Qahwa Means Coffee, And Coffee Means Kindness - Lessons From Arabic Qahwa Traditions

Quick Answer 

We often view coffee as a means of connection, a commonality which can bring folks together to enjoy one another’s company around shared sips. But, in some cultures, the act of preparing, serving, and enjoying coffee symbolizes something deeper. Such is the case in Arabic Qahwa traditions, those which involve a series of practices communicating honor, respect, hospitality and more for honored guests, family members, and friends. Here, we’d like to explore the depth of kindness within these traditions as we take a look at Arabic qahwa (coffee). 

Key Takeaways

• Qahwa Means Coffee, Coffee Means Kindness - Exploring the symbolism of coffee in Arabic qahwa traditions
  
  
  • Hospitality
    
  • Respect
    
  • Peace, Value, & Unity
    
  • Generosity & Heritage
    
  • Honor
    


• Qahwa In Action - Kindness Beyond The Cup - a look at Arabic coffee traditions in action as a means of highlighting the aspects of kindness and connection displayed within this practice

What does coffee mean to you? 

Is it simply a decadently delicious part of your day? 

Does it communicate moments of peace and quiet? 

Is it your go-juice, your boost of caffeine to wake you up and get you moving each morning? 

Could it be a medium of connection, a commonality shared when you meet with friends at a cafe to catch up?

These are typical descriptions of coffee, often characterizing how Americans take their brew (you know, beyond cream and sugar, of course). 

But, in other cultures, coffee often symbolizes something greater. 

In Ethiopia, entire ceremonies revolve around the making of a cup, marking not only a break in the day but a time to connect (1). 

In Sweden, coffee breaks move beyond typically timed sips commonly consumed while answering emails to something entirely different, offering a daily, routine pause providing real connection between friends, coworkers, family, neighbors, etc. (2). 

And, all across the Arabian Peninsula, coffee is actually considered to be a symbol, one which communicates respect, generosity, hospitality, and more (3). 

Of course, these terms carry great weight, so today we’d like to take some time to learn from such a cup…

Qahwa Means Coffee, Coffee Means Kindness

The line or heading above is a hopeful attempt to communicate the fact that there happens to be a greater meaning behind a cup of coffee when this universally loved beverage is served in some cultures. 

Of course, those words ultimately fail to fully detail this meaning, so if you’ll join us for a few moments, we’d like to expand upon the limiting nature of words, words such as coffee and kindness. 

Qahwa is indeed the general Arabic word for coffee (4), but as stated above, and as any wordsmith will tell you, words have limits. 

Personally, I’ve always been a fan of synonyms for this reason, as the use of these often help to fill in gaps of understanding, offering readers or hearers an opportunity for greater comprehension, which is our aim as we explore Arabic qahwa traditions.

And, this is why we began this discussion with a globally familiar word - kindness - a word which will serve as a mere door, one now opened and inviting us in to behold the beauty of qahwa…

Hospitality

Hospitality is often used as a word to describe human kindness in action (5), and when describing Arabic qahwa traditions, including the symbolism behind the preparation and service of such a cup, hospitality is commonly at the top of most descriptive lists (6). 

Arabic qahwa customs and etiquette are a form of communication, heartfelt gestures steeped in ancient practices which speak directly to guests, family, and friends, telling them through acts of service that they are received warmly, they are welcome, and they are valued kindly (6). 

For instance, it is customary for Arabic coffee to be served immediately to guests, even during brief visits, a practice which establishes comfort and kindness at the forefront of any visit or conversation. 

“Whether someone is visiting for the first time or is a close friend, serving Arabic coffee is a way of expressing a warm welcome” (7). 

No matter the occasion, “coffee is often served before any meal or conversation begins, creating a welcoming atmosphere and strengthening social bonds” (7).

Respect

In Arabic qahwa traditions, even the order in which coffee is served communicates respect for others, specifically noting honor for age, wisdom, and status (6). 

Here, leaders, those of esteemed status in either society, culture, or family, are generally served first, and while each and every gathering may not necessarily follow strict ceremonial rules, this guideline for serving inherently communicates a kindness bestowed upon guests from the host, one who recognizes levels of honor, treating each one with the customary respect due to such a place or position in both culture and family (7). 

Peace, Value, & Unity

In Arabic qahwa traditions, the right hand holds great significance…symbolizing a giving and receiving…a sign of honor, cleanliness, and respect in Arab cultures (6, 8). 
Here, the host serves coffee from a dallah (a traditional Arabic coffee pot used to prepare and serve coffee) carried in the right hand; likewise, it is customary for guests to receive coffee into a small cup held in their right hand (6, 8). 

