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Name
jim
- United Kingdom
Profession
security business
Question
hello Yusuf, attended rememberence concert and your performance moved me, would love to know when it will be released on dvd have been a fan since 66 and over past few yrs have snt u a birthday card to mountain of light would love to know if you actually recieve it?
jim davidson dunfermline scotland
Answer
Peace - We hope the DVD will be edited by spring (GW). Birthday card? Sorry, didn't see it.
Name
Turan
- United States
Profession
mother
Question
Salaam Mr Islam,
I have read you describe yourself when a child as an admittedly poor student. I surmise likely the kind teachers call "So Creative and Bright but not Performing to Potential". You have now put 20 years into educating kids. How does one educate such young men so they can both learn and get grades that won't limit their future chioces?
Thanks,
Turan
Answer
Peace Turan - Big question! One thing, education and exam results may not be related, learning about life mostly happens in daily experience. Dealing with others is a social skill which exams don't really deal with. So education has to be all inclusive: spirit, behaviour, intellect etc. Difficult these days.
Name
Cheryl
- United States
Profession
Education
Question
Hi Yusuf,
I would like to know of there are any concerts planned in the future such as Night of Rememberance in the United States?
Answer
Peace Cheryl - No plans but I'm a bit more warmed up...
Name
Salwa
- Austria
Profession
Acc.clerk
Question
Assalam aleikum wa rahmatullah,
My question: How can you prevent your own children from bad influence of european way of life, as visiting and watching non-islamic films ? With best regards wa salam aleikum wa rahmatullah.
Answer
Peace Salwa - The establishment of a strong home with love and 'fun' can help a child feel the joy of life without needing supplements of TV and other tools. Parents must understand the world view of the child; that needs patience. Many parents do not understand the culture of today's world and so...It's not time to make a change..(Repeat ad infinitum)
PS Producing more moral based films, CD's, books and programs help.
Name
Abdellah
- Morocco
Profession
Engineer
Question
Salam Youssef,
Any visit planned to Islamic countries next year?
Jazaka Allah Bekhair..
Answer
Peace Abdellah - Well, I just spoke to the Imam here at Islamia who just came back from Morocco...guess what? He has been asked to speak to me about visiting and even performing at a possible CONCERT there. Hmmm, still pondering.
Name
Akram
- United States
Profession
Question
Dear Br. Yousif,
As an accomplished artist and a succesful Da'iyah and educator, in your view what are the key elements to success? We see many people with brilliant ideas and talent who rarely accomplish anything tangible in their lifetime. It would be great if you would give a couple of key pointers to help the youth break of the status-quo. May God Almighty reward you with the best of rewards.
Answer
Peace Akram - one of the major elements of my success (apart from the obvious Tawfeeq) was being extremely energised and actively influencing others with my vision/style. Work, work and work.
Name
Sha'ista
- South Africa
Profession
STUDENT
Question
Dear Brother Yusuf..
How is it justifiable that a Muslim can perform at a concert? I was under the impression that is haraam. I am NOT, for one second, trying to say that you were wrong and as a South African, I am very pround of the work you are doing. But how do I explain to other Muslims that you performing at the Aids Concert in CT is justifiable islamicaly?
Answer
Peace Sha'ista - always in these matters, we go back to the Qur'an and Hadeeth. If there is no clear prohibition (nass) for an act, then we must consider it allowable but look at the objective and see if the end result leads to goodness or ruin. In this case, doing nothing could be considered the worst option (please refer to my answer to Meher Khalid).
Name
meher khalid
-
Profession
Question
aslamo aliekum sir,
you are an inspiration for all those who are struggling to become better muslims.i have a question: do you still sing? if yes then i dont get it isnt music haram in islam? majority of scholars say that even with the good lyrics music is haram.what do you say? and are you a scholar? plz do not mind my question cus im really really confused about this. also give some evidence to support your answer.
GOD BLESS YOU.
Answer
Peace Meher - Yes, I do still sing and recently performed at Nelson Mandela's AIDS concert in South Africa. Music can be a tool for social good as well as education and spiritual upliftment; it can also be corruptive and time-wasting, so we must always be on guard not to fall into those traps. But it took fifteen years of study and some major catastrophes to make me think again about possibly entering back into the field of media and communications.
