From Beans to Barakah: Inspiring Stories Behind Muslim-Owned Coffee Brands:

Coffee has long been a drink that connects cultures, communities, and conversations. But behind every great cup lies a story — a story of passion, purpose, and perseverance. For many Muslim entrepreneurs around the world, coffee is more than a business; it’s a form of barakah — a blessing that allows them to serve their communities while staying true to their values.

In this blog, we’ll explore how Muslim-owned coffee brands are transforming the global coffee scene — from ethical sourcing and spiritual inspiration to community impact. These are stories of faith-infused entrepreneurship that brew more than caffeine — they brew connection, compassion, and culture.

1. The Meaning of Barakah in Business:

In Islam, barakah represents divine blessing — the unseen goodness that comes when one conducts their work with sincerity, honesty, and purpose. Muslim-owned coffee brands often integrate this concept into every aspect of their business.

They see coffee as a vessel for positive change — a way to sustain livelihoods, build community, and inspire others. By combining passion with purpose, these entrepreneurs remind us that business success isn’t just measured in profits, but in impact.

Their guiding principle? Serve people first, and the blessings will follow.

2. Coffee and Islam: A Shared History:

Interestingly, coffee’s origins are deeply intertwined with the Muslim world. The story of coffee begins in Yemen, where Sufi mystics used the drink to stay awake during long nights of prayer and reflection. The term qahwah (Arabic for coffee) later spread through the Ottoman Empire, Mecca, and Cairo, eventually reaching Europe in the 17th century.

Muslim scholars, traders, and travelers played a major role in cultivating and sharing coffee culture across the globe. Today, Muslim-owned brands are reconnecting with that legacy — not just by reviving traditional flavors but by infusing their businesses with the same sense of purpose and devotion that coffee once symbolized.

3. Inspiring Muslim-Owned Coffee Brands Around the World:

Here are a few Muslim-owned coffee brands that are not only brewing exceptional coffee but also creating meaningful change within their communities.

1. Qahwah House (Dearborn, Michigan, USA):

Founded by Yemeni-American entrepreneur Ibrahim Alhasbani, Qahwah House celebrates Yemen’s deep-rooted connection to coffee. Their mission is simple: bring authentic Yemeni coffee to the world while supporting ethical farming communities back home.

Yemen’s mountainous regions produce some of the world’s oldest and most flavorful coffee beans. Yet, due to conflict and economic hardship, many farmers struggle. Qahwah House sources directly from these farmers, ensuring they are paid fairly and that traditional growing methods are preserved.

Their cafés — now in Dearborn, Brooklyn, and beyond — offer a cultural experience as rich as their mofawar (Yemeni spiced latte). Every cup tells a story of resilience, heritage, and hope.

2. Salaam Coffee (London, UK):

Created by a group of young British Muslims, Salaam Coffee is built around the idea of spreading peace — as the word salaam suggests. Their coffee is sourced through ethical supply chains, and every sale contributes to community initiatives like youth mentorship and refugee support programs.

More than just a coffee brand, Salaam Coffee aims to build bridges between cultures. Their cafés serve as safe, inclusive spaces where people of all backgrounds can connect over a shared love of coffee.

Their motto — “Coffee with a Cause” — captures exactly what they stand for: faith-inspired entrepreneurship that uplifts others.

3. Islamic Relief’s Coffee Partnerships (Global):

Though not a coffee company itself, Islamic Relief has collaborated with local Muslim-owned roasters to promote sustainable coffee farming in regions like Yemen, Indonesia, and Ethiopia. These partnerships empower smallholder Muslim farmers, providing them with resources, fair wages, and access to global markets.

This initiative goes beyond charity — it’s about economic empowerment rooted in compassion. It shows how barakah manifests when businesses give back and help others thrive.

4. Kape’t Bahay (Manila, Philippines):

Translating to “Coffee at Home,” Kape’t Bahay is a Filipino-Muslim-owned café that has become a sanctuary for Manila’s growing Muslim community. The founders, who were passionate about halal dining, created a space where people could enjoy premium coffee and halal-certified meals in one place.

The café sources beans from local farmers in Mindanao, many of whom are Muslim. By doing so, they’re promoting sustainability and empowering rural communities. Their tagline, “Coffee with Compassion,” reflects their mission perfectly — to use coffee as a tool for community development.

5. Oomph Coffee (Singapore):

Founded by Singaporean Muslim entrepreneur Afiq Rahim, Oomph Coffee combines modern branding with Islamic values. The company emphasizes eco-friendly packaging, fair trade sourcing, and inclusivity.

Afiq’s philosophy is rooted in ihsan — doing one’s work with excellence and sincerity. He often shares that Oomph Coffee isn’t just about selling drinks but about creating positive energy (“oomph”) in people’s daily lives through mindful consumption.

Their pop-up cafés and collaborations with local artists have turned Oomph Coffee into a lifestyle brand that blends culture, creativity, and community spirit.

4. The Common Thread: Purpose Over Profit:

What unites these brands — from Detroit to Dubai — is their shared focus on purpose over profit. For them, coffee isn’t just a product; it’s a platform.

Many Muslim entrepreneurs in the coffee industry view their work as an act of ibadah (worship) — a means of serving humanity. They embed faith-based principles into their business models, ensuring that their success benefits others.

This might mean:

• Supporting farmers through fair trade partnerships.

• Creating halal-certified cafés where everyone feels welcome.

• Donating a portion of profits to charity.

• Promoting ethical consumption through awareness campaigns.

In doing so, they remind us that capitalism and compassion can coexist beautifully when guided by values.

5. Lessons in Faithful Entrepreneurship:

Muslim-owned coffee brands teach us valuable lessons that go far beyond business:

a. Work with Sincerity:

Every successful Muslim entrepreneur understands that intention (niyyah) matters. When work is done with sincerity and integrity, the outcome is naturally blessed.

b. Prioritize People:

Profit follows purpose. By valuing people — employees, farmers, and customers — these brands have built strong, loyal communities.

c. Keep Culture Alive:

From Yemeni coffee traditions to Malaysian café aesthetics, these brands honor their roots while adapting to modern markets. It’s a blend of authenticity and innovation that resonates globally.

d. Use Business for Good:

True success isn’t about expansion — it’s about impact. Every act of kindness, every fair wage paid, and every ethical decision contributes to the barakah that sustains a business in the long run.

6. Brewing a Better Future:

The next generation of Muslim entrepreneurs is embracing coffee as a medium for change. Through pop-up cafés, online roasteries, and social enterprises, they are building ecosystems that promote conscious living, sustainability, and social justice — all rooted in faith.

The rise of these businesses marks a beautiful revival of the spirit that first made coffee flourish in the Muslim world centuries ago — one that values mindfulness, community, and excellence.