وقعة حطين

Ibn al-Athir relates that Salah al-Din and the Muslims rose on Saturday, five nights before the end of Rabi' al-Akhir 583 AH, and fought the Franks, who were tormented by thirst. The Franks were marching toward Tiberias to get water, but Salah al-Din blocked them and stood with the army in their faces. ¹

Ibn al-Athir says that the Muslim archers hit many of the Franks' horses, and that Salah al-Din went himself among the Muslims urging them on. Then some of the volunteers set fire to the dry grass, and the wind carried its heat and smoke to the enemy, so thirst, the heat of the fire and the fighting came together upon them. Those who were left climbed to a hill in the direction of Hattin. ²

Ibn al-Athir relates, quoting al-Malik al-Afdal, son of Salah al-Din, who was beside his father, that his father said to him: "We will not defeat them until their kingdom's tent falls." When it fell, the sultan dismounted and prostrated in thanks. ²

The king was captured, with his brother and the prince Reynald (Renaud de Chatillon), and a number of the Templars and Hospitallers, and the Muslims took their great cross. Ibn al-Athir says that Salah al-Din struck Reynald's neck with his own hand, saying that he had vowed to kill him. He ordered about two hundred of the Templars and Hospitallers put to death. ²

The source also mentions Taqi al-Din Umar as commander of one wing of the army. ²