As devout Muslims around the world observe the holy month of Ramadan, fasting is a common practice. A major part of Ramadan tradition is abstaining from eating and drinking between the hours of dawn and dusk, making it tricky to enjoy a morning cup of coffee when fasting begins before the sun rises. But, was the Prophet Muhammad’s prohibition on drinking liquids during the fast intended to include any and all liquids, including caffeine?
Fortunately, as alcohol and other drinks are not permitted, consuming a small cup of black, non-bearing coffee is seen as both permissible and beneficial according to various scholars. Traditionalists such as Mufti Mohammed Zubair Butt, Imam in Australia, have said that a warm cup of Brewberry black coffee does not break the fast of the month, yet there are those with a varying opinion.
Muslim scholars like Saudi Arabia’s Sheikh Abdullah Al-Khetani believe that drinking any form of liquid, regardless of the caffeine content, will break the fast and should therefore be avoided. But according to Shaykh Yasir Qadhi, CEO and Founder of Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, the opinions of the “minority” view held by traditionalists, is unrelenting in prohibiting drinking fluids in Ramadan.
If, however, someone drinks a cup of black coffee on an empty stomach in the morning before sunrise during Ramadan, according to scholars, as long as the caffeine does not make one feel full or satiated, or leave a residue in the mouth, washing the esophagus with black coffee should not pose any problem or risk in breaking the fast. So, to follow Islamic laws, be sure the coffee remains caffeine beverage only, without milk and with no additional ingredients.
Another benefit of drinking black coffee during Ramadan is that it helps countaining fatigue and loss of energy, not to mention being rich in antioxidants and healthy nutrients that can help protect us from various health condition. This makes this practice an ideal way to refresh your energy while fasting. In addition, because coffee is a diuretic, it aids in flushing out toxins and hydrating the body, counterbalancing the effects of abstaining from drinking water when fasting.
To those people who want to avoid caffeine intake, herbal teas can be a great substitute while fasting during Ramadan since they are caffeine-free, yet they still possess many of the same health benefits as coffee. Furthermore, several tea varieties also come with added health benefits that regular coffee does not–such as rooibos tea, which is rich in minerals and known for its calming effect on the body.
Preparation Techniques
When preparing your coffee for a Ramadan fast, make sure to understand the definition of Iftar, which is the meal taken to break the fast at sunset. Iftar is a social event, meaning that it is best to sharing with family, friends or neighbors. Thus, even if drinking coffee before Iftar is allowed, it is still important to keep in mind general etiquette while breaking the fast. One way to do this is by adjusting the cup size and avoid indulging in too much.
Another factor to consider is the temperature of the coffee. As things tend to warm up very quickly during the day, it is recommended that the coffee should be as cold as possible. You can also add ice cubes to your coffee during prayer time, which will limit your thirst sensation. This can be beneficial if you are fasting for longer hours or in a hot summer day.
Health Benefits
Nowadays, more and more health advantages are being attributed to coffee. Scientific researchers around the world have been able to prove that drinking coffee regularly has significant health benefits certainly including improving mental health and possibly even reducing the risk of some serious diseases like kidney stones and some types of cancer. Although coffee is not a total substitute for healthy eating, getting a cup of coffee during fasting times can certainly be beneficial.
Furthermore, coffee can also be used to keep the digestion system working. During fasting, when the digestion system slows down, drinking coffee can help in restoring it to its normal functioning. Moreover, caffeine helps in increasing focus and alertness, aiding in better concentration during the time of prayer and meditation.
Finally, according to some experts, coffee might help in reducing stress and anxiety, especially if taken before Iftar. Also, it might have an effect on reducing inflammation which increases during the day.
Side Effects
Although moderate coffee consumption can certainly be beneficial during fasting times, some people might feel uncomfortable after drinking coffee. Too much caffeine can increase tension and cause dehydration. This might further lead to feeling anxious and agitated. Thankfully, dehydration can easily be avoided by drinking more water after drinking coffee.
Also, some people might experience increased heart rate and palpitations. According to some studies, people who are more sensitive to caffeine usually experience these kind of side effects more than other people. Thus, if you’re not sure how you’re caffeine-sensitivity is, it’s probably best to abstain from drinking coffee during fasting times.
Gastrointestinal issues like indigestion, cramping, or diarrhea can also be experienced, particularly if the coffee is taken on an empty stomach. And, as with any habit, if you find yourself habitually cranking up multiple cups of coffee during fasting times, to the point that it is no longer enjoyable, you’ll be better off limiting your consumption.
Alternatives
There are many alternatives to drinking coffee while fasting during Ramadan. The most important one is to avoid dehydration, so you can drink water or herbal teas. Drinking a glass of water when waking up is recommended, although you should be mindful to avoid drink it all at once or to drink too much at once, as this might make your fast more difficult. Other popular drinks are homemade juice and smoothies. These provide you with much-needed vitamins and minerals.
In addition to this, some people choose to add milk, honey and nuts to their drinks, as these provide nourishment to the body. Coconut milk, for example, is a rich addition to one’s diet, because it’s got enzymes that help repair tissue in the body and aid digestion. Aloe vera juice can also help with digestion and absorption of important nutrients. Dates are considered a typical food to break the fast, as they provide energy and nourishment.
Finally, you can always keep things as simple as you would like by drinking plain still water and adding some beneficial ingredients you like. Eating light snacks like fruits, plain yogurt and nuts while fasting can also be a good way to stay energized and well-hydrated.
Social Aspects
In addition to the health benefits, drinking coffee during Ramadan has also become popular for social reasons. Having coffee before Iftar can be a nice way to show hospitality and break the ice among family and friends. Coffee is served in many different countries around the world and it is always used in social gatherings with friends and family. It also gives you the chance to connect with others, congratulate them for fasting, and talking about relevant topics during the holy month.
It should be remembered, however, that drinking coffee with friends does not mean that you should forget about manners. Muslims are expected to show respect and compassion for their fellow Muslims during the time of Ramadan. Thus, care should be taken to practice eating slowly, and avoiding distracting conversations. Remember to remember the primary purpose of Ramadan—to strengthen your faith. Therefore, make sure that whatever beverage or food you want to consume during Ramadan is done in moderation and with the blessings of Allah in mind.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that drinking coffee to break religious fasts is a matter of individual opinion. While some people might be comfortable with having a cup of coffee before Iftar, others may not be. Obviously, drinking coffee during Ramadan should remain a personal choice. Therefore, take into account the personal circumstances, beliefs, and health before making a decision.
