Conflict
The conflict between Muslims and the crusaders in the 12th century symbolizes the present-day problem of Palestine and Israel. The Zionists allege the Muslims of acquiring their land and they demonstrate themselves as the sole owners of Jerusalem like the Judo-Christians in the 12th century. There is much similarity between the two centuries. The Zionists are committing atrocities on Muslim families and throwing them out of their homes despite of knowing that their claims are baseless. The hatred and violence in the medieval era symbolize the tormenting lives of Muslims in Palestine in 20th century.
Allegory of Christ
The author has employed the Christ’s allegory to demonstrate the unholy acts of the crusaders. The author has demonstrated that Christ was a savior and his teachings and actions were opposite to the actions of the Jews and Christians, who were fighting with Muslims. The Christians claimed to be the owner of Jerusalem because of their religious affiliation with the place and because it was Christ’s kingdom. Despite of Christ’s teachings of tolerance, brotherhood and love, they were slaughtering Muslims and accusing them as heretics. This was not the Christ’s behavior with others which the crusaders were employing.
Leadership
The most recurrent motif in the book is of leadership and the qualities associated with it. Tariq Ali has given account of leadership qualities by demonstrating the life of Saladin. It was his leadership which made him able to win the battle against the crusaders. In the absence of his effective strategies, the Muslims would lose the fight and they would be persecuted by the crusaders. After taking the holy land from the crusaders, Saladin was made the ruler of Egypt and Syria. The author has shown that the ineffective leadership gave him the power to rule both countries which created further strife among the nations. The problem is still continued in the middle east because of the lack of strategies and effective leadership. The Muslims are still being tortured and murdered in Palestine, Syria and other countries despite of the slogans of humanity and equality in the world.
Symbol of Christ
Saladin can be taken as a symbol of Christ instead of the Crusaders because he saves his nation and does not put false accusation on the Christians. His behavior is evocative of Christ's teachings and he put his life on stakes in order to save the land from going into right hands and to save his nation. Sultan Saladin was not only a just ruler but also a kind and sympathetic person and his attitude towards Christians and people of other religions, after he won the battle, is a proof that he never compromised on morals. On the contrary, the Christian and Jewish Crusaders treated the Muslims with humiliation.
Life of Saladin
Another recurrent motif in the book is the life of Saladin. There are constant references to his childhood, youth and old age. The writer has scribbled all the phases of Saladin's life including the dreams of his grandmother before his birth. The author has not only mentioned his leadership qualities but also included the events which demonstrate his bravery. Saladin was a courageous warrior who fought for his people's destiny and conquered the Holy land for the establishment of a just society.
