Fact Check: Fun fact did you know that early day Islam and Christan banned black coffee and black bitter tea cuz they said it bitter and you get possessed by devil (caffeine and energized)

The Claim: "Fun fact did you know that early day Islam and Christian banned black coffee and black bitter tea cuz they said it bitter and you get possessed by devil (caffeine and energized)"

Introduction

The claim suggests that early Islam and Christianity prohibited the consumption of black coffee and black bitter tea due to beliefs that these beverages were bitter and could lead to possession by the devil. This assertion raises questions about historical practices and theological stances regarding caffeine consumption in these two major religions.

What We Know

1. Historical Context of Coffee in Islam: Coffee originated in the Arab world, with its consumption becoming widespread in the Islamic culture by the 15th century. It was often associated with social gatherings and intellectual discussions, rather than being viewed as a source of spiritual danger. In fact, coffee houses became centers for cultural exchange and debate 13.

2. Islamic Views on Caffeine: Islamic scholars generally consider coffee and caffeine to be halal (permissible). There is no explicit prohibition against coffee in the Quran, and various fatwas (legal opinions) have affirmed its permissibility based on its effects and cultural significance 469.

3. Christianity and Caffeine: In Christianity, there is no formal doctrine against coffee or caffeinated beverages. While some early Christian groups may have had reservations about stimulating substances, these views were not universally adopted, and coffee did not face widespread prohibition within the religion 210.

4. Health Concerns: Some Islamic discussions around caffeine do mention potential health risks associated with excessive consumption, such as restlessness and insomnia, but these concerns do not equate to a ban on coffee 45.

Analysis

The claim that early Islam and Christianity banned black coffee and bitter tea due to fears of possession lacks substantial historical evidence.

• Source Reliability: The sources that discuss the history of coffee in the Islamic world, such as the BBC article 3 and the Folger Shakespeare Library blog 1, are credible and provide a nuanced view of coffee's cultural significance rather than portraying it as a source of spiritual danger. However, they do not support the claim of a ban.

• Islamic Fatwas: The Islamic sources 469 affirm that coffee is generally considered halal. They provide a clear indication that caffeine was not viewed as a substance leading to possession, contradicting the claim.

• Christian Perspectives: The University of Utah Health article 2 notes that coffee consumption is not a religious practice in Christianity, which suggests that there was no formal prohibition. This aligns with other sources that indicate coffee was embraced rather than banned.

• Potential Bias: Some sources discussing the permissibility of coffee in Islam may have a vested interest in promoting a positive view of Islamic dietary laws, which could introduce bias. However, the consensus among multiple scholarly sources supports the notion that coffee is permissible.

• Methodological Concerns: The claim lacks specific historical references or citations to support its assertion. It appears to be an oversimplification of complex cultural and theological discussions surrounding caffeine consumption.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To further evaluate the claim, it would be beneficial to have:

• Historical texts or records from early Islamic and Christian theologians discussing coffee and tea specifically.
• Comparative studies on the cultural reception of coffee in both religions during the early modern period.
• Insights from historians specializing in religious dietary laws to clarify any misconceptions about caffeine's role in spirituality.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that early Islam and Christianity banned black coffee and black bitter tea due to fears of possession is not supported by credible historical evidence. Both religions have shown a general acceptance of coffee, with Islamic scholars affirming its permissibility and Christianity lacking any formal prohibition against caffeinated beverages. The assertion appears to be an oversimplification of complex cultural and theological discussions surrounding caffeine consumption.

It is important to note that while some individuals within these religions may have expressed concerns about the effects of caffeine, these concerns do not equate to an outright ban. Furthermore, the lack of specific historical references or citations to substantiate the claim highlights its weaknesses.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the context and nuances surrounding claims, especially those related to historical practices and beliefs.

Sources

1. Early modern coffee culture and history in the Islamic world. Folger Shakespeare Library. Link
2. E44: The Spiritual Domain of Caffeine. University of Utah Health. Link
3. Coffee and qahwa: How a drink for Arab mystics went global. BBC News. Link
4. Ruling on consuming caffeine. Islam Question & Answer. Link
5. Coffee, tea and sugar can be harmful; are they haraam like cigarettes? Islam Question & Answer. Link
6. Is Coffee & Caffeine Haram or Halal? Halal Guidance. Link
7. Is Coffee & Caffeine Halal or Haram In Islam? Simple Luxe Living. Link
8. Is Drinking Coffee Or Caffeine HARAM Or HALAL For Muslims? Crescent Days. Link
9. Is Coffee Halal: Analyzing the Halal ... - Sahabah Islam QA. Link
10. Consecrated Coffee: A Look at Various Religions’ Relationship With Coffee. Coffee or Die. Link