Ramadan is a season of reflection, patience, and quiet strength. Yet, let’s be honest—when the call to break the fast echoes through the evening air, many of us instinctively reach for sweet tea or a warm cup of coffee. The aroma feels comforting. Familiar. Almost like a small reward after a long day of fasting.
But here’s the gentle question: is drinking coffee during suhoor and iftar actually safe?
According to urology specialist Prof. Dr. Harrina Erlianti Rahardjo, SpU(K), PhD, the answer is reassuring—yes, it’s allowed, but with mindful precautions. And if you truly want to enjoy your Ramadan without risking dehydration or sleep problems, there are important details you shouldn’t ignore.
Let’s walk through them slowly, the way wise advice is meant to be received.
Why Coffee and Tea Are Still Allowed During Ramadan
First of all, breathe easy. You don’t have to completely abandon your beloved coffee during Ramadan.
Prof. Harrina explains that tea and coffee are acceptable when breaking the fast, as long as they are consumed in moderation. In other words, your body can tolerate caffeine—but it should never replace your primary hydration source.
Water remains the champion.
After hours of fasting, your body is quietly thirsty. Your kidneys are working carefully. Your cells are waiting patiently for fluids. Therefore, prioritizing water at iftar is not just a suggestion—it’s a form of self-care your body deeply appreciates.
However, occasionally enjoying one cup of coffee or tea is generally safe for healthy individuals. The key phrase here is simple but powerful:
👉 Not excessive
Many people unknowingly overdo it, especially coffee lovers who feel the urge to “catch up” after a day without caffeine. Unfortunately, this is where problems begin—bloating, frequent urination, poor sleep, and sometimes even dehydration symptoms.
So yes, coffee is allowed.
But wisdom lies in how and when you drink it.
Prioritize Water First — Your Body Will Thank You
Now, let’s talk about the most important habit doctors emphasize again and again.
Drink water first. Always.
Prof. Harrina strongly recommends meeting your fluid needs with plain water before touching coffee or tea. Why? Because caffeinated and sweet drinks can create a false sense of fullness. You may feel satisfied, but your body might still be quietly dehydrated.
Think of it like this:
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Water = true hydration
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Coffee/tea = comfort beverage
Both have their place. But their roles are very different.
When you break your fast with coffee immediately, two things often happen:
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Your stomach feels full too quickly
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You end up drinking less water overall
Over time, this pattern can affect hydration quality and even kidney comfort during Ramadan.
Therefore, a smarter and more body-friendly sequence looks like this:
Recommended Iftar Drinking Order:
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Start with water
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Eat light foods (dates, soup, etc.)
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Complete your main meal
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Then, if you still want it—enjoy one cup of coffee
Simple. Gentle. Effective.
For people who frequently experience urination problems or are sensitive to caffeine, the advice becomes even more important. In such cases, limiting tea and coffee intake is highly recommended.
Remember, Ramadan is not about restriction alone—it is about balance. When you give your body enough water first, you can still enjoy your favorite drinks without guilt or risk.
The Best Time to Drink Coffee During Suhoor and Iftar
Timing, as it turns out, is everything.
Urology specialist Dr. Nur Rasyid, SpU explains that coffee can be consumed during suhoor or a few hours after iftar—but there is one non-negotiable rule:
👉 Never drink coffee on an empty stomach
This is where many people unintentionally make mistakes.
During Suhoor
Drinking coffee at suhoor is generally safe if you have eaten properly first. A full stomach helps reduce potential stomach irritation and minimizes caffeine’s unwanted effects.
However, moderation still matters. One cup is typically sufficient.
After Iftar
If you prefer evening coffee, the better approach is:
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Break fast with water
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Eat your meal
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Wait a bit
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Then enjoy coffee
This sequence helps your body stay hydrated while still allowing you to enjoy your routine.
Avoid Coffee Close to Bedtime
Here’s another gentle warning many people overlook.
Caffeine can interfere with sleep quality. During Ramadan—when sleep schedules are already shifted—poor sleep can quickly lead to fatigue, headaches, and reduced focus during fasting hours.
If possible, avoid coffee too late at night, especially if you notice:
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Difficulty falling asleep
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Light or restless sleep
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Feeling tired at suhoor
And for individuals with hypertension, Dr. Nur Rasyid advises reducing caffeine intake further.
Smart Ramadan Coffee Habits
If you truly want to enjoy coffee during Ramadan without compromising your health, adopting the right habits makes all the difference.
Here is your practical checklist:
✅ Drink at least 1–2 glasses of water before coffee
✅ Limit coffee to one cup per session
✅ Never drink coffee on an empty stomach
✅ Avoid coffee close to bedtime
✅ Reduce intake if you have hypertension or urinary sensitivity
✅ Prioritize total daily water intake
However, many busy professionals and families struggle to track their hydration and caffeine habits consistently.
This is where smart wellness support services can help.
Today, many trusted nutrition and health consultation services offer:
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Personalized Ramadan hydration plans
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Caffeine tolerance assessments
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Kidney and urinary health monitoring
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Sleep quality optimization programs
If you often experience:
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Frequent urination
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Poor sleep during Ramadan
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Bloating after iftar
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Persistent fatigue while fasting
…it may be time to consider a professional consultation. A personalized plan can help you enjoy your coffee ritual without silently stressing your body.
Final Reflection: Balance Is the Heart of Ramadan
In the quiet moments of Ramadan, we learn something deeper than hunger control—we learn balance.
Coffee during suhoor and iftar is not forbidden. Doctors agree it can be safe. But wisdom lies in moderation, timing, and listening to your body’s subtle signals.
So the next time you hold that warm cup after breaking your fast, pause for a second.
Drink your water first.
Nourish your body gently.
Then enjoy your coffee—calmly, mindfully, gratefully.
Because Ramadan is not about giving things up completely.
It is about doing everything with intention and care.