October 1st marks the International Day of Coffee, a day to celebrate the world's favorite morning pick-me-up. But coffee's journey to become an integral part of Egyptian and Arab culture was not without its challenges. The story of coffee in Egypt is one of controversy, with the beverage facing opposition from some Islamic scholars who deemed it haram, or forbidden.
Legend has it that coffee was first discovered by a Yemeni Sufi named Ali bin Omar bin Ibrahim Al-Shadhili in 828 AD. Al-Shadhili stumbled upon the energizing effects of coffee after eating the red berries of the coffee plant. News of the stimulating beverage spread quickly, and soon, coffee began to make its way to the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. However, its early reception was not universally positive.
In 1511, the Sultan of Egypt, Qansuh al-Ghuri, appointed a new governor to Mecca, who was shocked to find Sufi groups consuming coffee in large quantities. The governor, Khair Bak, consulted with local Islamic scholars, who ultimately deemed coffee to be haram. However, when Khair Bak sought a second opinion from Egyptian scholars, they disagreed with their Meccan counterparts, ruling that coffee was halal.
The controversy surrounding coffee continued to simmer in Egypt, with some scholars, like Sheikh Ali Ahmed bin Abd al-Haqq al-Sunbati, issuing fatwas against the beverage in 1534. This led to clashes between coffee drinkers and opponents, with some cafes being vandalized and coffee drinkers arrested. However, the opposition to coffee was not uniform, with some scholars, like Judge Mahyuddin bin Ilyas, ruling in favor of the beverage.
As coffee's popularity continued to grow, it became an integral part of Egyptian culture. The beverage was sold in specialized cafes, known as "khans," and was often consumed in social settings. Despite periodic attempts to ban or restrict coffee, the beverage remained a staple of Egyptian life. In fact, by the mid-20th century, coffee had become an official drink in Egypt, alongside tea.
The Ottoman Empire, which ruled Egypt for several centuries, also played a significant role in shaping the country's coffee culture. The Ottomans prohibited coffee, viewing it as a stimulant that could incite rebellion. However, with the British occupation of Egypt, coffee culture began to change, as the British introduced their own tea-drinking traditions.
Today, coffee remains an integral part of Egyptian culture, with many cafes and coffee shops throughout the country. According to Dr. Ali Jum'a, a former Grand Mufti of Egypt, coffee's history in Egypt is a testament to the complex and often contentious nature of cultural exchange. Despite its tumultuous past, coffee has become a beloved beverage in Egypt, enjoyed by millions every day.
Key points
- Coffee was first discovered in Yemen in 828 AD and was initially met with opposition from some Islamic scholars.
- The beverage was deemed haram in Mecca in 1511 but was later ruled halal by Egyptian scholars.
- Coffee has become an integral part of Egyptian culture, with many cafes and coffee shops throughout the country.
