Final Answer:
Saladin appointed his brother, Al-Adil I, as the governor of Damascus, justifying the occupation of Jerusalem through religious significance, political unity against the Crusaders, and strategic advantages in the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
Saladin's appointment of Al-Adil I as the governor of Damascus reflected his strategic move to consolidate power within his family. Al-Adil I was a trusted military commander and administrator, making him a suitable choice for governing a crucial city like Damascus during this period. This move helped Saladin maintain stability in the region under his control.
Saladin justified the occupation of Jerusalem through a multifaceted approach. Religiously, he emphasized the city's importance in Islam, highlighting its significance as the third holiest site after Mecca and Medina. Politically, Saladin aimed to unite Muslim forces against the common enemy, the Crusaders, by presenting the liberation of Jerusalem as a collective effort to defend the faith. Strategically, the control of Jerusalem provided a central point for further military campaigns and secured a key stronghold in the region. Overall, Saladin's justifications were a blend of religious legitimacy, political unity, and strategic advantage, reflecting the complexities of medieval politics in the context of the Crusades.