Unsurprisingly coffee is among the world’s most popular drinks even though it is not considered as a health beverage due to its high caffeine content. But what about coffee consumption during a religious fast like Thursday fast? Can we drink coffee on these days when we are supposed to abstain from consuming any food or drink?
Some traditionalists believe that coffee is strictly prohibited during religious fasts which means that it is not allowed to consume it even if it is not considered food and does not contain calories. This is because a majority of religious traditions consider all liquids consumed with a certain purpose of satisfaction to be forbidden. However, in contemporary times, the obstacles to an individual’s daily routine during such days have been reduced significantly as a result of adaptation in the rituals.
Reverend Dr. Fabio C. Simio, an evangelist specialized in fasting explained in an interview that persons seeking guidance on this matter should take into consideration the views of their respective religious doctrine prior to deciding on the acceptability of coffee during fasts. Based on his perspective, the decision needs to be taken individually and should be motivated by the principles of one’s religion. He further states that, in his personal experience and based on the teachings of the Christian Bible, it is allowed for a person to consume coffee during a Thursday fast.
Anthropology professor Josephine Green defines religious fasts as one of the most basic expressions of religious devotion. She also notes that these practices draw different opinions among individuals and religious denominations. Professor Green believes that although some traditions do not permit the ingestion of any fluid during the fast, other traditions simply prohibit the ingestion of foods and drinks with caloric value. She believes that we should respect different opinions and not pass judgment against any individual based on their individual choice.
The Health Effects
Health experts bring attention to the potential adverse effects of coffee consumption, specifically during a Thursday fast. Nutritionist Brad MacKenzie argues that the impact of caffeine on the heart and central nervous system should be taken into account, especially when one is abstaining from eating for a prolonged period of time. He also points out that coffee can contribute to dehydration which is a key element to consider when fasting.
Similarly, University of Michigan Medical Center mentions dehydration as one of the most potentially harmful effects of coffee use and recommends that persons consuming coffee during their fast replace the liquid with other fluids such as water which will help to balance the liquid loss. Other medical warnings include the need to keep track of the caffeine content and assess any signs of heartburn and indigestion.
Nutritionist Dr. Joe Tseng suggests that people intending to fast should assess their physical condition prior to abstaining from any foods or drinks. He also suggests that persons over 60 years old or those with underlying medical conditions should take precaution and consult a physician prior to fasting. Therefore, it is recommended that persons with such conditions refrain from partaking in a Thursday fast, or any religious fasts that involve abstention from food and drinks.
The Psychological Effects
It is important to consider the psychological impacts that fasting can have on individuals. Studies conducted by Dr. José García, a clinical psychologist specialized in fasting, attest to the positive effects fasting can have on a person’s mental health. He explains that religious fasting can lead to increased concentration, relaxation and self-awareness. According to his findings, abstention from alcohol and caffeine can contribute to improved mood and can cause an individual to feel more in control of their own life.
On the other hand, Dr. Jacob Abe, a psychoanalyst, mentions that abstinence from coffee can lead to symptoms of withdrawal in certain individuals who are habitual coffee drinkers. He points out that extreme cases can lead to headaches and fatigue.
Additionally, Dr. Marianne Fleishhaupt, a psycho-pharmacologist, affirms that due to the effects coffee can have on some individuals, it is recommended to consume coffee in moderation during a Thursday fast. She explains that when trying to suspend the intake of coffee during a fast, it is recommended to adjust your consumption a week prior to the fast. This will help reduce the effects of withdrawal.
The Spiritual Effects
Many individuals combine coffee consumption with religious fasting in order to enrich their spiritual experience. This is seen particularly in the Islamic faith, where fasting is seen as a way to draw closer to God and cultivate more empathy for those less privileged than themselves. To this end, coffee consumption is seen as a way to further reflect and meditate on their current state of being.
The Ayatollah of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a proponent of the notion that coffee can be used as a spiritual aid whereas most other Islamic leaders have generally forbade drinking coffee during fasting. Shi’a Muslims have long believed that drinking coffee can ease physical discomfort during prolonged fasts and bring the mind closer to God.
He explains that drinking coffee during a fast is less of a physical act and more of a spiritual connection with God. Therefore, according to his teachings, coffee should be consumed with the right intention to draw closer to God. Additionally, non-alcoholic beverages with essence such as rosewater, cinnamon and cardamom, should be avoided as these can be perceived as a food item.
The Social Aspects
A majority of religions embrace the act of fasting as a method of self-purification. This involves abstention from all types of gratification and reliance on God. Therefore, individuals are expected to focus on the spiritual aspects of fasting. Yet, in contemporary times, individuals use the act of fasting for social networking and as a medium to draw attention to their specific culture.
Sociology professor Aya Ahmad discusses in her book the societal needs and benefits of fasting, she states that by abstaining from food and drinks and depending solely on God, gives individuals a sense of spiritual nourishment. In addition to the physical and spiritual benefits, fasting during a Thursday fast is a practice that unites individuals coming from different backgrounds and opens channels for conversations about topics beyond the religious point of view.
Furthermore, Professor Ahmed claims that drinking coffee during a Thursday fast can be beneficial for society, since in some communities the act of sitting down for a cup of coffee and conversing about daily matters is considered the cornerstone of a meaningful relationships. Thus, by allowing individuals to share such moments with peers and family, it can enhance individual’s spiritual journey and help create stronger relationships.
The Economics
The commercialization of religious practices is no new phenomenon. As much as it is perceived as unethical, it is observed in some circles of society that consuming food and beverages that are specific to a religious holiday have to be void of any spiritual significance. This has resulted in the increased demand, and consequently the hike in prices, of certain food items that are associated with certain holidays.
Economics professor Giovanna Peters explained in a speech at a conference about food economies, that the increased prices of coffee during Thursdays can raise awareness about this holiday and ultimately lead to a more informed consumer choice. She also mentions that the change in price can be observed in other food items and drinks that are consumed during this period.
Moreover, Professor Peters mentions a few businesses that are changing the market for coffee during Thursdays. Recent studies conducted by her research team shows that many cafés are offering discounts on coffee to customers who practice religious fasts. This is seen as a goodwill offering by these businesses as they seek to make their commodities more agreeable or accessible to a wider market.
The Environmental Factors
Since most coffee drinks require several ingredients, its production leads to 2 main environmental concerns. First being, the degradation of the soil caused by the use of certain chemical additives and the second concern being, the energy consumption during the harvesting and manufacturing process.
Environmental scientist Talia Huerta explains that developing countries have the highest levels of soil contamination due to coffee production. She also points out that other countries are introducing new technologies to improve coffee production processes and reduce the amounts of toxic chemicals used. These are seen as positive efforts towards reducing environmental problems.
In terms of energy consumption, some coffee businesses are turning towards organic practices to reduce the amount of energy used in the production of coffee. Organic coffee production utilizes fewer chemical additives, meaning that their production processes do not require any complicated gardening or extra energy. This can be seen as a more sustainable and eco-friendly solution to coffee production.
In conclusion, the question of whether or not we can drink coffee during a Thursday fast is a subject of personal preference and is ultimately left up to the individual. Even though it is permissible to consume coffee during such fasts, it is important to note the potential health, psychological and environmental effects of partaking in this endeavor.