I am still researching the subject of singing and entertainment, but today, I still do not believe that the issue of music is as clear-cut as some would like to present it. I cannot agree with the view that all types of music are haram (forbidden); neither do I hold the view that all music is halal (permitted). But I think there is a wide difference between sex driven disco music and morally motivating devotional songs. It's well documented that the Prophet (peace be upon him) witnessed and even encouraged certain forms of entertainment during social and commemorative occasions. I personally do not use guitars or other musical instruments other than percussion.
Name
Micheal
- Ireland
Profession
Question
You recorded Back To Earth as a Muslim, did this give you a strength and confidence in doing it, or did it merely make you more uncomfortable with the whole process?
Answer
Peace Micheal - my confidence in recording Back To Earth was not enhanced by being a Muslim. However, I was much more careful in choosing the songs and message of the tracks, hence the title.
Name
Qutaiba
- Iraq
Profession
Photographer / Designer
Question
Asalamu Alaikum brother Yusuf Islam.
In the south Africa AIDS concert, you emphasized in your message on bringing back the love of family. How was the response to that, especially since many of the other messages focused on practicing "safe sex". And where you able to say more off stage?
By the way, you were great Alhamdulillah.
Answer
Peace Qutaiba - the message was heard loud and clear, there was a positive response from the audience when I mentioned the need to strengthen 'Love' within the family and at home. It resonated. This is my position.
Children or orphans who are born out of wedlock especially need our compassion.
Name
Tunggul
- Indonesia
Profession
Brotopriyono
Question
Ass., Wr., Wb
Just a simple question for the start. What is your daily activities or jobs now? Thank you.
Answer
Peace Tonggul - I write/produce everyday: thoughts and projects. I also have several organizations and companies to manage and guide. Family needs are always present and answering questions like this could fill my whole diary...if I let them.
Name
amani
- Kuwait
Profession
Question
dear mr. yusuf islam.
i want to know, what is the criteria in a person for him to receive hidayah. isn't it not the matter of how much u strive towrds it but rather the Will of Allah in giving the hidayah to anybody He likes?
Answer
Peace Amani - Looking at my own example, there are a few factors which must be present for a person to accept hidaya (guidance):
1 Humbleness; acceptance of one's faults
2 The will to learn
3 Clear conveyance (without distortion or bias) of the message of Tawheed (Oneness of God)
Name
Kathy
- United States
Profession
Child Welfare Operations
Question
What was it specifically about Islam (and not some of the other faiths like Buddhism or Judaism that espouse similar teachings) that resonated with you?
Answer
Peace Kathy - I was lucky to view the message of Islam in its true, unbiased reality (by reading the Qur'an without outside interference). The universality of Islam encompasses a position of neutrality with regards to other named religions - they are all judged by the basic criteria of belief in God's Oneness and good morality regardless of colour, nation or tribe. It's because it's the last Revelation that makes it so relevant and timeless unlike previous revelations which have gone through some changes.
Name
Joe aka Yusef Abdul-Maliik
-
Profession
Question
Asalaam Alaikaam,
I have a serious question. First,I'm a big fan of Brother Yusef Islam because he's not only a good righteous Muslim brother, he is also a musician and a perfect example for muslims who are musically inclined and foremost having conflicts about being so. You see,I am also a musician.I play bass guitar.I jam mostly with fellow musicians just for fun. I don't do music for a living. I have no interest what so ever in their life style. However I really enjoy learning more about my instument and developing my music skills. I've been reading where "some" scholars say "music" in general is haram and a muslim shouldn't have anything to do with it. I find this confusing and a bit unfair. Now I don't want to go against Allah's teachings. I've read a hadith where the Prophet (pbuh) said musical instruments were forbidden but I also read where he allowed music to continue to be played on certain occasions. Now I am aware that certain types of music and lyrics could be very haram. I know that some music/lyrics can have a negative affect on the human psycy. I've been affected myself. But there are also music that is very soothing and relaxing.I personally am not much into lyrics because I focus more on the instrumental aspect of music. But I want to see this fair and correctly. I believe music is as natural as growing hair. Allah says that there is (music) unlike any music we've ever heard before in paradise. SO,are people like myself who are naturally musically inclined born with a curse? I believe that music can be used very positively. I also humbly believe that we Muslims can use music to influence and inspire the younger generations with positive messages and can spark in them an interest in them to research certain (Islamic)lyrics in the Qur'an. I believe that as long as we don't use music to replace or add to our deen,I don't see a problem with "certain" music for muslims. I think our music like anything else we do in Islam should reflect Allah.H owever,my knowledge is still limited in many aspects of Islam so please help me, Brother (inshallah) to find a clear answer and understanding. May Allah bless you and continue to guide you on the straight path and success in your musical endeavors.
