Contradictory Oppositions in the Poetry of Al-Mu’tamid bin Abbad

This study examines the use of binary oppositions in the poetry of Al-Mu’tamid bin Abbad’s poetry, the last ruler of the ‘Tawaef’ kingdoms (Moulook At-Tawaef) in Al-Andalus with the aim of identifying their impact on the structure of the poetic text.The researchproblem lies in the turbulent stages of Al-Mu’tamid Ibn Abbad’s life—from sovereignty tohumiliation— which were reflected in his poetry, where binary oppositions emerged as a dominant feature in his poeticcollections. The study employed a descriptive-analytical method, subjecting Al-Mutamad’s collection to detailed analysis in order to identify these binary oppositions. The study also applied the statistical approach to produce findings that substantiate the analysis based on Al-Mutamad’s collection. The study concluded that Al-Mu’tamid’s autobiography was inseparable from his poetry, which reflected his turbulent life. This was manifested in the extensive use of binary oppositions in his poetry, enriching his poetry with aesthetically. These binary oppositions also exposed an internal conflict experienced by Al- Mu’tamid between two conflicting stages in his present life and future: the period of political power and prosperity, and the period of degradation following the downfall of the monarchy and his confinement in the Moroccan city of Aghmat, and the accompanying psychological breakdown. The study revealed that the binary of self-conflict was the most prominent in Al-Mu’tamid’s collection, while the binary of emotion ranked second in frequency. The study recommended directing researchers towards extrapolating Andalusian literature and uncover its rich dimensions through the application of contemporary scientific research approaches.