Personally, upon hearing of this element of Arabic coffee serving traditions, I was instantly intrigued, as growing up in Christian churches I was familiar with a similar symbolism associated with the right hand. 

For me, I grew up learning an emphasis of honor, even an element of hospitality towards others associated with the extension of one’s right hand. 

And, as I did a little digging, I quickly found that there are actually many ancient traditions and beliefs regarding the significance of the use of one’s right hand when greeting or entertaining others. 

For instance, in ancient Greece, the significance of the extension of the (empty) right hand, that which routinely wielded a weapon of war, made a deliberate statement of peace, communicating intentions of value, unity, and ultimately trust in one another (9). 

Perhaps you’re recognizing this too, but it’s interesting to me to see how this ancient, meaningful gesture has transcended both time and culture to still, even in serving a cup of coffee, communicate value, peace, and unity amongst humanity. 

But what’s even greater within qahwa traditions is the fact that Arabic coffee, specifically, is widely considered to be a symbol of peace, unity, honor, and respect, with some viewing it as a cultural call for peace and unity across countries (10), a notion which (in my opinion) seems to highlight the deep, ancient symbol of peace communicated through the importance of the right hand in this tradition. 

Generosity & Heritage

The word generosity is one we usually associate with kindness. Heritage, however, doesn’t easily or often communicate kindness on its own. 

But, within Arabic coffee traditions, the use of the dallah (again, this is the metal coffee pot used to make and serve coffee), holds great meaning. 

Historically and culturally, the dallah symbolizes both generosity and a heart of welcoming others (6, 8). 

In other words, within qahwa traditions we see more than coffee being served. 

The sight of the dallah alone speaks culture, tradition, a living practice, a ritual of kindness, hospitality, generosity, and honor as a way of life, a heritage of kindness and connection to others passed down so richly from home to home, from generation to generation, that something now routinely viewed as common around the globe still holds a spirit of honor in the Arabic qahwa tradition (11).

Honor

Much of the way Arabic coffee is served exemplifies honor and respect, a kindness bestowed upon friends, family, and esteemed guests through each careful element of this tradition. 

The host takes special note of guests as they arrive, mentally recognizing an order of service including where priority may lie, while also carefully looking for gestures which indicate a guest is finished or for those who need another cup (6, 7). 

This type of kindness is displayed through attention and humility, taking note of needs, honoring roles or placement, granting honor in the form of care given. 

Small gestures such as this can easily be overlooked, but careful etiquette can teach us a great deal about the respect and honor shown to others within this routine, though highly intentional, acts. 

Qahwa In Action - Kindness Beyond The Cup

Thus far, we’ve essentially taken a bird’s eye view of Arabic qahwa traditions, viewing this honored routine through the lens of those lessons exemplified within this practice. 

Now, in closing, we’d like to zoom in and discover the tradition of Arabic coffee in action. 

So, as you read the following, consider the elements of kindness we’ve detailed above. Or, if you’ll allow me to term it as such, look for the qahwa in the coffee…for I hope you’ve seen today that qahwa reaches far beyond any routine cup. 

In some cultures, the measures incorporated in preparing a cup of coffee can cause the yielded cup to take on a very specific taste or flavor, one which becomes synonymous with a town, country, or region. 

This is not the case in Arabic coffee, as it’s common for recipes to uniquely reflect a specific household or region…for instance (6):

• Roasts may vary from light to dark. 
  
• The strength of the coffee can range from mild to very intense. 
  
• Some families or regions may incorporate the use of cloves, saffron, or rose water in the brew. 
  
• And, the incorporation of cardamom into the coffee, which is very common across most Arab regions, may range from a mild to strong flavor depending on where you’re enjoying this tradition.

In addition, throughout the Gulf region dates are a traditional pairing, typically served with Arabic coffee to provide a natural sweetness against the bitter and sometimes strongly spiced brew (6). 

Here, as an extended act of hospitality, guests are routinely served fresh or dried dates, dates filled with nuts, or chocolate covered dates. One could even be offered premium dates or “modern gourmet creations” when enjoying Arabic coffee in luxury settings (6). 

Even outside of a luxury setting, the entire experience surrounding Arabic coffee indeed seems…luxurious. 

Of course, perhaps this only seems to be true from an American perspective, when what we’re actually seeing is the very elements of qahwa on display, the symbolism behind this practice unmistakable from preparation to service to sips. 

