Coffee is one of the world’s favorite beverages, enjoyed daily by millions. A rich and fragrant beverage, coffee can bring people together or simply help us relax before starting our day or working through long workdays. Unfortunately, though, many are confused as to whether coffee is considered halal or haram.

People often wonder whether coffee is permissible under Islam since it contains caffeine. Caffeine is naturally present in coffee plant seeds, with ground coffee beans then being roasted and ground into our everyday beverage. Though some may worry that caffeine could have intoxicating effects on them, its intoxication depends on each individual and usually isn’t as potency than that seen with alcohol or drugs.

Coffee became increasingly popular during the early days of Islamic Empires. As a social drink, it promoted discussion and learning while sharpening minds and sharpening intellects. Coffeehouses soon sprouted all across the globe – mirroring those found throughout Islamic countries with similar purposes of culture, art, and intellectual dialogue.

Although coffee’s growing popularity caused much disagreement among religious scholars, their opinions differed on its status. Some claimed it was forbidden, while others touted its health benefits and claimed caffeine was similar to hashish or alcohol which were forbidden at that time. Most Islamic scholars eventually reached agreement that there was no evidence of impropriety within coffee, permitting its consumption.

By the 16th century, coffee had made its way across Europe. It quickly became an integral part of daily life in European cities and helped increase worker productivity. Coffeehouses emerged across England, France, Austria, and Germany, acting much like its Islamic equivalent qahveh khaneh; serving as places where scholars and students met up to exchange ideas.

The East India Trading Company purchased large amounts of coffee from Ottoman Empire, and distributed it throughout Europe. By the 17th century, coffee had become a daily part of life among kings, queens, and commoners alike – becoming part of European culture while becoming addictive to many individuals.