MOHAMED OSMAN meditates on the historic meeting between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Al-Malik al-Kamil during the Fifth Crusade—a moment of sanctuary that transcends centuries.
During the Fifth Crusade,
a barefoot mystic named Francis of Assisi
crossed into the land of my ancestors — all the way to Damietta.
He brought no army. No doctrine.
Only fire —
a soul ablaze for truth.
The Sultan of Egypt, Al-Malik al-Kamil,
saw him.
And instead of war, offered peace.
No conversion. No bargain.
Just sanctuary.
He saw the Divine in a man who worshipped differently
and said, “You are safe with me.”
Francis couldn’t repay that favor.
So he carried it —
like a seed, waiting for a soul who could.
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Mohamed Osman
Mohamed Osman is an Egyptian-American writer, Reiki master, tarot reader, and spiritual explorer. A devoted lover of Meher Baba, his work bridges mysticism, healing, and interfaith insight across traditions and cultures.
