Panegyric Discourse and Authority in the Umayyad Era: A Philosophical Interpretation of the Poet–Ruler Relationship

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Associate Professor, Literary Studies Al-Wajh University College, Tabuk University, Department of Basic Sciences .

Abstract

This study explores the phenomenon of panegyric poetry in Arabic literature from a philosophical perspective that goes beyond superficial aesthetics. It examines the relationship between the poet and the praised figure during the Umayyad era as a symbolic connection with deep political and social implications. The research is based on the central hypothesis that panegyric poetry was not merely a tool for flattery, but rather a complex rhetorical practice that contributed to constructing a unique vision of authority and virtue, reinforcing an ideal moral model, and supporting political legitimacy while shaping collective consciousness.
The study is structured into three main sections: the first discusses the philosophical foundations of the poet-praised relationship, including psychological, political, and ethical dimensions, as well as the structure of dominance within the discourse. The second section highlights the idealized image of the praised figure and the interplay between religious and political symbolism. The third adopts a pragmatic approach to analyze the rhetorical strategies used to create awe and reinforce symbolic authority.
The findings indicate that Umayyad panegyric poetry cannot be separated from its political and cultural context. It played a significant role in supporting the existing authority and constructing an idealized, symbolic image of the praised figure, demonstrating the poets’ ability to use language as a tool for influence and consciousness formation.

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Journal of the Faculty of Arts
Volume 85, Issue 8
October issue of social sciences
October 2025

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