The story of that black pearl extending from the dhikr nights of Yemeni dervishes to European palaces.
Although history books say the coffee bean originates from Ethiopia, it was Yemeni dervishes who turned it into a drink. Members of the Shadhili order used to crush and boil coffee beans not to succumb to sleep during long night dhikrs and tahajjud prayers. At that time, coffee was called 'black pearl' and was a symbol of spiritual wakefulness. Even the word 'Coffee' comes from Arabic roots meaning 'giving pleasure, suppressing appetite'. When coffeehouses were first established, they were places functioning as 'reading houses' where the congregation leaving the mosque discussed science and literature. So, coffee has been at the very center of socialization and spirituality from the very beginning.
Let's share an interesting anecdote: When coffee first went to Europe, it received a great reaction from the church. It was wanted to be banned because it was a 'Muslim drink', and was even labeled as 'the devil's invention'. However, when Pope Clement VIII tasted the coffee and liked it very much, he joked saying 'This devil's drink is so delicious that we should baptize it and make it a Christian drink' and lifted the ban. Today, the coffee sacks left by the Ottomans at the gates of Vienna started Europe's cafe culture. So, the ancestor of those espressos drunk in Venice or Paris today is the cup of our Yemeni dervishes. A cup of coffee is actually a bridge between civilizations.
"You know that fragrant coffee smell that wakes us up in the morning and cheers up gatherings of friends... Have you ever thought about where this 'black sherbet' entered our lives? Actually, in your cup smokes not just a drink, but a tradition of worship and conversation lasting centuries."
Although coffee is referred to as 'Muslim wine' in the dusty pages of history, it is actually the most beautiful tool of wakefulness that Muslims gifted to the world. This miraculous bean, discovered by Yemeni Sufis to stay awake during night prayers, has become indispensable for the whole world today. Next time you hold that cup, don't just think you are getting caffeine. Remember that it is an excuse for conversation, the depth in the saying 'the heart wants neither coffee nor coffeehouse, the heart wants conversation, coffee is an excuse'. Don't forget to be grateful for this blessing that strengthens friendships and alleviates troubles. Come on, make yourself a foamy Turkish coffee now and dive into contemplation.
