Der Sultan und der Heilige

Book Description

This substantial scholarly work explores one of history's most remarkable interfaith encounters: the legendary meeting between Saint Francis of Assisi and the Ayyubid Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil during the Fifth Crusade in Damiette in 1219. As the 800th anniversary of this pivotal moment drew renewed attention in 2019, author Amir Dziri presents a fresh examination of why this centuries-old dialogue continues to resonate with profound relevance today.

Rather than offering a simple historical retelling, this comprehensive volume embraces what the author calls "shared memory" - a dialogical approach that honors the mutual respect both Francis and the Sultan demonstrated toward each other. Through multiple perspectives and interdisciplinary analysis, the book investigates how this extraordinary encounter between two towering figures of their era transcends mere historical curiosity to offer meaningful insights for contemporary interfaith understanding.

The work addresses a fundamental question that speaks to anyone interested in spiritual growth and cross-cultural wisdom: What value can remembering the past provide beyond historical knowledge alone? By examining the conditions that make this medieval meeting relevant to our current moment, the book reveals how genuine dialogue across religious boundaries can illuminate pathways forward.

This multiperspective exploration invites readers to discover how the spirit of respectful encounter that characterized both Francis and al-Kamil might inform our own approaches to bridging differences and fostering understanding across faith traditions.