Algazelus's Coffee Break Corner

Algazelus's Letter To Self 12.March.2024 Ramadan Day 1 Assalamu alaykum Dear self, As the crescent moon appears in the sky, it marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. A month that holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims all around the world. It is a time of spiritual rejuvenation, self-reflection, and self-improvement. As we embark on this month-long journey, I want to take some time to reflect on 30 aspects of life that we can improve during this blessed time. Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and water; it is much more than that. It is a month of transformation, a month to better ourselves and become closer to Allah. It is an opportunity to reach out to our inner selves and reflect on our purpose in life. So, dear self, let us make the most of this month and focus on these aspects to emerge as better individuals. Day 1 of Ramadan is the beginning of our spiritual journey. It is the day to strengthen our faith and reconnect with our beliefs. This mont

Algazelus's Letter To Self 10.March.2024 Ramadan Day 0 "Reflect on 30 Aspects of Life We Can Improve During this Sacred Month of Ramadan" Assalamu alaykum Dear self, As we enter the holy month of Ramadan, I want to take some time to reflect on 30 aspects of life that we can improve during this blessed time. This month is not just about abstaining from food and water, but it is also a time for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and self-improvement. I believe that by focusing on these aspects, we can make the most of this month and come out as better individuals. 1. Strengthening our faith: Ramadan is a time to reconnect with our faith and strengthen our relationship with Allah. Let us take this opportunity to increase our knowledge of Islam, read the Quran, and engage in acts of worship such as prayer, dua, and charity. 2.  Forgive and seek forgiveness: It is said that Ramadan is the month of forgiveness. Let us forgive those who have wronged us and seek forgiveness from

Algazelus's Letter To Self 4.March.2024 - Ramadan Day 0 Dearest Self, Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Rahim, As the blessed month of Ramadan is fast approaching, I wanted to take this opportunity to share some reflections with my dear brothers and sisters. We are facing unprecedented times with many challenges and hardships, both on a personal and global scale. As we prepare for the holy month of Ramadan, I would like to remind ourselves of the true purpose and importance of this month. First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the struggles and difficulties that we are facing as a community. The inflation, job cuts and rising mental health issues are all real and valid concerns that have significantly impacted our lives. We have also lost loved ones and witnessed the suffering of our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters in places like Gaza. Understandably, we may feel overwhelmed and hopeless in the face of these struggles. But as believers, we must remember that Allah (SWT) is the All

BATTLE OF JOLO - FEBRUARY 7, 1974: OUR NARRATIVE Algazelus This is our narrative. February 7, 1974, is a date that is etched in the minds of every Tausug, including myself, as a crucial turning point in our history. It marks the day when the town of Jolo, in Sulu, was burned down by government forces as part of their fight against the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). As a Tausug from Sulu, this event is not just a distant memory but a reality that still haunts us today. Despite being born years after the burning of Jolo, I have grown up listening to stories of the event from my elders and reading about it in history books. But it wasn’t until I reached adulthood that I fully understood the significance and impact of what happened on that fateful day. The burning of Jolo, also known as the siege of Jolo, was a military confrontation between the MNLF and the government of the Philippines. The MNLF, led by Nur Misuari, was fighting for the self-determination of the Bangsamoro people

Life lesson: “A friend in need is a friend indeed” Algazelus | 09.09.23 Assalammualaykum.  Life is a journey filled with pain, sadness, happiness, and a variety of other emotions. Many of us come upon life lessons that we learn and carry with us for the remainder of our lives. When we’re faced with difficult choices, we are often reminded of the valuable lessons we have learned. One of the most important life lessons is to treasure your friendship and make the best out of it. Friendship is an important part of Islamic beliefs and culture. As the Qur’an teaches, “you are the best of people ever raised up for mankind” (Qur’an 3:110), and such a sentiment carries into the relationships we develop with each other. In Islam, friendship is not only encouraged and celebrated but also seen as part of one’s faith journey. By being friends with others, we learn how to love, forgive, compassionately listen, and receive support. Friends have a sacred role in Islam and they’re even praised in the H

LIFE LESSON: 'INDEED, KINDNESS IS FREE' Despite the lack of outcome, I find comfort in knowing that I am not alone in this journey. The words of encouragement and support I have received remind me that I am not alone in this journey.  In the world today, kindness is sometimes hard to come by. People are often too busy and consumed in their own lives to think about the welfare of others. As a result, it often falls on the shoulders of those whom we trust the most and who have the ability to help another in their time of need. It is with this understanding that we acknowledge the immense feeling of gratitude to such a person who was able to show great kindness and help us at a time when we did not expect it at all. When I was young, I never expected to have to swallow my pride and beg for work in order to survive. Having responsibilities and obligations as the breadwinner can make life especially difficult. I found myself in a situation where I had to convince myself that things

 PeaceScape Journal #101 ISLAMIC DEMOCRACY: OPENNESS, TRANSPARENCY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY Since the beginning of the Philippine-Mindanao conflict in 1971, many Filipino and Mindanaoan leaders have been striving to reach a lasting peace through the attainment of Islamic democracy in the region. However, the lack of openness and transparency about the truth of the conflict is stalling this progress from being realized. Without openness and transparency, there can be no real chance to reach a meaningful resolution. Openness and transparency are essential for all parties in the conflict to gain a better understanding of the facts and underlying issues of the struggle. For example, the full and true history of the conflict must be recognized and acknowledged by both sides. This is necessary for both parties to move forward, and begin the process of healing and reconciliation. It is also important for the general public to be made aware of the conflict - its history, its current status, and its

