Krishna in the Qur’an?
An Analysis of Caitanya-Caritāmṛta 2.18.190 and the Concept of God’s Blackish Complexion in Islamic Scripture
Keywords:
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Qur’an, Krishna, Allāh, anthropomorphism, śyāma, Islamic theology, Sufism, Caitanya-Caritāmṛta, divine embodiment, interreligious dialogueAbstract
This paper examines a controversial verse from the Caitanya-Caritāmṛta (2.18.190), in which Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asserts that the Qur’an describes God as having a blackish (śyāma) complexion. While mainstream Islamic theology rejects any anthropomorphic conception of Allāh, the article explores historical and theological contexts that may support such an interpretation. It investigates early Islamic debates on divine embodiment, Sufi esoteric readings of the Qur’an, and possible scriptural references (such as Qur’an 2.138) that align with Caitanya’s claim. The study also considers alternative interpretations, including the possibility of textual interpolation or Mahāprabhu’s independent theological exposition. By engaging with both Vaishnava and Islamic scholarly perspectives, the paper seeks to reconcile this unique claim with broader interreligious discourse.
