Why Aren't There Any Explicit Mentions of Black People in the Bible and the Quran?

When examining the world's great sacred texts, such as the Bible and the Quran, one may wonder why there are no explicit mentions of black people. These questions often arise from the modern perspective that focuses on skin color, but the examination of these texts in historical context can shed light on their broader significance.

Historical Context of the Bible

The Bible was primarily written during a time when populations were largely homogeneous, primarily consisting of similar ethnicities and racial backgrounds. Yet, despite this, there are instances where black people are mentioned in the text. For instance, the Ethiopian Eunuch, who was converted to Christianity by Philip, is explicitly mentioned in the New Testament. The Ethiopian was certainly of a darker complexion, making his conversion a significant and noteworthy event in early Christian history.

Moreover, the Bible also mentions Moses's wife Zipporah, who was not a Jewish woman and was most likely a member of the Midianite tribe, which could have included people with darker skin tones. While the Bible does not explicitly describe skin color, these references suggest that dark-skinned people were present in the ancient world depicted in the text.

Modern Perceptions and Misconceptions

The focus on skin color in the context of the Bible and the Quran is a modern, and often misguided, perspective. At the time these texts were written, nationality and ethnicity were more significant than skin color. As a result, the physical appearance of individuals was not a primary concern, and thus, such descriptions were rarely included. This is why race as a category is often perceived as a modern form of insanity in the historical context of the Bible and the Quran.

The Quran, too, does not explicitly mention race or skin color. It emphasizes equality and justice among all people, regardless of their ethnicity or color. For instance, the verse 'O humankind, we created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may come to know one another.' (49:13) highlights the idea of brotherhood in humanity transcending racial and ethnic divisions.

Geographical and Demographic Context

Historically, geographical regions such as Egypt and Ethiopia were diverse and included significant populations of black people. For example, ancient Egypt, which was geographically in large part located in Africa, included black people as an integral part of its society. However, ancient texts do not often mention these individuals by personal appearance. Yet, the presence of black people in these regions is well-documented through archaeological and historical evidence.

Ethiopia, in particular, holds a significant place in early Christian history. The conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch is a telling example of the spread of Christianity into African lands. Furthermore, many of the earliest and most complete biblical texts are in Coptic, the native language of Egypt and a form of Ancient Egyptian.

Conclusion

The absence of explicit mentions of race in the Bible and the Quran should not be interpreted as an absence of racial or ethnic diversity in the historical and geographical contexts of these texts. Both religious texts emphasize the inherent value of all individuals and the importance of equality and justice irrespective of skin color or race. This broader perspective respects the historical intent and cultural context of these sacred writings.