Remarkably, King Baldwin and Saläh ad-Din developed a respectful relationship. When Baldwin was sick, Salāh ad-Din sent his personal physician to care for him, at a time when Arab medicine was far more advanced than that of the West. When Baldwin lost his horse in battle, Salăh ad-Din sent him two replacements.
There were even peace negotiations, which at one point included the possibility of a marriage alliance between Salāh ad-Din’s brother, Al-Adil, and Baldwin’s sister, Sybilla. However, these talks ultimately broke down due to religious differences.
In the end, Salāh ad-Din reached an agreement in 1192:
Jerusalem would remain under Muslim control, but Christian pilgrims would be granted free and safe access to the city. He was more than a warrior; he was a statesman who knew when to fight and when to choose peace. His leadership earned him the respect of both allies and enemies.