Asalaam Alaikaam
Joe aka Yusef Abdul-Maliik
Answer
Peace Joe - Please refer to my shortened answer to Meher Khalid on this issue...more to come in another publication perhaps.
Name
Abdul Hakeem
-
Profession
Question
Peace Br. Yusuf,
In your opinion, what is the most effective way to tell people about Islam? How can we break the barrier between the da'ee and the person he/she is trying to get across to?
Answer
Peace Abdul Hakeem - Firstly, try to find a common language, the Prophet (pbuh) told us to speak to people according to their level of understanding. We must not see the barriers of discrimination between Muslim and non-Muslim when giving da'wah. A disbeliever is one who has heard and understood the clear message of Islam and out of pride rejects it entirely. God's mercy should usually precede the message... Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was kind and charitable, known for his honesty, before he received and delivered the message. Can we say that our behaviour encourages people to want to know about our faith?
Name
Hassan
- Belgium
Profession
Student
Question
Asalaam mualaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh.
Dear brother in Islam,
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question
Since you converted to Islam yourself (alhamdoulilah) i wanted to ask you what do you think is the best way to show non-muslims the beauty and perfection of our religion. This in order for them to become inshallah believers. I am absolutely sure that Islam is the true religion, but sometimes it is not easy to convince non-muslims of its truthfullness and guidance. Thank you.
Answer
Peace Hassan - Please refer to my answer to Abdul Hakeem.
Name
Asad
- Bangladesh
Profession
Question
I am a born Muslim and I take Islam for granted since my birth. I have an officemate in the campus. He is Christian. He told me that if he finds any superior logic that can convince him about Islam then he would accept the religion. However he also told me that the faith that he has in him is what he believes is from God. I would like to ask what is the best way to convince a Christian to accept Islam? In other words which aspects of Islam or their Bible should be most convincing from them to convince them that Quran is the word of Allah?
Answer
Peace Asad - Remember that the message sent before Islam is accepted as being from God, the difference is that Islam brought the definitive criteria for measuring right from wrong. Amazingly, the moral code of all religions are closely in harmony, however the first commandment is often forgotten under waves of time and concealed by tradition or misunderstanding.
There is only One God. That is enough to show that in Christianity, there has been a de-emphasis on this crucial aspect of faith. We say in our prayer, 'Only You (God) do we worship'. Following the example of all messengers - including Jesus (pbuh) who did the same.
Name
Kabier Moideen
- United Arab Emirates
Profession
Question
Br. Yusuf Islam, Assalamu Alaikkum
I am an Indian and working in Abu Dhabi. Please send the information about the outlet in UAE, for your Cassetts and Books.
Regards
Kabier Moideen
Answer
Peace Kabier - Please contact mol@dubaimediacity.net. Also Magrudy's are our major distributor.
Name
Isabelle
-
Profession
Question
Dear Br. Yusuf,
Just out of curiosity, what is your favorite "part" of the biography of the Prophet? Which incident touches you the most?
Answer
Peace Isabelle - As he was the mercy to the worlds he once explained God's Mercy by telling his Companions: 'Can you imagine a mother throwing her child into the Fire? God is more merciful than a mother is to her child.'
And once his face became red with anger because an Imam had lengthened the prayer causing the people hardship, and in a way discouraging them from doing good deeds. He said: 'Make it easy, don't make it difficult.'
Name
Kareema
- United States
Profession
Question
Asalaamu alaykom wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuhu, dear Brother Yusuf,
I reverted to Islam nearly three years ago and have found it to be the most difficult years of my life to date, what with adjusting to the huge commitment that I have made, reconciling my ingrained Western views with Islam and attempting to adjust to an often troublesome arranged marriage to a Middle Eastern man. I hate to admit it, however I supposed that when I reverted, that since I was finally on the Straight Path, my life would therefore begin to straighten out. The opposite appears to have been the case, You are often quoted as having said something to the effect that "when I became Muslim, I became happy." Would you please offer your experience, strength and hope to us 'newer' Muslims, for whom the afterglow of as-Shahada has long since worn off and the nuts and bolts of everyday life committed to Islam has proved rather daunting?
