Is Coffee Halal Or Haram? (And Caffeine)

Coffee and caffeine have stirred debates across cultures for centuries, hailed by some for their stimulating effects and criticized by others for their potential risks.

Despite varying opinions throughout history, their popularity remains largely unscathed, with millions consuming coffee daily as part of their routine.

This raises a significant question in the minds of many Muslims: is coffee and caffeine considered haram (forbidden) or halal (permissible) according to Islamic teachings?

Is Coffee Halal?

According to Islamic scholars, coffee and caffeine are regarded as halal. While the Quran provides specific guidelines on many consumable substances, there is no direct reference to coffee. Scholars, however, have issued fatwas (Islamic legal rulings) after conducting thorough research, concluding that the consumption of coffee and caffeine is permissible.

Allah (SWT) states in the Quran:

“And eat of what Allah has provided for you [which is] lawful and good.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah: 88)

This verse reminds Muslims to partake in what is lawful (halal) and beneficial. Since coffee does not cause harm or intoxication, it is classified as lawful.

The production process of coffee—starting from coffee beans, which are seeds—is also halal. The beans are dried, roasted, and ground without any involvement of alcohol or fermentation, making the entire process compliant with Islamic guidelines.

Why is Coffee & Caffeine Considered Halal?

While coffee and caffeinated drinks are mild stimulants, they do not fall under the category of intoxicants (muskir).

Intoxicants in Islam are defined as substances that impair one’s mind, causing drunkenness or altering judgment, which caffeine does not do. Instead, caffeine sharpens focus, enhances productivity, and can even assist Muslims in concentrating better on prayers and fulfilling other Islamic duties.

When questioned about the permissibility of caffeine, scholars issued a fatwa affirming that drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea is not haram.

These drinks do not induce dizziness or loss of control, which are essential characteristics of intoxicants. In fact, they can aid in productivity and alertness, qualities that can be beneficial when channeled toward good deeds or acts of worship.

The Full Fatwa on Coffee and Tea

A fatwa issued by scholars further supports the permissibility of coffee and tea. Imam Shihab al-Din famously remarked that “everything is lawful except what Allah has made unlawful.” This principle confirms that substances like coffee, which do not impair the intellect or harm the body, remain lawful. Allah says in the Quran:

“Say (O Muhammad SAW): ‘I find not in that which has been inspired to me anything forbidden…’”
(Surah Al-An’am: 145)

Thus, as coffee does not induce intoxication or impair the intellect, it cannot be compared to substances like alcohol or drugs, which are explicitly forbidden.

On the contrary, coffee enhances alertness, allowing individuals to perform daily tasks more efficiently. Whether engaging in work, study, or prayer, coffee can be viewed positively when consumed in moderation.

Caffeine as a Halal Stimulant

Some confusion arises from the fact that coffee is classified as a stimulant, which can sometimes be equated with an intoxicant. However, it is essential to differentiate between substances that merely stimulate and those that intoxicate.

Shaykh Faraz A. Khan from the Hanafi school of thought clarified that when the term intoxicant is used in the Quran, it refers to substances like wine or drugs that cloud judgment and impair reasoning.

Coffee, on the other hand, does not cloud the intellect but rather enhances clarity and focus, making it permissible in Islam.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, “Every intoxicant is unlawful” (Bukhari, Muslim). He further explained that intoxicants are defined by their ability to cloud the intellect.

Therefore, caffeine, while stimulating, does not meet the criteria of an intoxicant. As a mild stimulant, it remains permissible.

Fatwa from Dar al-Iftaa Al-Missriyyah

Another fatwa issued by Dar al-Iftaa Al-Missriyyah addressed concerns about the potential over-consumption of coffee. The scholars acknowledged that excessive consumption of any lawful substance could lead to harm.

However, they maintained that the mere potential for addiction or overuse does not render the substance itself haram. They clarified that the prohibition in Islam is placed on substances that intentionally impair the mind, like alcohol, not on lawful substances consumed in excess.

Thus, while Muslims are encouraged to practice moderation in all things, coffee remains lawful as long as it does not harm the body or lead to dependency. The scholars concluded that since coffee does not cause the “absence of mind” like alcohol does, it is halal.

Is All Coffee Halal?

All forms of coffee, including the controversial Luwak coffee, are generally considered halal. Luwak coffee is made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by the civet animal, but these beans are thoroughly cleaned and processed before being sold.

The critical factor for determining the permissibility of coffee lies in its processing. If the coffee is free from any haram substances during production, it is considered halal.

Muslims are encouraged to remain vigilant about the sources of the products they consume. Even though coffee is generally halal, one must ensure that it has been processed in a way that complies with Islamic guidelines. It is recommended to opt for halal-certified brands if there is any doubt.

Historical Stance on Coffee

Historically, the consumption of coffee sparked controversy in the Muslim world. In 1511 CE, the Governor of Mecca, Khair Beg, banned coffee, fearing it would lead to public unrest due to the gatherings it encouraged in coffeehouses.

This ban was soon followed by similar prohibitions in Cairo (1532) and Constantinople. Scholars and governors at the time viewed coffee as an innovation and suspected it of having intoxicating effects.

However, this view was short-lived. The love for coffee prevailed, and the ban was lifted in 1524 by Sultan Selim I of the Ottoman Empire.

Together with Grand Mufti Mehmet Ebussuud el-İmadi, they issued a fatwa declaring coffee permissible. From then on, coffee spread rapidly throughout the Islamic world, eventually becoming a global phenomenon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the consensus among Islamic scholars is clear: coffee and caffeine are halal. Although coffee is a stimulant, it does not cloud judgment or impair reasoning. Instead, it enhances alertness and productivity, which can be used for positive purposes, such as fulfilling Islamic duties.

However, moderation is key, as excessive consumption of any lawful substance could be harmful to the body.

For those concerned about the manufacturing process, opting for halal-certified coffee brands is always a good practice. With a long history of debate and acceptance, coffee remains a beloved and permissible drink for Muslims worldwide.