Coffee is often seen today as a modern stimulant, a productivity booster, or a cozy companion to everyday routines. But for much of its history, coffee has been intimately connected to spirituality, religious rituals, and sacred tradition.
From Sufi mystics in Yemen to monks in Ethiopia, the story of coffee is rich with religious roots. In this article, we explore how coffee became a spiritual symbol, how it has been used in religious contexts, and why it was once celebrated and condemned by faith communities around the world.
The Mystical Origins in Ethiopia
Legend has it that coffee was first discovered by a goatherd named Kaldi in Ethiopia in the 9th century. He noticed his goats becoming unusually energetic after eating red cherries from a wild bush. Curious, Kaldi tried the berries himself and felt a surge of energy.
Monks at a nearby monastery learned of the fruit and began using it to stay awake during long prayer sessions. They crushed the beans, boiled them in water, and consumed them as part of spiritual routines. This marked the beginning of coffee’s link to religious practice.
Coffee and Sufi Islam: The Spiritual Brew
The real spiritual rise of coffee began in 15th-century Yemen, where Sufi mystics used coffee during zikr (remembrance of God) ceremonies.
Why Sufis Loved Coffee:
- It helped them stay awake during late-night devotions.
- It enhanced focus and energy during chanting, meditation, and dancing.
- It was seen as a gift from God that elevated spiritual awareness.
Coffee houses—known as qahveh khaneh—began appearing around this time, often located near mosques. They became informal spiritual gathering places, where poetry, philosophy, and prayer intertwined with coffee drinking.
Banned and Blessed: Coffee and Controversy in Islam
While Sufi orders embraced coffee, not everyone was thrilled. In the 16th century, Islamic leaders in Mecca and Cairo issued bans on coffee, fearing it encouraged idleness, rebellion, and un-Islamic behavior in coffeehouses.
However, other scholars argued coffee was no different from other stimulants like tea and was permissible (halal) unless used to excess.
Eventually, coffee gained wide acceptance across the Islamic world and became a staple of hospitality and tradition.
Christian Monks and the “Devil’s Drink”
As coffee spread into Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, it was initially met with suspicion by Christian leaders. Some referred to it as the “devil’s drink”, especially because of its association with Islam and its energizing effects.
According to legend, Pope Clement VIII was asked to condemn coffee in 1600. But after tasting it himself, he reportedly said:
“This devil’s drink is so delicious, it would be a sin to let only the infidels enjoy it.”
Instead of banning it, he blessed it, helping coffee spread rapidly throughout Europe—and into Christian monasteries, where monks used it to combat drowsiness during prayers.
Coffee in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church
In Ethiopia, coffee is deeply embedded in Orthodox Christian tradition. The coffee ceremony is a sacred social ritual often performed after religious services or as part of family celebrations.
- The ceremony involves roasting, grinding, and brewing beans in front of guests.
- It includes three rounds of servings: Abol (first), Tona (second), and Baraka (third—meaning “blessing”).
- Incense is burned, and prayer or reflection often accompanies the process.
This ritual is not just cultural—it’s considered a spiritual offering of hospitality and gratitude.
Coffee and Judaism: Tradition and Debate
In Jewish communities, especially in Ottoman and Sephardic traditions, coffee was often part of Sabbath meals and religious discussions. However, debates arose over whether coffee could be consumed on Passover, depending on how it was processed.
Today, kosher-certified coffees are widely available, and coffee has found a place in many Jewish homes as part of Shabbat brunches and post-prayer gatherings.
Coffee as Communion in Modern Spirituality
In more recent decades, coffee has taken on symbolic spiritual meaning in modern religious and non-religious settings:
- “Coffee and conversation” is a common post-service ritual in churches.
- Some religious groups host “coffee with clergy” sessions to create open dialogue.
- Others use coffee to break the ice in interfaith events or community circles.
While not formal ritual, these practices use coffee to foster community, connection, and reflection.
A Sacred Pause
There’s something inherently meditative about coffee: the aroma, the warmth, the time it takes to brew. In a world of rush and noise, coffee often provides a sacred pause, whether it’s a quiet moment of personal prayer or a shared spiritual conversation over a cup.
More Than a Drink: A Divine Connection
From mosques to monasteries, coffee has long been more than a beverage—it has been a bridge between the physical and the spiritual. It has energized prayer, sparked philosophical debate, and served as a gesture of welcome across faiths and continents.
Whether blessed by a pope or brewed by a mystic, coffee’s religious journey reminds us that even the simplest rituals can carry profound meaning.
