Kopi luwak, or “civet coffee,” is one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive gourmet coffees, produced from beans that have been partially digested and excreted by an Asian palm civet. Once collected, cleaned, and roasted, its unique taste and smooth texture emerge; plus its lesser caffeine and bitterness than other varieties! Additionally, the digestive process causes some beans to ferment as they travel through its stomach and intestines and its excrement further contributes to its flavor profile.

Islamic dietary rules prohibit consuming foods exposed to fecal waste, even when thoroughly washed; some scholars assert that even after repeated washing, beans remain spiritually polluted by feces matter and thus cannot be considered halal; while others maintain that as long as the beans were not directly exposed to them or their remains they can be considered halal.

Considering kopi luwak is a controversial issue. To be considered halal, its beans must be collected and processed by someone who is Muslim, which may present challenges given that most coffee farmers are non-Muslims. Furthermore, many civet farms employ unethical production practices like keeping animals caged up while force feeding them coffee cherries which has drawn widespread criticism from organizations like PETA for being cruelty towards both animals and environmental concerns.

Despite these challenges, Muslim kopi luwak producers have worked to improve the quality of their coffee by employing scientific methods and setting higher standards. A food scientist named Massimo Marcone discovered that the digestive process of civets partially ferments beans to reduce their bitterness while their acidic digestive fluids increase citric acid levels in them, giving their coffee its lemony taste.

Kopi luwak coffee is produced primarily in Indonesia, especially on the islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali and Sulawesi. Other parts of Southeast Asia and East Timor also produce it; whole bean, ground and instant varieties can be purchased from specialty shops with prices typically between $20-50 USD for farmed-sourced kopi luwak up to hundreds of dollars USD when coming from wild sources.

Kopi luwak is an exquisite beverage produced only through an ethical and difficult production process, yet many consumers are willing to pay its high price due to its unique taste and perceived health benefits. Muslims should carefully evaluate this beverage and seek guidance from their local cleric before making a purchase decision.