Can Muslims drink coffee?

Yes, Muslims can drink coffee. Coffee is halal: it doesn't intoxicate, and scholars of all four schools accept it. Just skip coffee drinks made with alcohol, like Irish coffee or coffee liqueur, and don't overdo the caffeine.

Coffee has a long Muslim history

Coffee as a drink became popular among Muslims in Yemen in the 15th century, where Sufis drank it to stay awake for night prayers. From there it spread to Mecca, Cairo and Istanbul, and later to Europe. There was a short debate in the early 1500s, when some officials in Mecca tried to ban it, but scholars soon concluded that coffee is not an intoxicant, and it has been accepted as halal ever since.

Why coffee is halal

Islam forbids intoxicants. The Prophet ﷺ said, "Every intoxicant is khamr, and every khamr is forbidden" (Sahih Muslim 2003). Caffeine may wake you up, but it doesn't cloud your mind or make you drunk, so it doesn't fall under that rule. Coffee is one of the good, everyday things we're encouraged to enjoy and be thankful for:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُلُوا۟ مِن طَيِّبَـٰتِ مَا رَزَقْنَـٰكُمْ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لِلَّهِ "O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah..." Quran 2:172

Coffee drinks to watch out for

Alcoholic coffee: Irish coffee, espresso martinis and coffee liqueurs contain real alcohol and are haram. See Can Muslims drink alcohol?
Liqueur-flavored desserts: tiramisu often contains Marsala wine or rum.
Syrups: standard café syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut) are usually fine, though a few flavorings use alcohol as a solvent.
Kopi luwak (civet coffee): many scholars allow it because the beans are washed and roasted, but you'll rarely come across it.

Moderation and health

A general principle in Islam is "There should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm" (40 Hadith an-Nawawi 32). Lots of strong coffee can cause anxiety, poor sleep or heart palpitations. If your doctor tells you to cut back, follow that advice. Also remember that coffee breaks your fast, so in Ramadan have it at suhoor or after iftar.

Coffee and social life

Meeting a friend for coffee is a great, alcohol-free alternative to the pub. If you're looking for other drinks, see Can I still drink Coca-Cola as a Muslim? and Can I still drink kombucha as a Muslim?

Key points

Coffee is halal; caffeine is not an intoxicant.
Muslims helped spread coffee to the world.
Avoid coffee drinks and desserts made with alcohol.
Drink in moderation and follow medical advice.

Tip: If you struggle to wake up for Fajr, a small coffee at night can make sleep harder. Try having your last cup by mid-afternoon and see if your mornings get easier.