Algazelus's Coffee Break Corner

  "Finally, after all these years of experience working in the field of humanitarianism and peacebuilding, and creating a space for duty bearers to participate in crafting community-based approaches to strengthening peace, security and promoting social cohesion, these are some of the fruits to harvest. This opportunity offered by Watsons is incredible. I am more passionate and have the courage to do more." I am thrilled to announce that I have been selected for the 2024 Western Union Foundation Fellowship, thanks to the efforts of the Watson Institute ! The application process was a mix of excitement and struggle. I had doubts about being accepted and shortlisted. Even during the final interview, although I felt some relief, I still had lingering doubts about my chances, especially considering I was competing with applicants from all over the world. Just give a brief background: Out of 2900 applications from around the world, only 30 people were selected for this cohort, r

PeaceScapes: Algazelus Notes 16 March 24  A QUICK NOTE ON THE VERSE “FOR DUST YOU ARE AND UNTO DUST, YOU SHALL RETURN” (SURAH AL-HAJJ, 22:10) اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيّدِنَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَبَارِكْ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى الِ سَيِّدِنَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ فِي الْعَالَيْنَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ As Muslims, we are taught to be humble and recognize our place in the world. We are reminded that in the eyes of God, no one is any better or worse than anyone else. In the Quran, Allah describes this thinking in the phrase, “For dust you are and unto dust, you shall return” (Surah al-Hajj, 22:10). This phrase is a reminder that no matter who we are or where we come from, in the end, we are all made of the same material. We have the same origin and will have the same destination.  This is why Allah tel

As a Muslim on a journey,  as taught by the renowned scholar and philosopher, Imam Al-Ghazali. T he greatest lesson is the importance of self-respect. Algazelus In today's fast-paced and competitive world, it is quite common for people to compromise their self-respect in order to fit in or please others. We often hold on to relationships and situations that are toxic, simply because we fear being alone or rejected by society. However, as Muslims, we are taught to have complete trust and reliance in Allah, and this includes having self-respect. Imam Al-Ghazali, also known as Hujjat al-Islam, was a renowned Islamic theologian and philosopher who emphasized the importance of self-respect in one's journey towards self-discovery and enlightenment. He believed that true self-respect comes from recognizing one's own worth and value, not from seeking validation from others. This is beautifully stated in his famous quote, 'Let go of your attachment to the world, for the love of

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