Take a look (6, 7)…

Arabic coffee is more than a drink, it’s an intrinsic part of social life throughout this region of the world. 

When you’ve been invited as honored guests into a home - whether you’re a family member or a friend, you’ve gathered to celebrate, you’re invited for work conversations, or you’re assembled as part of a community endeavor - Arabic coffee is served as a symbol of hospitality, generosity, honor, and kindness. 

As you enter a home or meeting space, coffee is often served immediately upon your arrival, and you wouldn’t want to refuse such a gesture, as this would be seen as impolite in some communities. 

The offering of coffee is meant to communicate comfort, to make you feel welcomed, and to assure you that you are a valued guest. 

Preparation of the coffee involves using light roasted coffee beans, flavored after brewing with cardamom pods; though, some regions also incorporate cloves or saffron. 

Brewed and/or served in a dallah, this vessel is widely recognized as a symbol of hospitality. 

The shiny exterior of the metal pot, the wide bottom, narrow middle, wide top, slender and long spout, these regionally recognizable features speak instantly of warmth and welcome. 

The host, sometimes the youngest member of the household, quickly recognizes an order in the room.

Tasked with serving, this one will begin pouring small amounts of coffee into each finjan (a small handleless cup), beginning with the most honored or eldest guest in the room.  

In an act of respect, honor, and tradition, the host will serve or pour coffee from the right hand, and likewise each guest will hold the finjan in their right hand to receive this gift. 

Customarily, very little coffee is poured, only enough for a few sips. 

And, this practice allows the host, or server, to return and offer additional servings or refills. 

As Arabic coffee is traditionally brewed very strong, the small sips are considered more appropriate. 

This classic strength is also typically accompanied by a serving of fresh or dried dates which provide a sweet balance to the brew. 

Then, “when a guest has had enough, they gently shake their empty finjan before handing it back to the host, signaling that they do not wish to receive another serving” (7). 

Even in closure, a gesture signaling completion also communicates respect and honor. 

From the presence of the dallah to the first pour…

The careful preparation of the coffee to the thoughtful accompaniment of fresh or dried dates…

The respectful hierarchy denoted in serving order to the right hand given and received…

Even the thoughtful shaking of the finjan in conclusion…

…each element of the Arabic qahwa tradition breathes kindness, fosters connection, and speaks of a warm hospitality worth treasuring.

FAQ

1. Are there other cultures around the world that view coffee symbolically? 

Yes! While we briefly mentioned coffee being used as part of a ceremony which promotes connection and community in Ethiopia within the introduction above, if you’re interested in the symbolic use of coffee, you can read further about the Buna Ceremony which highlights how this cultural practice places coffee at the center of human connection, honor, respect, and care. 

2- Are the Arabic qahwa traditions explored in this article still practiced today? 

Yes, these traditions are still commonly practiced today, though modern coffee culture is also embraced. Some describe the infusion of modern cafes along with the coffee they offer as that which comfortably exists alongside tradition, detailing how some folks might enjoy what would be described as a modern iced coffee during the afternoon while later drinking traditional Arabic coffee with family that same evening (6). 

3- What does the Arabic term ‘qahwa’ mean and are their other relevant terms to this tradition?

Qahwa technically means coffee, but this would be the most generic or even modern rendering of the word as, in fact, qahwa holds the greater meaning of Arabic coffee, this word representing more so the aspects of kindness involved in this tradition such as hospitality, generosity, honor, respect, unity, connectedness, and heritage. 

Then, we’ve also mentioned the dallah today, and this refers to the often shiny, wide bottomed, long spouted coffee vessel used for both preparing and serving coffee. 

Some say modern brewing methods are now incorporated as well, but the dallah is still commonly used to serve Arabic coffee, this vessel in and of itself communicating the warmth and value behind this tradition. 

Lastly, we also introduced you to the finjan today, which is the small handleless cup Arabic coffee is traditionally served in. 

4- Since Arabic coffee traditionally begins with a light roasted coffee, does Lifeboost Coffee carry a good light roast? 

Yes, Lifeboost Coffee has a light roast option. Light roasts routinely echo the natural notes of their growing regions, and this is commonly thought to be due to the lesser roasting temps and times incorporated in such coffee (compared to medium and dark roasts). 

In the case of Lifeboost, since our low acid coffee is certified USDA organic, grown sustainably without the use of chemicals, even third-party tested for molds, heavy metals, and more than 400 other toxins, this yields a smooth, clean taste, one which allows you to detect the pleasantly classic brightness in such a roast.

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