Can Muslims Drink Coffee While Fasting? An In-Depth Guide

December 29, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 2 billion Muslims worldwide observe fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. During this time, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset. This spiritual practice raises practical questions. Can Muslims drink coffee while fasting? The answer is no, consuming any food or drink, including coffee, is prohibited during the daytime fast.

Quick Summary

An overview of the Islamic ruling on coffee consumption during the fasting month. It emphasizes the prohibition from dawn until sunset. It provides strategies for managing caffeine withdrawal and optimal timing for coffee consumption at night to maintain hydration and well-being.

Key Points

Daytime Fast: Consuming coffee, or any other food or drink, is strictly prohibited from dawn until sunset during the Islamic fast, such as in Ramadan.
Dehydration Risk: Drinking coffee at Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) is not recommended because caffeine's diuretic properties can cause dehydration during the day.
Optimal Timing: The best time to drink coffee is one to two hours after Iftar (breaking the fast) or later in the evening after Taraweeh prayers.
Avoid on Empty Stomach: Having coffee immediately after breaking the fast can cause acid reflux and stomach irritation; it is better to rehydrate first with water and dates.
Manage Withdrawal: Heavy coffee drinkers should gradually reduce their caffeine intake in the weeks before Ramadan to minimize headaches and fatigue.
Healthy Alternatives: Herbal teas, roasted grain beverages, and golden milk are excellent, caffeine-free alternatives to maintain warmth and hydration.

The Islamic Ruling: Why Coffee is Prohibited During Fasting Hours

Fasting during Ramadan requires abstinence from all food and drink from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). This encompasses all beverages, including water, tea, and coffee. The principle behind this is to train self-control and increase spiritual devotion. Therefore, regardless of whether it's black coffee, coffee with milk, or a flavored drink, it is not permissible to have it during the fasting day. The ruling applies universally, making no distinction between caffeinated and decaffeinated varieties during the fasting period itself.

The Health Implications of Coffee While Fasting

For those accustomed to a daily caffeine fix, abstaining can be challenging. Drinking coffee at the wrong time, particularly during the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor), can lead to negative health effects that make fasting more difficult.

Common effects of caffeine during fasting:

Dehydration: Caffeine is a natural diuretic, meaning it increases urine production. Consuming it at Suhoor can cause excessive fluid loss, leading to dehydration and increased thirst throughout the long fasting hours.
Acid Reflux: On an empty stomach, coffee can stimulate gastric acid production, causing discomfort, heartburn, and bloating. This is especially true for those with a history of acid reflux or sensitive stomachs.
Energy Crash: The energy boost from caffeine is temporary. An energy crash later in the day can lead to fatigue, headaches, and a lack of concentration.
Sleep Disruption: Drinking coffee late at night, close to bedtime or Suhoor, can interfere with your sleep cycle. Quality sleep is crucial during Ramadan to maintain energy levels for the next day's fast.

How to Strategically Manage Your Coffee Intake

Managing caffeine dependency effectively before and during Ramadan is key to a smoother fasting experience. Many find that gradually reducing their intake in the weeks leading up to Ramadan helps prevent severe withdrawal symptoms.

Here are some strategic times and ways to enjoy coffee safely:

One to two hours after Iftar: This is an optimal time to have your coffee. It gives your body time to rehydrate and replenish nutrients from the meal before introducing caffeine. Drinking coffee at this time can help you stay alert for evening prayers (Taraweeh).
Late evening, after Taraweeh prayers: For night owls, this period is a good opportunity for a cup of coffee. The body has had ample time to rehydrate, and the energy boost can sustain you for late-night worship or activities.
Avoiding Suhoor: As mentioned, consuming coffee at Suhoor should be avoided due to the diuretic effect and potential for dehydration later in the day. Instead, focus on water and hydrating foods during your pre-dawn meal.

Alternatives to Coffee During Ramadan

For those seeking alternatives to manage their daily routine without coffee, several options are both hydrating and beneficial.

Herbal Tea: Chamomile or mint tea can be soothing for the stomach and do not contain caffeine, ensuring a restful night's sleep.
Roasted Grain Beverages: Chicory or barley coffee alternatives offer a similar flavor profile to coffee but without the diuretic effects of caffeine.
Golden Milk: A warm drink made with turmeric and milk, this can offer anti-inflammatory benefits and is caffeine-free.
Water with Lemon and Honey: A simple, hydrating, and immune-boosting drink to enjoy during non-fasting hours.

Comparison of Coffee Timing During Ramadan


Timing	Islamic Ruling	Health Impact	Best Practices
During Fasting Hours	Not Permissible	Violates the fast and can be harmful due to dehydration.	Absolutely avoid.
At Suhoor (Pre-dawn)	Permissible, but not recommended.	Causes dehydration, increased thirst, and potential energy crash during the day.	Avoid; choose water or herbal alternatives.
Right After Iftar	Permissible, but not recommended.	Can cause stomach irritation and acid reflux on an empty stomach.	Wait at least 30-60 minutes after breaking your fast.
1-2 Hours After Iftar	Permissible	Gives a gentle energy boost without harsh side effects.	Recommended for evening energy; enjoy with a light meal.
Late Evening (Post-Taraweeh)	Permissible	Can provide alertness for late-night worship or activities.	Good for late-night hydration and focus; opt for decaf if sensitive to sleep disruption.

The Importance of Gradual Reduction

For heavy coffee drinkers, abruptly stopping caffeine intake can cause withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and irritability. A gradual reduction, starting weeks before Ramadan, is advisable. By slowly cutting down on the number of cups or switching to decaf options, your body can adjust more smoothly to the new routine, minimizing discomfort during the first few days of fasting. This strategy allows for a more comfortable and spiritually focused observance of Ramadan.

Conclusion

While the answer to "Can Muslims drink coffee while fasting?" is a clear no during daylight hours, strategic planning allows coffee lovers to enjoy their favorite beverage during non-fasting times. By avoiding coffee during Suhoor and waiting until after Iftar, you can prevent dehydration and digestive issues. Adopting alternative beverages and preparing for caffeine reduction can also contribute to a smoother, healthier, and more spiritually rewarding Ramadan experience. The key is balance and mindful timing to ensure both physical and spiritual well-being throughout the holy month. A balanced diet and sufficient hydration during permissible hours are paramount for a successful fast.

For more detailed information on caffeine's effects on the body, the Cleveland Clinic offers comprehensive resources from registered dietitians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, even decaffeinated coffee breaks the fast, as the Islamic ruling requires abstinence from all beverages during the daylight hours, regardless of their caffeine content.

While it is permissible to drink coffee before the fast begins, it is not recommended during Suhoor because it can lead to dehydration and increased thirst later in the day due to its diuretic effects.

The ideal time to drink coffee is one to two hours after breaking your fast (Iftar), once you have rehydrated with water and had a light meal.

Yes, adding milk or sugar to your coffee is permissible during the non-fasting hours after sunset. However, excessive sugar should be consumed in moderation.

To avoid withdrawal symptoms like headaches and fatigue, gradually reduce your coffee intake in the weeks leading up to Ramadan. You can also switch to decaf or half-caff options.

Yes, the rule of abstaining from all food and drink from dawn until sunset applies to all beverages, including tea, just as it does for coffee.

For severe caffeine withdrawal headaches, it is advisable to reduce intake gradually before fasting begins. Some people also find relief by consuming a small amount of coffee after Iftar or opting for herbal teas.