Many people have debated on the origin of coffee in the Islamic civilisation for ages. Some objected to the notion, claiming that it came from Ethiopia, and some said it came from the Arab world, specifically Yemen. 

One thing’s for sure, regardless of its birth, almost everyone agrees that coffee has long held a significant place in the hearts and cups around the world. All of us share a love and passion for a freshly brewed cup, sharing the moment with our companions or loved ones.

This article will briefly introduce you to the origin of coffee in the Islamic civilisation, the political debates surrounding coffee and how it came to be popular. 

The Love for Coffee Started in Islamic Civilisation

Often referred to as the ‘wine of Islam,’ coffee has a rich history deeply intertwined with cultural and religious practices. Its journey from Ethiopia, where it originated, to Yemen, where it found its soul, is a testament to its profound impact on the lives of many.

In the 16th century, Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Jaziri described coffee as the ‘common man's gold,’ highlighting its ability to bring luxury and nobility to the lives of everyday people. While Ethiopia is recognized as the birthplace of coffee, it was Yemen that truly embraced its essence, giving birth to a unique Islamic coffee culture deeply intertwined with Sufi religious orders and mystical practices.

Around 600 years ago, in the port of Mokha, Yemen, it was Sufi Ali ibn Omar al-Shadhili who roasted coffee beans and prepared the very first cup of coffee. This significant event took place approximately in 1400 AD.

Coffee became closely associated with Sufi orders, mystical communities within Islam that sought to attain spiritual enlightenment through direct communion with the divine. For these orders, coffee held profound symbolic meanings and played a crucial role in their mystical rituals. These rituals often took place during the night, requiring participants to stay awake, which was believed to induce a state of euphoria and aid in their nocturnal devotions.

Pushback from Opposition: Intoxication and Medically Harmful

In 1511, when coffee gained popularity in Mekkah, political and religious authorities rose in opposition, stating that coffee has intoxicating effects and is medically harmful. Some people even associate the side effects of coffee with leprosy, leading to its prohibition. However, the coffee supporters, composed of Sufis and scholars from Egypt, argued for its non-intoxicating side effects. 

Due to a power struggle and political interest, the religious authorities won the debate, and scholars of Ottoman Sultan Murad IV successfully banned coffee. They justified the ban by leveraging Islamic law, which forbids the consumption of intoxicating and harmful substances.  

Fortunately, this opposition eventually waned shortly after, in 1516, when Sultan Selim II lifted the ban, and coffee once again began to weave its spell on the hearts and minds of the people.

Coffee houses emerged as centers of high culture and social interaction, particularly in the Ottoman Empire. Scholars, intellectuals, and common folk would gather in these establishments, using coffee as a means to come together in worship of God. However, the coffee house phenomenon was not without controversy.

In 1663, in Baghdad, the coffee house became a catalyst for a social revolution. The Ottoman caliph, recognizing that peace and social order were dependent on the condition of social status, saw the disregard for social order in these establishments as a threat. 

Coffee houses became hotbeds of political discussions, allowing people to freely express their opinions and disseminate news. Concerned about the potential disruption to the established social hierarchy, the caliph ordered the demolition of coffee houses throughout the empire.

Despite the pushback from certain groups, coffee's popularity continued to grow, leading to the flourishing of the international coffee trade in the 17th century. As the drink gained traction globally, it faced criticism and resistance from various groups. Even the Pope and Catholic priests warned against the ‘beverage of Islam,’ labeling it as an invention of Satan.

Coffee’s Arrival in London

Coffee's arrival in London can be attributed to the efforts of individuals like Pasqua Rosee, who played a pivotal role in introducing this foreign beverage to the English capital. Its addictive nature led to descriptions such as ‘bitter Muhammadan gruel’ and ‘abominable heathenish liquid’. 

Despite its negative labels coined by commoners in London, coffee business continued to boom, and Pasqua Rosee could easily sell 600 cups a day, showcasing the people’s love and addiction for coffee.

In London, coffee faced opposition from various groups, including women who petitioned against the drink. They viewed it as a foreign import, cultivated by godless barbarians. Little did they know that it was the Sufis of Yemen who had brought this elixir of vitality to their shores.

Coffee, the wine of Islam, has transcended boundaries and time, leaving an indelible mark on cultures worldwide. Its journey from Ethiopia to Yemen and beyond has shaped the rituals, social interactions, and even politics of numerous societies. From its association with Sufi orders to its disruptive influence on the social order, coffee continues to be more than just a beverage; it is a symbol of connection, contemplation, and communion with the divine.