Sultan Malikü'l-Adil Nureddīn. He was the ruler of Damascus and many vast regions without end. A mujahid fighting against the Crusaders. He enjoined good and forbade evil. He loved scholars, the poor, and the sincere, and felt anger towards oppression. His ʿaqīda (creed) was sound, and he preferred to do good deeds. In his time, no one dared to commit injustice. He eradicated all ugliness and those who perpetrated it. He ensured the elevation of knowledge and sharia (the sacred law). He prayed continuously at night and fasted frequently. He restrained his nafs (the lower self) against desires. He greatly loved facilitating ease for Muslims. He gave charity and kindness to scholars, the poor, the needy, orphans, and widows. The world was worthless in his eyes. May Allah have mercy on him. May He cover his tomb with mercy and riḍā (contentment with God's decree).
Ibn al-Jawzī said: “Nureddīn Maḥmūd b. Zanjī recaptured more than fifty cities from the hands of the disbelievers (kāfirīn). He used to write letters to me, and I would write to him. When he was about to die, he took the bayʿa (pledge of allegiance) from the emirs for his son Ṣāliḥ Ismāʿīl for the period after him. He also renewed the agreement he had made with the ruler of Tripoli not to attack Damascus during the extension period. That is: Malik Nureddīn Maḥmūd b. Zanjī had captured the ruler of Tripoli and a group of state officials in a battle. The ruler of Tripoli freed himself by paying 300,000 dinars, 500 horses, 500 garments, 500 robes, many Turkish-origin concubines, and 500 Muslim captives. Malik Nureddīn also obtained a promise from him not to attack Muslim towns for seven years, seven months, and seven days. To ensure his adherence to this promise, he took as hostages 100 children from his own children, the children of leading Crusaders, and the children of commanders. If he broke his covenant, he would kill these hostages. Malik Nureddīn intended to conquer Jerusalem, but death caught him in the month of Shawwāl of that year. He did not find the opportunity. However, deeds are according to intentions. He earned the reward for his intention. Malik Nureddīn ruled for twenty-eight years and a few months.”