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Biography of Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)
Yusuf Islam, formerly Cat Stevens, is a British Muslim chanter born on 21 July 1948.
Virtuoso of many instruments, singer-songwriter, Yusuf Islam was first known by his former stage name Cat Stevens. He was also prominent for his conversion to Islam at the peak of his artistic career in 1976.
Following his conversion, Yusuf Islam gave up his career as pop star and devoted himself to philanthropic and educational causes in the Muslim communities. He founded numerous Islamic schools like Islamic Primary School in 1981 and vowed his fortune to promote Islamic education and charitable actions.
Yusuf Islam’s return to the public spotlight was in 1985, at the Live Aid concert dedicated to Ethiopian children. For several years, accompanied solely by drums and percussive instruments, Yusuf only sang lyrics about Islamic themes. Later, his experience with Raihan group on “God Is the Light” introduced him to nasheed’s style. In 2000, Yusuf wrote and produced a children's album “A Is for Allah”. Later on, albums succeeded and Yusuf Islam gave performances in many countries. The latest was at the Peace One Day concert at the Royal Albert Hall on September 21, 2007.
Yusuf Islam is married to Fauzia Mubarak Ali since September 1979 and has five children.
A most wonderful, past musical genius ....writing, I felt, with youthful energy, unique creativity and human passion to inspire us all.....became too successful, too quickly for his soul, became frightened in his success and then in his self doubt sought a safe haven in Islam ,,,submission...... .it makes me very sad to think that his many blessings were larger than his spirit could manage and so we lost him. to religion.......his early inspiration and talent was much larger than he could handle....He helped me with his music then....I wish him well......
He and I are about the same age and I have been a fan since he first began performing. Always thought of Cat as a poet and deeply spiritual man, even prior to his change in religions. I see this man as an amazing ambassador to GB, the U.S. (where I live) and the Middle East. He helped many stay centered and remember what was truly important during the Viet Nam War, which many of us were against. Happily, I just got tickets to see him at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, CA on December 14th. Can't wait! Thank you for coming back Cat.
May Allah bless and reward this good Muslim brother,nice and beautiful songs to listen to,i hope and pray to see him one day perform inch Allah