Sultan Shalahuddin Al Ayubi & Err.. ?

"Seluruh kaum Muslimin yang menyaksikan kewafatannya menitiskan air mata apabila Sultan yang mengepalai negara yang terbentang luas dari Asia hingga ke Afrika itu hanya meninggalkan warisan 1 dinar dan 36 dirham. Tidak meninggalkan emas, tidak punya tanah atau kebun. Padahal berkhidmat pada kerajaan berpuluh tahun dan memegang jawatan sebagai panglima perang dan Menteri Besar sebelum menubuhkan Emirat Ayyubiyah.

Kain yang dibuat kafannya adalah betul-betul dari warisan beliau yang jelas-jelas halal dan sangat sederhana. Anak beliau yang bernama Fadhal telah masuk ke liang lahad meletakkan jenazah ayahnya. Dikatakan bahawa beliau dikebumikan bersama-sama pedangnya yang dipergunakan dalam setiap peperangan agar dapat menjadi saksi dan dijadikannya tongkat kelak pada hari kiamat. "

My take: Salahuddin Al-Ayubi, a great man, a great leader - easily. A man his bravery does all his talks, a man whose the Muslims are forever in debt of, a man respected and feared by his companions and adversaries alike. A man the pens of history dance upon - basically a man WORTHY of all worldly possessions, given his achievements and contributions to Islam and Muslims alike and would can easily gain access to them if he wanted to -

But he died possessing not more than a mere Dinar and 36 Dirham ! (say RM 1.36 as of current context). Oh my God. I've somehow heard the story somewhere, but I still got the shake in my heart every time I come across this. And he fights too, 100 wars and unscathed.

He didn't purchase a mansion in Gold Coast, Australia or drive a Merc or a Beamer despite being tens of years in the office. He didnt have dinners at plush places let alone having a foreign female negotiator to purchase firepower from some foreign countries. He didn't even have to blow his enemies to pieces, instead he fought them head on - with but one intention, Islam.

Before his death, he requested to be buried along with his war-coats and swords, just so that when put before his God, if asked what's he done for his religion and fellow Muslims - he could tell his Maker of wars he's participated bearing His Name. A great and respected leader - yet a humble God-fearing slave.

So you're a leader ? A Malaysian leader even ? Benchmark just how far you are just to get the scent of his ragged, furry old war coat. Heh.