 1193, rahimahullah. Then we have Ahmad, also called Ibn Taymiyyah or Sheikh of Islam, a great Kurdish scholar. He wrote so much about Islamic theology, law, and ethics, always urging Muslims to hold tight to the Qur’an and the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) teachings, and to avoid any innovations in religion that didn’t have proper backing. During the Mongol invasions, he also stood firm in defending the Muslim lands. He was born on January 22, 1263, and passed away on September 26, 1328, rahimahullah. May Allah be pleased with them both.