Three early messages in coffee analysis and its prohibition

Author's name: Majid bin Adnan Al-Ahdhal Publisher: Daffah Publications Year of publication: 2024 Brief about the book: These are three letters published for the first time, and they are among the earliest writings on coffee, marking the beginning of the legal debate regarding its ruling in Mecca Al-Mukarramah in the year 917 AH, by three Hijazi scholars, from Mecca and Medina. The importance of these three letters lies in their interconnectedness; the two letters of prohibition, "Suppressing Desire" by Al-Kazroni first, followed and supported by "Reforming the Slip and Mistake" by Ibn Al-Qattan Medina, came before the analytical letter "Provoking Pride" by Abu Bakr Al-Makki in response to them. These letters form the nucleus of the debate that took place afterward regarding coffee, involving analysis and prohibition, until it ultimately ended with consensus on its permissibility. It cannot be accepted that the circumstances leading to the issuance of the prohibition letters were entirely impartial; they reveal a pre-existing stance, not solely based on pure legal reasoning, but perhaps influenced by biases and interests, as we have presented in the book. Finally, this book aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the coffee beverage, which has become a symbol of generosity among Arabs. It is hard to believe that it was once subjected to scrutiny and accusations of fabrication. However, serious research requires studying the texts away from the current reality of widespread coffee consumption and the lack of discussion about its ruling. Examining the words of those who prohibited it—at that time—helps trace and identify the initial misdirection in framing the issues and its impact on legal rulings. It also benefits the thinker by showing that the principles of matters do not always reveal their consequences immediately.