Oh Allah, with your love I am strong Algazelus 08.15.23 Only a seed of tears can describe this love I have for Thee That has graced me with endless mercy and bestowed immesurable grace It’s the bond that ties me to the heavens like a sparrow in flight It’s a love that grows each day, and strengthens over time My love for You only a seed of tears can describe It’s a bond of protection and security that that nothing else can bring My sorrows, grief, and joy, You remember and understand And my gratitude towards You will forever stand Even when I feel at my weakest, Your love will never be less It’s a flame that never diminishes, no matter the distance and stress Your guidance gives me strength as I strive towards Jannah's key Grateful for Your love that no words can truly entail. #Allah #loveyou #world #life #charity #peacescape

  Atomic Habits is an inspiring and compelling book written by James Clear. Clear is a renowned author and the founder of the website jamesclear.com, which advocates for healthy habits and good decision-making. This book focuses on one of the cornerstones of success: creating better habits and changing behaviors that lead to more positive and productive results. Through Atomic Habits, Clear provides readers with an in-depth understanding of the psychology and science behind habit formation, breaking it down into four steps. He also offers tangible action plans and strategies to help readers create and maintain positive habits to improve their lives. The first step of creating any habit, according to Atomic Habits, is gaining awareness of one's own behavior. Clear explains how habit formation works and how it is essential to become aware of our own habits in order to better understand and control them. Clear strongly recommends smaller changes such as setting micro-goals or breaking

  A Response to the recent acts of burning the Qur’an across parts of the world, most recently in Sweden Over the many centuries since the dawn of Islam, the noble Qur’an, the sacred book and final revelation from Allah, has been held in the highest regard for Muslims the world over. Its significance, importance, and reverence can hardly be understated, the Qur’an is a source of guidance, strength, and hope, and one of the primary pillars of Islam. Therefore, the recent acts of burning the Qur’an across parts of the world, most recently in Sweden, are an affront to myself, my faith, and all believers of Islam. In my opinion, it is a curse on the entire world as it disregards and disrespects the divine revelation sent by Allah. To be clear, it is not only those who have taken part in such horrible blasphemy who are responsible for this sin. It is also the fault of those who stood by and watched the desecration without standing up or lifting a finger to protect the Qur’an. This lack of a

"Leadership in Government and Monopoly of Power" July 4, 2023 In my speech, I will address leadership in government and its potential for concentrated political power. The notion of a monopolized power over an entire population of people is an unavoidable consequence of centralized government bodies. The inherent monopoly of power is concerning when it comes to governments because it can lead to the antagonization of the population, a consequence that can have long-term and damaging implications. The necessity to have a leader in a government is apparent and in most cases, necessary. In order for a government to function, a leader must take a position of power and maintain a secure level of order that ensures the government is not in jeopardy. That being said, there are significant risks associated with a leader who holds such a high level of power and authority. The potential of a leader in government misusing their power in order to manipulate the population for their own a

  The purpose of this essay is to discuss the Islamic festival of Eid ul Adha and its connection to the life of the great Prophet Abraham. An overview of the festival and its events will be provided, as well as a profile of the Prophet’s biography and how it has played a role in modern society. Ultimately, the essay will draw a connection between the spirit of sacrifice and community present during the celebration of Eid ul Adha and the teachings of Abraham. Eid ul Adha is a four-day religious celebration honored by Muslims around the world. It commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to God and marks the end of the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. During this holiday, Muslims offer animals in remembrance of Ibrahim’s submission and prayer. Prayers and sermons are held in Mosques, and in some parts of the world, joyous family gatherings are observed. Commonly, generous charity and donations are also shared throughout Muslim communities. Prophet Abraham, known as

  Algazelus 06.27.23 The latest addition to the list of famed coffee shops in the city of Zamboanga is no other than the Library Coffee + Study . This particular coffee shop is remarkable for providing both coffee and study services. On one end, they have separate rooms perfect for group study, and on the other, an array of ample space for individuals who prefer some peace and quiet while they study. Recently, I visited the Library Coffee + Study to have a sip of their specialty coffee and learn more about the character of this place. Prior to my visit, however, I was told that they serve an array of coffees ranging from iced cappuccino to hot Americano. My thirst for hot Americano, however, was long overdue and I was eager to take a seat and dig in. I have tasted several americanos in a range of coffee shops, if I may add, and this particular experience promised to bruise my expectations. It turns out, the barista who served me informed me that they use imported arabica coffee beans r

Algazelus 06.24.23  Bissmillah hirahman nirrahim! 'Astaghfirullah wa Atubu Ilaih' the close translation of  the dua is: “I seek forgiveness from Allah and repent towards Him”. The du’a Astaghfirullah wa Atubu Ilaih holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims all over the world. This brief supplication is a way of expressing one's regret for errors and sins, and for turning to God in repentance. It is believed by many Muslims that the enormous spiritual benefits associated with reciting this du’a cannot be measured. The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to recite several times daily the du’a Astaghfirullah wa Atubu Ilaih. He declared that “Whoever says, ‘La ilaha illallah wa astaghfirullah wa atubu ilaih’ (there is no God but Allah and I ask for His forgiveness and I repent unto Him), then his Lord will accept his repentance and purify him” (As-San’ani). The wording of this du’a is simple and brief, yet it is extremely powerful when recited with comple