Is it permissible to establish a distinctive tourist café that does not serve alcohol or shisha, and does not play music or television, but rather soft music, knowing that there will be mixing between men and women?

The basic ruling for coffee shops is permissibility, unless something occurs that necessitates their prohibition. It is obligatory to ensure that the coffee shop is free from forbidden things such as alcoholic drinks, shisha, and forbidden music. Purposeful anasheed (Islamic vocal music) that are free of musical instruments can be played.

There should be dedicated areas for women where they are served by a woman, and areas for men where they are served by a man, with the prohibition of intermingling between genders. Adhering to the fear of Allah Almighty opens the doors of provision, as Allah Almighty says: (And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out And will provide for him from where he does not expect).

If it is impossible to establish a coffee shop free from شرعي (Sharia-compliant) prohibitions, then it must be abandoned, and one should search for a permissible investment field. Halal gains are numerous, and among the best are righteous trade, manual labor, and agriculture.