Jazak Allah khayrun.
Wa'sallam,
Kareema from California
Answer
Peace Kareema - Your finding Islam was the blessing of blessings, what you do thereafter is part of the test of faith. Unfortunately, I too have suffered from the pains of those cultural tugs-of-war. We need to re-affirm the things we believe in, over and above the differences which affect our strength, love and unity.
Love of Allah overtakes all love, and love of His Messenger (pbuh) is proof of our love for Allah. We can but increase in this love, where others fade. After all, who created the affections we hold dear within our very hearts? Isn't He more worthy of our unreserved love and devotion?
Name
Muslimah
- United Arab Emirates
Profession
Student
Question
Assalamu alaikum Respected Brother Yusuf Islam,
I thank you for giving yr time for us in here and the islamonline for having it. My question is I teach the recitation of Quran to children and I would like to know what would be the best way to inculcate Islam in them? Could you please advise something regarding this. JazakAllah khairan kaseerah,Wasalaam
Answer
Peace - If we study the example of the Prophet (pbuh) we will find that he used every single possible method of inculcating knowledge in his family and Sahaba (Companions). If you go to www.iberr.com you will find a list of over 30 methodologies that can enrich and enhance your ability to impart the Noble Qur'an to your students. He (pbuh) was the Qur'an walking.
Name
Angela
- United States
Profession
Social Worker
Question
Salaam Yusuf,
Please reflect on your experiences in South Africa, meeting Mandela and the 46664 concert
Peace
Answer
Peace Angela - It was great to be back 'in-the-loop'. Meeting some of the 'old' faces was nice - Jimmy Cliff being one of them. But I also noticed some of the 'agro' which made me give up the music biz and want to get out 25 years ago. Egos are still very much present in the echelons of power and control at such events. But the cause was well worth it.
Name
Sue
-
Profession
Question
Would you be interested in having a dialogue like a round table discussion with your "Mes Amis" in Florida and other parts of the USA?
Regards,
Sue from Florida
Answer
Peace Sue - What's on the menu? Sushi?
Name
Saifudeen
- India
Profession
Question
Nowadays Islam is misunderstood all over the world. In this situation, how to perform dawah? Explain me in detail. Send your autobiography to me.
Answer
Peace Saifudeen - Please refer to my web site www.yusufislam.org.uk for more info.
Name
Widya
-
Profession
Question
Assalamualaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh brother Yusuf..
I have been waiting for today discussion,since I personally deal with converter. How would you sugggest us (born muslim)to "teach" newly converter in western land?
Answer
Peace Widya - I'm not sure you could easily teach a new Muslim in an environment which he or she already has been born and raised up in if you are less knowledgeable about it than they are.
Prayers and Zakat and the rules of fasting a fairly universal so those things come before all else. As far as applying Islamic teachings in a non-Islamic environment is concerned, we have the same basic problem in every Muslim majority country - forgive me for saying - with the exception of Makkah and Madinah, we all need to see how best to build peace, love and care for each other within every place and location, while caring for those who are in need of our attention, i.e. those who know nothing about Islam.
Name
Safa Al-Dabagh
-
Profession
Question
In the Name of Allah, most Compassionate, most Merciful
Dear Sheikh Yusuf Islam,
Assalamu Alaikum. First, I would like to thank you for your generous contributions you have sacrificed for our religion, Islam whether it was by your charitable organizations, Islamic songs, or informative lectures. Second, I was wondering if by any chance we can help donate for the various causes you have established and if there is any contact info. We need to know.
Sincerely,
Safa Al-Dabagh
Answer
Peace Safa - Small Kindness, which I established a number of years ago, is helping countless numbers of orphans and families in the Balkans and some other parts of the world. We are always seeking donors to help support our work. You can do so by visiting www.smallkindess.org or www.yusufislam.org.uk
Name
Pavel
- Czech Republic
Profession
logistic
Question
Dear Mr.Yusuf, what was the first activity you started to do or changed when you decide to convert to Islam?
Answer
Peace Pavel - I began by Praying 5 times a day. This was the greatest means by which I was reminded of my purpose of existence; and reminded that all my actions, the prayers were seen and recorded.
