Riyadh: The King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh has published the French edition of the book “The Impact of Black People on Islamic Civilization” by Iraqi researcher Dr. Rashid Al-Khayoun. This work highlights the significant contributions of Black Muslims to Islamic civilization across various fields such as sciences, arts, literature, and general culture, spanning from the inception of Islam to the end of the Abbasid era in 1258 CE.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the book, a comprehensive documentary effort, examines the sensitive relationship between skin color and slavery, particularly following the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs. It also provides a detailed study of slavery across different civilizations, including the cessation of slavery and the trade of slaves in both Europe and Islamic countries. The French edition, comprising 403 pages, underscores the humanitarian roles played by Black individuals as active participants in Islamic civilization.

Dr. Rashid Al-Khayoun relied on 210 ancient and modern sources to document the significant roles played by Black people in fields like science, literature, poetry, political power, and the arts. Prominent figures from various Islamic eras, such as Usama ibn Zayd, Bilal ibn Rabah, and Wahshi ibn Harb al-Habashi, are highlighted, alongside poets like al-Sulayk ibn al-Sulaka and Nusayb ibn Rabah.

Originally published in Arabic in 2015, the book was later translated into English, with its release scheduled for November 2023. The author’s exploration of the Quran’s description of human skin color differences emphasizes the theme of diversity over superiority, encouraging contemplation and understanding among different cultures and languages.

The first section of the book, titled “On Slavery and the Conditions of Slaves,” is divided into four chapters. These chapters explore sources related to Black people, the status of Black people and slavery before Islam, and the treatment of Black people within Islamic contexts, tracing the historical evolution from the Babylonian era through ancient Rome and Greece to later European periods and the abolition movements.