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Did you know coffee wasn't always halal?
Coffee controversy in Islam, Al Majid Mosque, Halal Fun
Assalaamualaikum, Welcome to Issue #05 of Salam ☪️ Perth newsletter.
In this week’s Salam Perth:
Coffee controversy in Islam
Al Majid Mosque in Padbury
Reminders from Surah Al-Baqarah
Let’s go!
— Zinda & Ahmed, Team Salam ☪️ Perth
Exploring the Forbidden History of Coffee in Islam
This article is based on a podcast by Dr. Yasir Qadhi on the topic of various fatwas related to coffee. If you are a coffee fan, this is not a history of coffee, rather how the position of Islam evolved on drinking coffee. You can find a link to the full podcast at the bottom of the article, which we recommend you listen.
According to Dr. Qadhi, interestingly, the word “coffee” is derived from the Arabic word “Gahwa”. Originating in Ethiopia, coffee was first enjoyed as a drink when Ethiopians started roasting its beans. Captivated by its charm, Yemeni traders introduced it to Yemen around the 15th century, and from there, it found its way to Europe, becoming synonymous with Arab culture, as popularised by “Arabica” beans we know today.
However, during this time, as coffee made its way through Ottoman territories and reached Mecca, it became the centre of controversy.
In a notable incident during this period, a scholar doing Tawaf at the Al Haram noticed a group of young men enjoying coffee. Finding their behaviour suspicious, the scholar approached them, leading the young men to hide their coffee. After admitting to drinking Gahwa (coffee), the matter was taken to a gathering of Ulama representing all four madhabs. After two days of deliberation, the Ulama declared coffee an intoxicant, making it forbidden to drink and sell, with the punishment of lashing for offenders.
In 1544 CE, the Uthmani Khalifa officially confirmed this decree, solidifying the state's position that coffee was forbidden. Coffee, once a beloved beverage, was burdened with stigmas, earning the reputation as a pastime for “lazy men doing nothing.”
In Cairo, a strict fatwa declared coffee absolutely forbidden, haram. The decree mandated the closure of all coffee houses, with severe consequences for those caught drinking, operating, or selling coffee. Numerous individuals found themselves jailed and lashed under this ruling. Some scholars compared coffee to hashish, while others labelled its consumption as a Bid'ah (religious innovation).
Despite the declarations that deemed coffee forbidden, people continued to indulge in this prohibited brew. It wasn't until the 17th century that a subtle shift occurred. A small group of scholars began questioning the forbidden status of coffee, eventually leading to a re-evaluation of these stringent rulings. The fatwas that once condemned coffee to prohibition gradually faded into history as a new consensus emerged, deeming coffee permissible and embracing its place in the cultural fabric of the Muslim world.
Let’s take you there…
Al Majid Mosque
Al Majid Mosque, was officially inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Sarawak and President of Regional Islamic Da'wah. It is nestled in the heart of the residential suburb of Padbury, hence often referred to as the Padbury Mosque.
Al Majid Mosque
Characterised by a striking large brick exterior, graceful arcades, and crowned by an elegant onion-shaped silver dome, this mosque stands as a prominent landmark. Comprising two main blocks that house prayer halls (both male and female) and various facilities, the mosque is a testament to architectural beauty and functional design.
This mosque holds a special place in the community as it is primarily run by the Malay community. Beyond its physical features, what truly distinguishes this mosque is the vibrant community spirit that thrives within its walls.
The mosque serves as a hub for various activities that extend well beyond the five congregation prayers. Recently, the community organized a successful fundraising event, exemplifying their commitment to supporting and sustaining the mosque. This collective effort echoes the strong bond that unites the members in their shared goal of nurturing a welcoming and supportive environment.
In addition to the regular congregation prayers, the mosque offers the Friday prayers (Jummah) and marks the joyous occasions of Eid. The inclusivity of the mosque is further emphasised by its wheelchair accessibility and dedicated child-friendly sections, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can participate in the spiritual and communal activities hosted within its premises.
This mosque in Padbury is more than just a place of worship. It is a vibrant centre of communal engagement, embodying the essence of unity and shared faith among the Malay community in Western Australia.
Did you know?
Project 100 by ICWA to raise $1 million by Ramadhan
The Islamic Centre of Western Australia has kicked off Phase 3 of their "Build Your Centre" project to lay the foundations of the Masjid and other buildings. Their "Project 100" project campaigns for donations of $100 per person to reach their goal. Please donate generously to build the Masjid. Find out more…
Sponsor a Child Back to School
Muslim Women’s Support Centre of WA (MWSC) is accepting donations to sponsor essentials for families struggling to make ends meet. Donate $25 to sponsor a child’s essential supplies for school. Donation details:
Reference: “Back to School”
BSB: 036 081
Account: 194 971
Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Ever-Living, All-Sustaining. Neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who could possibly intercede with Him without His permission? He ˹fully˺ knows what is ahead of them and what is behind them, but no one can grasp any of His knowledge—except what He wills ˹to reveal˺. His Seat encompasses the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of both does not tire Him. For He is the Most High, the Greatest.
Salah times this week 📿
Weekly Salah Times Jan 29 - Feb 04
Salah times are based on Muslim World League calculation method for Perth.
What’s going on!
Monday Jan/29
MAKTAB After school Quran & Islamic studies for children | 📍 Beaufort Park Musallah, Bedford | ⏰ 5:30PM - 7:30PM | Registration [email protected] | 📞 0413 298 962
Tuesday Jan/30
Registration for Quran memorisation, Boys part-time | 7-17 years | 📍 Beaufort Park Musallah, Bedford | ⏰ 5:00PM - 7:00PM | [email protected] | 📞 0420 509 587
Thursday Feb/01
Classes starting, Maktab Classes, Home schooling, Mu'allima Maryam | Girls (Y1-Y8) Boys (Y1-Y8) | 4 days a week | 📍 Thornlie | 📞 0497 391 919
Friday Feb/02
Getting the most out of Ramadan | 📍 Beaufort Park Musallah, Bedford | ⏰ 7:00PM | www.al-rafeeq.org.au | 0402 123 778 (male contact) | 📞 0410 961 626 or 0433 244 279 (female contacts) | 🔁
Saturday Feb/03
Fajr-Prayer & Social Meet-Up, congregation prayer, reminders from ahadeeth, breakfast | 📍 Masjid Al-Latief, 19 Prendville Way, Langford | ⏰ Fajr Iaqamah 4:30AM | 🔁
Volunteer as a Teacher, UWA Junior Caliphs, Madhrasah for Quran & Islamic Studies, Sr Amira | 📍 UWA Musallah & Hacket Cafe | ⏰ 10:30AM - 12:30PM | 📞 0479 127 173 | 🔁
Sunday Feb/04
Women's Quran classes starting, Ustadhah Umi Khomsah | 📍 Al Majid Mosque, Padbury | ⏰ 12:00PM - 2:00PM | 📞 0487 332 668
💰 - This event is not free and may require payment/registration fee.
🔁 - This is a weekly recurring event.
Halal Fun 😂
Jazak Allah Khairan, May Allah Reward You Goodness!
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