How Muslims First Discovered and Revered Coffee

Ever wondered how coffee became such a sacred drink in Islamic culture? The story goes back over a thousand years, long before espresso machines or pour-over setups—starting with a mysterious black drink said to banish sleep and restore strength. But where did it really begin, and why did early Muslims see it as a divine gift?

Coffee was first introduced to the Arabian Peninsula from Ethiopia as early as the 6th century. By the 8th century, it was known as 'Qahwa'—a powerful black drink that boosted energy and focus. Muslim scholars and historians later recorded its legendary discovery, associating it with divine blessing and even linking it to the Prophet Muhammad through early medicinal uses.

The Origins of Coffee in Africa and Arabia

Coffee’s journey began in East Africa, particularly in the region now known as Ethiopia (formerly called Abyssinia). Historical accounts indicate that between the 5th and 6th centuries, Ethiopian and Kenyan tribes invaded the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, occupying Yemen for about a century. These tribes carried with them a stimulant drink made from crushed red coffee cherries and green leaves, often wrapped in animal fat for portability. This early form of caffeinated sustenance helped boost endurance during battle and travel.

By the 6th century, this practice had reached the Arabian Peninsula. Though initially known only to a small number of Arab monks, the energising effects of coffee were soon recognised as something extraordinary—later revered by Muslims as a 'gift from God.'

Early Islamic Records of the Coffee Plant

In the 10th century, the Persian Muslim philosopher and physician Avicenna (Ibn Sina, 980–1037) documented a plant from Yemen called 'Bunchum,' believed to be an early reference to coffee. Though not named as such, his writings describe effects and usage consistent with coffee consumption. This marks one of the earliest non-African records of a plant with stimulating properties similar to those of coffee.

Later Islamic texts refer to the drink as 'Qahwa,' an Arabic term used for a dark, invigorating beverage. This word would eventually become the root of the modern term 'coffee.'

The Legend of Omar and the Discovery of Coffee in Yemen

One of the most famous legends dates back to the 13th century and centres on Omar, a revered Muslim healer from Mocha, Yemen. According to the account recorded in 1578 by Muslim scholar Abu Bakr ibn Abd al-Rahman (also cited as Ambudar Kadry), Omar was exiled from his home and, while wandering in the desert, discovered red coffee fruits. Desperate and hungry, he tried boiling the fruit and drinking the liquid—and experienced renewed energy and clarity.

Upon returning to Mocha, Omar used the drink to heal the sick, and the news of its power spread rapidly. The city of Mocha (Mokka) would later become one of the first major coffee trading hubs. While the story is likely apocryphal, it reflects how deeply coffee was woven into the religious and medical fabric of early Islamic society.

Coffee Spreads with the Ottoman Empire

As the Islamic world expanded, so did the reach of coffee. With the rise of the Ottoman Turkish Empire, which spanned Europe, Asia, and Africa, coffee spread beyond Arabia. The Ottomans refined coffee preparation methods and established coffeehouses where the drink became a social and intellectual staple.

The dark 'Qahwa' was introduced to Europe through Ottoman trade and cultural exchanges. What began as a mysterious Sufi ritual in Yemeni monasteries ended up fuelling debates, diplomacy, and discoveries across continents.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was coffee first introduced to the Arabian Peninsula?

Coffee was first brought to the Arabian Peninsula from Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia) as early as the 6th century, possibly during invasions by East African tribes who occupied Yemen for around a century. It was initially known only to a small group of Arab monks.

What was early coffee called in Arabic?

Early coffee was referred to as 'Qahwa,' an Arabic term meaning a dark, energising drink. This word eventually evolved into the modern term 'coffee.' The term 'Qahwa' was used to describe the invigorating black beverage that helped ward off sleep and fatigue.

Who was Avicenna, and what did he say about coffee?

Avicenna (Ibn Sina, 980–1037) was a 10th-century Persian Muslim philosopher and physician. He recorded information about a plant from Yemen called 'Bunchum,' believed to be an early reference to coffee. His writings describe a plant with effects similar to those of coffee, marking one of the earliest non-African records of such a stimulant.

What is the legend of Omar and coffee?

The legend says that Omar, a healer from Mocha, Yemen, was exiled and surviving in the desert when he boiled red coffee fruits, drank the liquid, and felt revitalised. Upon returning, he used the drink to cure the sick. Though likely symbolic, this tale contributed to coffee’s sacred reputation in Islamic tradition and highlights Mocha’s early role in coffee history.

How did coffee spread to Europe?

Coffee spread to Europe through the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, which carried the drink and its preparation methods across continents. Ottoman trade and cultural influence introduced the dark 'Qahwa' to European societies, where it later gained widespread popularity.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Exploring History

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright citrus and floral notes reminiscent of early coffee profiles, or their Ethiopia Guji for a heavier body with berry and stone fruit complexity—both single origins that reflect the diverse flavours of coffee’s birthplace. For a classic washed Ethiopian experience, their Ethiopia Sidamo offers crisp acidity and herbal undertones. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.