Abstract:

This research sought to clarify the controversy between contemporary critics in the reading of ancient Arab criticism, and chose for this a book and two authors. The book is “Al-Muwazanah between the poetry of Abu Tammam and Al-Bohtouri”, by Al-Hassan Ibn Boushir Al-Amidi. The two authors are: Mohammad Mandour and Ihsan Abbas. Each of them has his own method and approach in dealing with the book. The current research monitored these differences through a comparitive analytical method based on the hypothesis that the presumtions of ancient Arab critisism force the reader to be objective and impartial; and the application of taste or a special method of reading in order to prove its critical merit will distort the significance of that inherited book. The research made a number of conclusions. Most importantly, the readings marred by controversy cannot reach a final word. Mandour and Abbas read Al-Amidi correctly, and the reader has to reconcile the two readings. In addition, if we combine the moderate opinions of Mandour with the objective comments of Abbas, we will end up with a compehensive reading of Al-Muwazanah of Al-Amidi.