Salah ad-Din, also known as Saladin, was a prominent Muslim military leader and the first Sultan of Egypt and Syria. He is best known for his role in the Crusades, particularly for his efforts to recapture Jerusalem from the Crusaders in 1187. His leadership and military strategies earned him respect from both allies and adversaries. Born in 1137 in Tikrit, Salah ad-Din rose through the ranks of the military and became a key figure in the Ayyubid dynasty. He is often celebrated for his chivalry and fairness, which contributed to his lasting legacy in both Islamic and Western history.