Salahuddin Ayyubi and His Jewish Advisers—A Forgotten Legacy of Coexistence

Jewish scholars, poets, and scientists thrived under Muslim rule, contributing to advancements in medicine, astronomy, and philosophy.

The modern discourse surrounding Jewish-Muslim relations is often tainted by political narratives that fuel division rather than understanding. A common assertion among some contemporary Islamists is that Jews are the inherent enemies of Muslims. However, history tells a very different story—one of collaboration, intellectual exchange, and mutual respect. A prime example is the reign of Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi (Saladin), one of the most celebrated Muslim rulers in history.

Jewish Scholars in Salahuddin’s Court

Salahuddin Ayyubi, the great Muslim leader who recaptured Jerusalem from the Crusaders in 1187, had Jewish scholars and physicians in his royal court. Two prominent figures among them were Musa bin Maymun (Maimonides) and Hibatullah ibn Zainuddin ibn Jumay. These men were not only esteemed personal physicians to the Sultan but also trusted advisers who played key roles in his administration. If Jews were to be seen as enemies of Muslims, why would Salahuddin—one of Islam’s most revered leaders—place such trust in them?

Maimonides, a Jewish polymath, was a physician, philosopher, and theologian whose works influenced both Islamic and European thought. His presence in Salahuddin’s court is a testament to the fact that Jews were not just tolerated but valued members of society. Hibatullah ibn Zainuddin ibn Jumay, another Jewish physician, was also deeply respected in medical and political circles. Their contributions helped shape medical advancements and policy decisions under Salahuddin’s rule.

The Misinterpretation of Religious Texts

Some modern radicals cite verses from the Qur’an, such as:

“O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:51)

They use this verse to justify hostility towards Jews and Christians. However, Islamic scholarship has long debated the correct interpretation of this verse. The context of the verse refers to specific political alliances during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), when certain Jewish and Christian tribes aligned against the Muslim community. It does not command eternal enmity but rather advises against unwise political dependencies in a specific historical setting.

Salahuddin himself, despite being a devout Muslim, clearly did not interpret this verse as a blanket prohibition against engaging with Jews. Instead, he recognized their talents and contributions to society, integrating them into his governance. His approach reflects the broader Islamic tradition of pragmatism and inclusivity, where people of different faiths contributed to the progress of Islamic civilization.

A History of Muslim-Jewish Cooperation

Beyond Salahuddin’s era, history is filled with examples of Muslim and Jewish collaboration:

The Golden Age of Islamic Spain (Al-Andalus): Jewish scholars, poets, and scientists thrived under Muslim rule, contributing to advancements in medicine, astronomy, and philosophy. Figures like Hasdai ibn Shaprut and Samuel ibn Naghrillah served in high-ranking government positions, shaping the policies of Muslim rulers.

The Ottoman Empire: Jews fleeing persecution in Spain were welcomed by the Ottomans, settling in Istanbul, Salonica, and other key cities, where they became influential in trade, medicine, and governance. The empire provided a haven for Jews escaping the Spanish Inquisition, allowing them to practice their faith freely.

The Abbasid Caliphate: Baghdad was a hub of knowledge where Muslim, Christian, and Jewish scholars worked together in the famous House of Wisdom. Jewish intellectuals translated Greek philosophical texts into Arabic, preserving knowledge that would later fuel the European Renaissance.

These examples prove that Jews and Muslims have coexisted peacefully and prosperously for centuries. Their cooperation was not limited to academia but extended into governance, trade, and social development.

Salahuddin’s Ethical Leadership

Salahuddin Ayyubi was renowned not only for his military prowess but also for his deep sense of justice and ethical leadership. He treated the inhabitants of Jerusalem with mercy after its recapture, allowing Christians and Jews to live in peace. This was in stark contrast to the brutality of the Crusaders when they had seized the city in 1099, slaughtering its Muslim and Jewish inhabitants indiscriminately.

His decision to appoint Jewish advisers was not merely a political maneuver but a reflection of his broader vision of governance. Salahuddin understood that wisdom and expertise transcended religious boundaries. By employing Jewish scholars and physicians, he strengthened his rule and ensured that his administration benefited from the best minds of the time.

Rejecting the Narrative of Blind Hatred

History is a witness to the fact that Muslims and Jews have shared knowledge, built civilizations together, and engaged in mutual respect. The modern narrative that paints Jews as eternal adversaries of Muslims is a distortion used by extremists to serve their own ideological and political goals.

Salahuddin Ayyubi, one of Islam’s greatest warriors and rulers, saw Jews as allies, not enemies. He valued their wisdom, sought their counsel, and recognized their contributions. His example should serve as a guiding light for those who are misled by modern-day propaganda.

It is time for Muslims to reclaim the historical narrative and reject the divisive rhetoric that seeks to sow hatred. Islam’s legacy is one of tolerance and cooperation, not blind animosity. The lessons of Salahuddin’s leadership remind us that Jews are not Muslims’ enemies and that working together is both a historical reality and a moral necessity.