The appointment of Saladin as the emir of Egypt occurred in a context of political instability, characterized by the collapse of the Fatimid Caliphate. After the assassination of caliph al-Adid, who had ruled Egypt, there was a power vacuum that needed to be filled to maintain order and authority. Saladin, who had previously gained prominence as a military leader in Syria, was chosen for his capability to reassert control over Egypt and to establish a unified leadership against external threats, particularly the Crusaders.

Upon taking power, Saladin implemented several key reforms. He endeavored to stabilize the economy, strengthen military defenses, and promote a sense of unity among the diverse populations of Egypt. His leadership marked a departure from the Fatimid rule, which had been marked by sectarian strife and division. Saladin emphasized Sunni Islam as a means to foster unity and counterbalance the Crusader forces that threatened Islamic territories.

Saladin's victorious strategies and governance in Egypt laid the groundwork for his subsequent campaigns, most notably against the Crusaders during the Third Crusade. His efforts to unify the Islamic territories resonated across the region, elevating his status as a key figure in Islamic history. This appointment is significant as it set the stage for Saladin's emergence as a pivotal leader in the Islamic world and his legacy as a revered figure in both Islamic and Western histories.