Muslims of The World Global Non-Profit Launches Coffee Shop To Bring Indiana Communities Together Over a Brew

On the west side of Indianapolis, among a richly diverse community, sits newly opened MOTW Coffee & Pastries. Home to coffee, tea, pastries, and, most importantly, a heartwarming backstory. 

The idea for the Muslims of the World (MOTW) coffee shop stemmed from an Instagram page of the same name launched by owners Sajjad and Fatimah Shah in 2014. MOTW soon grew into a non-profit that became hugely popular.

Fast-forward 7 years and the couple's latest venture is uniting communities all over again.

“We’re not just selling coffee here,” Sajjad said. “I guess people can call us a coffee shop, but I think we’re so much more. You could call us a French and Arabic pastry shop, but I think we’re so much more. I think that my whole goal is to really share this with as many people that walk in here.”

Similar to the popular “Humans of New York,” the MOTW IG page aimed to give a platform to the unique stories of millions of Muslims around the world. And just like HONY, Muslims of the World had a profound effect on its audience, so much so that strangers would donate money to those featured who were in need.

“It was... it was just raw, real stories,” said Sajjad. “And when you receive these raw, real stories, it resonates with people.”

Soon, MOTW created a donating platform that rapidly became Pictured: Bella Hadida global non-profit organization. Sajjad and Fatimah began traveling to different countries like Kenya and South Africa and raising millions of dollars for people in need. Even celebrities like supermodel Bella Hadid became interested in their cause and accompanied them on their trips. 

On a recent trip to Ethiopia, they were able to raise $1 million for children who are deaf or suffer from cataracts.

Sajjad and Fatimah's 'Muslims of the World' compilation of stories hit the bookshelves in 2018, just in time for newly elected New York State Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to get her complimentary copy!

When in June of this year the MOTW Coffee & Pastries was opened, it was an immediate hit, not just in Indianapolis, but also in cities nearby. The location of the coffee shop is significant to Sajjad, who lived on West 38th Street until his family moved. Although the couple own three other companies, they always make sure to drive to the coffee shop to serve and interact with the community.

The goal of the cafe is to bring people from all walks of life together, just like the original Instagram page, which now has nearly 650,000 followers. 

“It’s really important that we have our doors wide open for everyone, and we don’t really care, you know, who you are, what you stand for. You got a seat at the table at Muslims of the World Coffee and Pastries,” says Sajjad.