Saladin’s Chivary in Arabic 12th Century Poetry

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the poetic celebration of Saladinʹs heroism in sharp contrast to the timidity of the Crusaders. It explores how Saladin is depicted as a saviour of Islam from the yoke of the Crusaders. In particular, the essay investigates how the most quintessential codes of Islamic chivalry, which he follows to the utmost flawlessness, are represented through in-depth analysis of the figures of speech. Through examining those codes, one can easily determine the characteristics of Saladin as a unique knight. Briefly put, his chivalry is filtered through the regulations of Islam, resulting in his spiritual inner inspiration, which accounts for all other features he is endowed with such as bravery, prowess, and generosity among many others. In addition this essay argues that contemporary poets carefully, not to say assertively, idealize Saladinʹs heroism as an epitome of salvation, during crucial moments of Islamic history where Islam triumphed over Christianity.