Name
Safwene
- Tunisia
Profession
Law student
Question
Dear Yusuf
I already had the oppurtunity once to tell you how much I appreciated what you did and are still doing (Peace Train messages@yusufislam.org.uk )
I respect you so much because you fight everyday for a better world..
When I ask some people here in Tunisia if they know who's Cat Stevens, most of them tell me :
--"Cat Stevens ? no..i don't know...at all "
--" He's the guy who sings Wild World and Father and Son "
--"oh yeah...Cat Stevens! I know very well "
Most of them are more fascinated when I tell them you became Muslim..
People here need to hear your message of peace...
I want just to ask you this time if you are planning to visit Tunisia?
Please let us know when you decide to come here..
And I know that "someday you're going to come" inshallah.
Safwene Islam.
Answer
Peace Safwene - The Peace Train knows no bounadries, its only prohibited area is darkness, from which all enlightened and peaceful hearts are trying to escape...so who knows (Allah knows) if it'll visit Tunisia. Peace...choo! choo!
Name
Mujahid
- United States
Profession
Question
Brother Yousuf, First of all we all are proud of you and your work in the path of Islam. My question is, what is your opinion about the reaction and the response of Muslims when any celebrity reverts to Islam. Do they focus more on the celebrity status of the person or the fact that he/she discovered Islam, which in turn should increase their level of Iman? Jazakallah.
Answer
Peace Mujahid - Unfortunately the community sometimes tends to parade celebrity Muslims publicly, like mascots, instead of letting them loose to get on with the important job of da'wah and actually practicing their newfound faith.
Name
Zulkepli, Azizi
-
Profession
Question
Assalamualaikum wbt,
First of all I would like to thank you for all the contributions you have made in the cause of Islam. May Allah reward you for your sincerity and your hard efforts.
My question is, in my country nowadays they are so many nasyid groups which uses strings musical instruments in their music as compared to your version of nasyid which uses only vocal and instruments which are allowed in Islam. Some of the nasyids sounds like pop songs, only the wordings are so to speak, Islamic. We have even muslimah nasyid groups. It is said here that it is a modern tool for da’awah, to attract youngsters towards Islam, although not all agreed to it. What is your opinion?
Thank you in advance.
Wassalam
Answer
Peace Zulkepli - Instruments can be diversions from the message if overly used. There is a danger of blurring the meaning of Nasheeds (motivational heart stirring songs) if it's only for nice 'sounds'.
If used with taste and within limits, perhaps it can enhance the fabric of the song which must already be present.
Name
Ibtissam
-
Profession
student
Question
How do you see the way forward in creating a more unified muslim community here in the UK?
Answer
Peace Ibtissam - I see the problem emanating from the tendency of community leaders in being rather narrow in their concern for the Ummah. All Muslims belong to one nation in the sight of Allah, we must learn tolerance and openness in looking at others.
Name
Hinah Khan
- Pakistan
Profession
student
Question
Assalam o alaikum,
Brother Yusuf, My brothers and I are huge fans of your Islamic songs. But they are difficult to get hold of in Pakistan. The youth in Pakistan has no idea that songs like yours even exist. Therefore, they listen to western and Indian music the sort which is haram in Islam. Please if its possible, introduce and advertise your albums in Pakistan as well, so that the youth here have a halal alternative. We really think you and Zain Bhika are doing an excellent job.
May Allah give you more success in future.
Allah Hafiz
Answer
Peace Hinah - You'll be pleased to know that our products can now be purchased online through www.molstore.com. We are hoping to ship to more and more countries as time goes on, insha'Allah.
Name
Hussein
-
Profession
Question
salam alaikom, Allah bless you brother. my demand is that you ask forgivness for me.
your Brother Hussein from Morocco.
Answer
Peace Hussein - I ask that Allah forgives us all and guides us to His Pleasure and Mercy.
Name
Mogib Hassan
-
Profession
POET and Monshed
Question
Salam Aleekom..
Time is about to end,it seems I was not lucky enough to get answers to my questions, All the best to our star, I hope to get a reply to my letter some how.
Mogib Hassan
Answer
Peace Mogib - You will be pleased to know that you are the last contributor I have adressed.
Notice:We apologize to our visitors whose questions haven't been answered. We received about 100 questions and our guest tried to answer all of them. However, the time of the session (150 minutes) didn't permit him to do so. Mr Yusuf Islam has promised to meet you all again in a new live dialogue soon.
