The speaker, Abdul-Rehman Malik, will delve into the captivating history of coffee and its profound connections to Islamic culture. Abdul-Rehman Malik, known for his BBC radio show “The Muhammadan Bean: The Secret History of Islam and Coffee”, will take us on a journey through the fascinating and often overlooked origins of this beloved beverage.
The talk will begin with an exploration of coffee’s Islamic roots. The speaker will share his discovery that coffee was popularised by Sufi mystics in Yemen who used the energising properties of coffee to sustain their nocturnal devotions, making it an integral part of their spiritual practices. This early use of coffee highlights its deep connection to Islamic rituals and culture.
The speaker will recount the intriguing history of coffee in the Sacred Mosque of Mecca, where it was initially embraced before facing opposition. In the 16th century, religious authorities issued a fatwa or religious edict against coffee. This conflict underscores the contentious relationship coffee had with religious and political authorities, who were wary of its social impact.
The talk will also shed light on the social revolution sparked by coffeehouses within the Islamic world. These establishments became the first spaces where people from all social classes could gather to discuss news and exchange ideas. This egalitarian aspect of coffeehouses challenged the existing social order, making them targets for persecution by those in power.
The speaker will then trace the journey of coffee from the Islamic world to Europe. In London, he uncovered the site of the city’s first coffee house and explored how coffee took the capital by storm. Despite facing backlash and being labelled an “abominable, heathenish liquid” by its detractors, coffee continued to spread, fostering new forms of social interaction, and breaking down cultural barriers.
Originating in Ethiopia, finding its spiritual home in Yemen, and overcoming prejudice and persecution from Mecca to London, coffee has left an indelible mark on societies around the world. The speaker describes coffee as “a universal libation, a liquid Esperanto,” celebrating its role in facilitating social exchange and bringing people together across different cultures and eras.
