Algazelus's Coffee Break Corner

  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...

  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 bea...

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...

Algazelus 06.23.23 Sufism is a spiritual tradition of Islam that has been practiced for centuries. It is a mystical branch of Islam that places emphasis on the inner spiritual journey toward enlightenment. Sufis believe that by understanding and internalizing the divine message of Islam, one can come closer to the divine presence and understand the divine reality. Sufis place great emphasis on the cultivation of simplicity, humility, and contemplation in order to foster a direct spiritual bond with the Almighty. The Sufi life is characterized by prayer, recitation of the Qur'an, and ritual practices such as dhikr, the remembrance of Allah. It is also marked by a search for inner peace and an understanding of the purpose of life. Sufis strive to practice their faith in a sincere and humble manner. They view life as a process of learning and discovering one's unique spiritual journey. Rather than seeking an ultimate destination, Sufis believe life is a constant cycle of growth, s...

Algazelus 06.22.23 (Hangka-basu Kahawa, hangka-tapak juwalan) Time is an essential component of life and this is no different for Muslims; it has been acknowledged in the Quran, both explicitly and indirectly. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, emphasizes the importance of managing time and using it in service of Allah and good deeds.  In verse 103 of chapter 2, Al-Baqarah, Allah says: “Your time is limited and it is preordained.” This stresses the fact that every human being is allotted a certain amount of time in their life which is finite, and it is recorded. This emphasizes the need for us to make the most of the time we have been given and prioritize our time accordingly. Another Quranic verse about time is in verse 45 of chapter 103, Al-Asr, which reads: “Apply yourself to what you have been given in the time of life, for the afterlife is better and more lasting.' This verse warns us of the fear of losing the good in this life because of preoccupation with the hereafter. It r...

Algazelus 06.21.23 “Being an Effective Father” is a subject that holds a lot of weight and importance in today’s society. Good fatherhood is a key contributor to happy and healthy children. As a brother, I recently had a fruitful conversation with my respected brother, on this topic and I am here today to share with you the unique insights we both gathered on the subject.  To start off, he stressed the importance of fathers being approachable and patient with children. Often children feel the need to be distant from their fathers due to fear, but it is important that fathers give their children the space to express themselves and build a strong connection with them. He explained that engaging in conversations about topics of interest to both of you is an effective way to help build a relationship, create understanding and gain trust. We then spoke about the value of consistency and fairness when dealing with child-rearing decisions. It’s essential to maintain consistent instruction...

Review - Related Literature: Article "Aspirations, dysfunction, and Conflict: Politics and Security in the entangled economies of Malaysia and the Philippines by Bansal, R., & Manicom, J. (2007). Introduction Bansal and Manicom’s 2007 article “Aspirations, Dysfunction, and Conflict: Politics and Security in the entangled economies of Malaysia and the Philippines” is a comprehensive examination of the dynamics between two states – Malaysia and the Philippines – in the volatile Asia Pacific region. It delves into the political, economic, and cultural connections between these two countries and analyzes how they impact security both regionally and at the interstate level. Drawing on a variety of sources, including data from the World Bank, the authors provide a comprehensive analysis of the dynamic between these two states. This review will discuss the key points put forward in the article, including the examination of how economic and political aspirations shape security decisio...

Algazelus 06.20.23 Functioning as a main tenet in Islam, ‘Tawakkul’ is often referred to as self-control and trust in Allah. Tawakkul (Arabic for ‘Total Reliance on God’) shifts our focus to the Almighty and reminds us that only He is in control of the universe. It highlights that Allah alone is responsible for our destiny –– a fact that relieves a great part of stress from our lives and allows us to focus on our duties. It instructs us in the correct way to balance between relying on Allah and using our own means to achieve our desired objectives. x In Islam, the concept of Tawakkul involves an individual trusting in Allah and His infinite power, relinquishing worries, and relying on divine intervention to solve their issues. This eliminates our doubts and enhances our connection with Allah by enveloping the individual in a blanket of hope and assurance that He will help in our pursuits. Tawakkul is not just limited to Muslims – it has been demonstrated many times in the Qur’an throug...

Algazelus 06.14.23 World Without Islam, written by Graham E. Fuller is a book that provides a compelling account of the world as it could have been without the presence of Islam and its teachings. The book aims to highlight the important role that religion has had in the development of world history. In this reflection, I will summarize the main points of the book and reflect on its importance in better understanding the world today. The primary aspects addressed in World Without Islam are the importance of Islam in providing religious, cultural, scientific, and economic progress. Fuller explores the implications of what would happen to the world if this religion did not exist and how this absence would affect the current global climate. He highlights the critical role Islam has had in inspiring critical thinkers, providing freedom of speech, advancing science, and fostering social, political, and economic prosperity. Fuller argues that due to the teachings of Islam—such as the importa...

Algazelus 06.14.23 Obtaining knowledge of the Creator and our purpose in life are not stagnant processes, but rather they are ever-changing and developing. Those on this journey can find solace in the beauty of this path. It is not an easy journey, but it is one worth taking. Life’s treasures are not easily attained and must be earned through hard work and dedication.  As Muslims, we must strive to stay passionate and curious in order to further ourselves along this journey. It is truly incredible to witness the growth of the ummah and the amazing impact it has had on the lives of so many individuals, predominantly Muslims. Through this journey, individuals are pushed to challenge their beliefs and develop a better understanding of life and its true purpose. This journey is difficult and often filled with unique obstacles but is absolutely worth pursuing. And, as seen throughout the world, those who make it through are beacons of light, inspiration, and of hope in our transient wor...

  Assalammualaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu! We encourage all believers from the Muslim community to join us in our cause for building the Masjid. This is an opportunity to be part of the movement. By dedicating your time and effort to this good cause, you can ensure that mosques are established in areas where people haven’t had access to them before. The rewards that come from these acts will be immense. There are many ways to support this movement. Firstly, you can share the message of this movement with the people in your community. Furthermore, you can contribute to construction costs, or pay for certain materials or services that are necessary for the construction process. Additionally, people can volunteer their services and help out with planning and labor. All such contributions will be immensely appreciated and will be rewarded both in this world and in the hereafter. So, brothers and sisters, join us in our noble endeavor to increase and enhance the worship of Allah....

  Algazelus 06.11.22 Thesis Statement: In the past few decades, the economy of the Muslim-inhabited Sulu Archipelago of the Philippines has been severely affected by climate change, deforestation, armed conflict, and the influx of foreign corporate-run fishing vessels. This has led to a decrease in the resources available to sustain their traditional coffee farming and fish harvesting industries, severely limiting the economic activities of the people living there and putting their livelihoods at risk. The Sulu Archipelago of the Philippines is home to a diverse farming and fishing industry. For the last few decades, the main source of income for the Muslim communities that inhabit these islands are coffee farming and fish harvesting and culturing. Despite their importance, these industries have been affected by various issues that have had a major impact on the lives of the people who depend on them. In today’s world, farmers and fish harvesting in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelag...

Algazelus 06.10.23 Muslims around the world adhere to the same core values of faith in Allah, performing the pillars of Islam, and the belief in the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) teachings. Despite living in different societies and cultures, the bond to a shared tradition, language, and conviction is strong among believers of the Islamic faith. However, from time to time Muslims can experience misunderstandings and prejudices that can affect how the faithful communicate with each other. To ensure that every Muslim maintains strong communication, understanding, and appreciation for each other, here are some tips on how to strengthen communication with fellow Muslims in Allah's will. Firstly, it is important to keep an open mind and respect the individual opinions and values of fellow Muslims. To gain a better understanding of the experiences of others, it is advised to actively listen to their stories and perspectives on a particular issue with patience and empathy. This will allow ...

The purpose of Mishkat al-Anwar is to help people to deepen their understanding of piety (taqwa) and to provide a means to practice spiritual purification (Tazkiya) and transformation.  By: Algazelus   Mishkat al-Anwar also known as "Niche of Lights" in translation, is a collection of 81 hadiths compiled and written by the renowned Islamic scholar, Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, is an enlightening and inspiring source of spiritual knowledge. That illuminates the path of enlightenment for Muslims and served as a guide and reference for centuries of seekers of spiritual truth. Imam Al-Ghazali compiled the hadiths of Mishkat al-Anwar from a variety of sources including the collections of Imam Bukhari, Imam Muslim, and other reliable books of hadiths based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. These include his explanations and guidance on the topics of faith, knowledge, worship, charity, justice, and patience.  The purpose of Mishkat al-Anwar is to help people to deepen their un...

The world is in chaos and surely it is not Allah's will Algazelus 06.06.23 The world is a troubled place, Fraught with battles, and faces of pain. Never was it Allah's will, For transgressors to have their great sway. The drug lords, violent and cruel, Spread hate where peace should bloom. The warlords seek only destruction, Perversions of Allah's great creation. But still, amidst all of the chaos, We strive to find faith and solace. Let us remember for today Allah's blessings and will have a blessed day ahead. Verdant plains take on morning rays A light of divinity casts its rays But in chaos and destruction, the world lay It's surely not Allah's will With transgressors and warlords destroying allays Drug lords corrupt, regret won't delay Twisting and turning the pious away It's not part of Allah's great creation This earth is filled with pain and affray A future of bloodshed seems to stay Let us come together in this great fray For that, let Allah ...

'never give up and never lose hope', for Allah has a plan for us and He will always be there to guide us. Algazelus 06.05.22 No matter how difficult life may seem at times, it is essential to be resilient and stay focused on the brighter future that awaits us. Don't let your difficulties take control over you; instead, we should have faith that this is just a dark night and a brighter day is on its way. We must have patience and remember that Allah is the best of planners and He will not burden us with more than we can bear.  We must remember there is light at the end of the tunnel, for He Almighty Allah has a better plan for us. He knows what is best for us and He will provide us with the strength and courage to face all our difficulties. So, don’t let your difficulties take control over you. Have faith that Allah will always provide you with the right guidance and help. During these hard times, it can be difficult to stay optimistic, but it is necessary to keep our minds ...

  It’s about time to introduce our Book in the making entitled ‘PeaceScapes.’ What is PeaceScapes? The project seeks to strengthen the idea of peace and human security through documentary articles and videos paired with activism to stand with millions worldwide suffering the devastating impact of violence and conflict. Last 2014, the theory—PEACESCAPES—was born. It seeks to highlight an inclusive definition of peace in the Philippine context. Peace is contested by multiple meanings, which may stem from social and cultural contexts. Peace can suddenly disappear, even in places where peace is a longstanding norm. We, as people, have explored various aspects of peace, such as what it is, what it should be, and the different factors influencing the chances of achieving it. Through PeaceScapes, people can explore how their framing of “peace” helps or hinders the chances of achieving it. Peace rests on a complex, fragile fabric of interrelated values, attitudes, and behaviors. It is nece...