Yaqeen Podcast Why Jerusalem Fell in the First Crusade | Ep. 2 | The Salahuddin Generation | Dr. Hassan Elwan
Dec 21, 2025
Dr. Hassan Elwan, a historian specializing in Islamic history and the Crusades, dissects the fall of Jerusalem during the First Crusade. He discusses how the Crusaders' success stemmed from strategic organization and psychological tactics, rather than sheer numbers. Elwan contrasts earnest zeal from figures like Peter the Hermit with the dangers of emotional responses without planning. He also reveals how infighting among Muslim rulers and failed coordination contributed to the defeats, leaving listeners to ponder the critical question of why sincere efforts led to repeated losses.
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How The Crusade Was Mobilized
- Pope Urban II united divided European Christians by combining faith and worldly promises to mobilize a crusade.
- Religious zeal plus material incentives produced a massive, organized European force against Muslims.
Peter The Hermit's Emotional Mob
- Peter the Hermit rallied huge untrained mobs with passionate preaching but lacked strategy and discipline.
- Kilij Arslan easily massacred these undisciplined crowds when they landed in Asia Minor.
Pair Sincerity With Knowledge And Planning
- Avoid pure emotional mobilization without knowledge and planning; pair sincerity with proper ilm and strategy.
- Build trained, disciplined forces and clear plans rather than relying on zeal alone.