Coffee is a beverage preferred by people worldwide. A lot of individuals wake up with a hot cup. It makes them get up and get prepared to work. However, have you ever heard that there are religions that do not allow their members to drink coffee? It is not only a drink to them, but a religious edict of health.

In this article, we’ll explore which religions does not drink coffee, why, and what it means for their beliefs. This is written in easy language and hence can be understood by anyone, even an 11-year-old!

Religions Does Not Drink Coffee: A Short History

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The history of coffee dates back several centuries. First discovered in Ethiopia, the legend tells of a goat herder finding his goats dancing after eating red coffee berries. Thereafter, coffee extended to Yemen and then the rest of the world.

Initially, this new drink was not popular with all people. Some Meccan leaders believed that coffee could make people overexcited and therefore prohibited it in the 1500s. Subsequently, other Muslim thinkers stated that coffee was okay since it did not cause people to get drunk.

One of the Christian priests in Europe used to refer to coffee as the drink of the devil. But Pope Clement VIII, having tried it, was fond of it and blessed it! Since that time, coffee has gained popularity.

Today, the majority of the population does not have any problems with drinking coffee, but there are still some religious communities that avoid it.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)

The Mormon religion, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has definite regulations regarding health.

Their disciples have a unique guide known as the Word of Wisdom that educates them on how to maintain the health and cleanliness of their bodies.

By this rule, members are not allowed to:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• “Hot drinks” means coffee and tea

The reason? These beverages have caffeine, and it may be making people jittery or even addicted. According to the Mormons, the body is a gift that God gave them, and therefore, they need to treat it with respect.

According to many of the Mormons, this rule makes them feel more peaceful, healthy, and focused. They consume water, milk, or juice instead of coffee or tea.

Seventh-day Adventists

The other sect that shuns coffee is the Seventh-day Adventists. It is a Christian group that has faith in spiritual and physical well-being. They visualize the body as a temple of God.

The lifestyle of the Seventh-day Adventists is based on:

• No alcohol or tobacco
• Little or no meat
• Regular exercise and rest
• Avoiding caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)

A large number of Adventists also advocate a vegetarian diet and are convinced that the diet or drink one consumes influences their religious life.

Even the doctors have examined the healthy practices of Adventists. Researchers in California discovered that Adventists tend to live longer as compared to other individuals because they consume healthy food and do not consume beverages that are harmful, such as coffee.

Islam and Coffee

Islam is one of the long and interesting histories of coffee. It was first brewed and drunk by the Muslims in Yemen and Mecca in the early 1500s. Coffee helped them to remain awake during night prayers.

It happened that some of the religious leaders were concerned that coffee could be similar to alcohol since it alters the feelings of the people. It was even temporarily prohibited in certain areas.

However, it did not take long; researchers investigated and concluded that coffee is not haram (forbidden). They claimed that it does not render one drunk and out of control.

Coffee today plays a huge role in the Muslim culture:

• Turkish coffee in Turkey
• Arabic coffee (qahwa) in Saudi Arabia
• Strong espresso in Egypt and Lebanon

Islam, therefore, has no prohibition on coffee, but everything in moderation, not excessively!

Other Religions and Coffee Beliefs

Diverse religions and cultures have their own views on coffee. We will consider several more:

Jehovah’s Witnesses

There is no absolute coffee prohibition amongst the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Nevertheless, they do not want their bodies and minds to be clouded. Not all members consume a lot of caffeine due to its effect of stressing or losing concentration.

Hinduism

In Hinduism, one has no coffee taboo. Yet, most Hindus think in terms of ahimsa, or non-violence, and moderation of everything. Coffee is alright, but must be taken sparingly. Other spiritual Hindus do not take coffee during meditation or fasting since it may overactivate the mind.

Buddhism

The Buddhists believe in balance and mindfulness as well. Not all monks drink coffee, as caffeine would interfere with peaceful thinking during meditation. Others can drink it in moderation so that they remain awake to say prayers.

Rastafarianism

Rastafarians are of the opinion that they should lead a natural life, which is termed as Ital living. Some do not eat processed foods, drink, and caffeine. To them, this is not a sin of drinking coffee, and it does not conform to their concept of remaining in touch with nature.

Is Drinking Coffee a Sin?

According to most religions, coffee drinking is not a sin. It depends on how it’s used.

When you consume coffee in moderation, that is, one or two cups every day, it is generally okay. However, when one is addicted to it, spends too much money on the same, or uses it in an unhealthy manner, then it may be considered wrong.

The main idea is self-control. Most of the sacred books, such as the bible and the Quran, discuss the need to maintain cleanliness and balance of the body and mind. Coffee is not bad; it is what we do with it.

Why Some People Avoid Coffee

The following are just some of the common reasons why certain religions prohibit people from consuming coffee:

• Health: Excessive caffeine may lead to anxiety, elevated heart rate, or insomnia.
• Addiction: There is an opinion that caffeine can make you a slave to your life.
• Spiritual focus: Staying off coffee also helps the believer to remain relaxed and sharp when praying.
• Obedience: It is about living by faith direction of God for some.

Even non-religious persons occasionally take coffee breaks or caffeine fasts so as to rest their bodies.

Coffee, Health, and Balance

Physicians indicate that coffee may be good and bad. One or two cups per day can be good for your heart, memory, and vitality. However, excessive amounts may result in nervousness or insomnia.

Balance is the most important in religion. All religions explain the value and ought to maintain with wisdom. It is good that you drink or do not drink coffee:

• Sleep well
• Eat healthy food
• Drink enough water
• Stay thankful for what you have.

That way, your mind and spirit stay strong.

What People Believe Today

Currently, individuals, irrespective of their religion, take coffee in various forms.

You can find:

• Christians drinking lattes in church.
• After iftar, Muslims have a meeting over Arabic coffee.
• Light coffee or chai is consumed by Hindus on festivals.
• Instead, Adventists prefer herbal beverages.

For everybody, the decision is based on their religion, culture, or health aspirations.

The important part is not the beliefs of one another but the need to accept another person respectfully and to understand why they are so.

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FAQs

What religion does not drink coffee?

Mormons and many Seventh-day Adventists do not drink coffee.

Can Mormons drink caffeine-free coffee?

No. The rule says no to coffee at all, even without caffeine.

Is coffee forbidden in Islam?

No. Most Muslims drink coffee. It is not haram (forbidden).

Do Jehovah’s Witnesses drink coffee?

Yes, but some choose to avoid caffeine for health reasons.

Do Hindus or Buddhists drink coffee?

Yes, but they prefer to drink it in moderation.

Is drinking coffee a sin?

Not usually. It depends on how much you drink and why.

Which religion bans coffee completely?

The Mormon church is the most well-known group that bans coffee.

Why do Adventists avoid coffee?

They believe caffeine is not good for the body or spirit.

Is coffee mentioned in holy books?

No. Coffee was discovered long after most holy books were written.

Can I respect someone who doesn’t drink coffee?

Yes! Everyone has their own beliefs. Respect makes the world peaceful.

Final Thoughts: Respecting Every Cup

Coffee connects people all around the world. For some, it’s a daily joy. For others, it’s something they choose not to drink. Both choices are okay. What matters is understanding and respect.

If your friend says, “I don’t drink coffee because of my religion,” you can smile and offer them tea or water because some religions does not drink coffee. Small acts of kindness make faith and friendship stronger.

In the end, whether you drink coffee or not, remember this:

“The best drink is the one that brings peace to your heart.”