Yusuf Islam: Using Multimedia As A Medium Of Da'wah

The amazing sound effects and beautiful Qur'anic recitation illuminate my senses and touch my soul as Prophet Muhammad's (SAW) gentle heart, honorable character and heroism come to life on the 605 freeway.

Only a few years in the religion of Islam, yet Brother Yusuf has touched the lives of many through his blessed talent, sending the message of Islam to millions on both a personal and global level. He can speak to Muslims and non-Muslims because he has lived both lives.

Once upon a time, by the name of Cat Stevens, he was singing music to and for the world. One lyric he sang meant more to him at the time than his listeners could have imagined; it went like this, "… I wish I knew, I wish I knew what makes the Heaven, what makes the Hell? Do I get to know You in my bed or some dusty cell while others reach the big hotel?"

These words were more then a mere song. They were a symbolic representation of the many stages he was going through in his search for Truth. While on his quest, he studied Christianity, Philosophy, and Eastern religions such as Buddhism. These stages were a must for Stevens at the time; without them, he could have never reached a true understanding of life beyond this dunya.

He had one great musical hit after another, but it wasn't until he contracted tuberculosis (TB) and was hospitalized was he ready to face his fear of death. After questioning anything and everything around him, he found that the answers to all of his questions awaited him in a miraculous book that was given to him by his brother (whom, surprisingly, has still not yet taken his shahadah). The book was the Holy Qur'an.

Initially, during his pursuit of an understanding of the knowledge contained in the Qur'an, he was still on top of the music scene, his poetic ability thriving. Another of his heartfelt lyrics went something like this:

"Oh, I'm on my way, I know, somewhere not so far from here. All I know is all I feel right now. I feel the power growing in my hair; sitting on my own not by myself; everybody's here with me.

I don't need to touch your face to know, and I don't need to use my eyes to see; I keep on wondering if I sleep too long, will I ever wake up the same (or so?) And I keep on wondering if I sleep too long, will I even wake up again (or something)?

Little did he know at the time of receiving the Qur'an that it would take his soul on a journey experienced by only one of five people on this planet. One day in the 70's, he actually laid Cat Stevens to rest, but Stevens was never forgotten. Stevens "woke up" to the world as Yusuf Islam.

Brother Yusuf's thirst to know more and more about this Deen, and to spread it, has taken him on a journey that was inconceivable to Cat Stevens. It is the impetus behind his beautiful character, and has inspired his mission to convey the message of Islam to all of Creation.

This thirst is evident in his nasheed (Islamic music), books, lectures, and audio/visual materials. He is blessed with an amazing ability to do Da'wah - a natural gift that speak to the young, the old, the deaf, and the blind alike. His message transcends nationalistic and spiritual barriers, allowing him to speak to the hearts and minds of anyone, anywhere, at all times, and all places… including this young Muslimah on the 605 freeway.