Saladin

I would rather be a penniless beggar than a wealthy man who forgets God.

When God gave me the land of Egypt, I was sure that he meant Palestine for me too.

I have become the great king, the ruler of the lands, but I have not become proud because of it. I know that it is a trust from God.

Do not imagine that when you have conquered these lands you will keep them. You will have to leave them to others, as others left them to you.

I would rather have the Muslims blame me for fighting than have them blame me for abandoning jihad.

If you want to destroy any nation without war, make adultery or nudity common in the young generation.

Money to the military is like manure: it's no good unless you spread it around.

I forgive the Christians of Jerusalem, for they have fought bravely.

How can I be happy when the mosque of al-Aqsa is in the hands of the unbelievers?

Let the Muslims have the coast and the Franks the mountains.

Do not imagine that because I have taken Jerusalem, I shall rest. No, I shall not rest until I have taken all the remaining Frankish possessions, and then I will go on to conquer the West, and I will drive the Franks from all lands.

I have conquered Jerusalem. Now I shall conquer the world.

When God granted me the conquest of Jerusalem, I thanked Him for it, but I did not imagine that I would then be able to rest. Indeed, I knew that the struggle would now be greater, for the Franks would surely come to reclaim it.

If God wills, we shall cleanse this land of all infidels.

My greatest fear is that after I am gone, the Muslims will fall into discord and the Franks will return.

The Franks are like a tree, cut off one branch and another grows. We must uproot the tree entirely.

I would rather die than see the Cross raised over Jerusalem again.

The Franks are not to be trusted. They will always seek to deceive us.

My heart is heavy with sorrow for the Muslims who have fallen, but my resolve is strengthened to avenge them.

The only good Frank is a dead Frank.