Afro-Saudis

Afro-Saudis are Saudi people of Black African heritage. Afro-Saudis are the largest Afro-Arab group.^[1] They are spread all around the country but are mostly found in the major cities of Saudi Arabia.^[2] Afro-Saudis speak Arabic and adhere to Islam.^[3] Their origins date back centuries ago to African Muslim migrants settling in Saudi Arabia, and to the Arab slave trade.^[4]

History[]

Bilal ibn Rabah, an Abyssinian who was enslaved by Pre-Islamic Arabs was Islam’s first Muezzin

Arabia and Africa have been in contact, starting with the obsidian exchange networks of the 7th millennium BC. These networks were strengthened by the rise of Egyptian dynasties of the 4th millennium BC. Scientists have indicated the likely existence of settlements in Arabia, from the people of the Horn of Africa, as early as 3rd and 2nd millenniums' BC.^[5]

Population[]

In 2021, their population is 3,500,000, or 10% of Saudi Arabia’s 35,000,000 people.^[4]

Social condition[]

Unlike in the Americas of the 19th century, slaves in the Middle East were allowed to own land and their children were generally not born into slavery. Also conversion to Islam precluded further servitude and gave freedom. Skin color played a distinctive role even amongst slaves.^[6] Many activists amongst Afro-Saudis complain that they are not given media representation and are unable to find opportunities to improve their social condition.^[7]

Notable Afro-Saudis[]

• Majed Abdullah
• Adil al-Kalbani
• Tareg Hamedi
• Hawsawi family
• Mustafa al-Darwish
• Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi

References[]