Cat Stevens converted to Islam in December 1977 and adopted the name Yusuf Islam the following year. In 1979, he auctioned all his guitars for charity and left his music career to devote himself to educational and philanthropic causes in the Muslim community. He has been given several awards for his work in promoting peace in the world, including the 2003 World Award, the 2004 Man for Peace Award, and the 2007 Mediterranean Prize for Peace. In 2006, he returned to pop music with his first album of new pop songs in 28 years, entitled An Other Cup. He now goes professionally by the single name Yusuf. His most recent album, Roadsinger, was released on 5 May 2009.

“...It’s a large, comfortable room, with bright red walls and a fluffy white carpet that you can’t walk on in shoes…" "Hearken back to the bed-sit in London’s bustling West End where a young Cat Stevens once lived. The Redroom is a fascinating and inspiring place; it was here that some of his best-loved songs – such as Wild World, Father & Son, Into White and On the Road to Findout, were written. On the first floor, overlooking New Oxford Street, above his father’s Café, he composed, slept and dreamed some of his most profound works against a backdrop of rumbling buses, honking taxis and lunchtime noises. Unforgettably, on Cat’s very 21st birthday in 1969, he and his close friends gathered round there to witness the historic moon landing take place. It was a gift, and an ideal young man’s ‘pad’ in that explosive 60’s era. "Nearly forty years on, the room that has been so historically important in Yusuf’s journey has been revisited. "Here you can view archive footage from days gone by, listen to exclusive audio tracks, read some of Yusuf’s personal writings, view his blog, hear fan cover songs (and submit your own), post on the upcoming Peace Train message board, or browse the extended gallery which contains a number of candid, never seen before photos. However the real bonus for fans is 100 I Dream, Yusuf’s very own “extras' page, which he personally updates."

Yusuf’s decision to leave the music business, become a Muslim, and devote his life to humanitarian and educational causes is one that has often been greeted with a mixture of curiosity and confusion. Realising that he wanted to provide answers to all the questions that his fans and others had, Yusuf established Mountain of Light – a charitable organisation dedicated to promoting a sound understanding of Islam, spiritual knowledge and Yusuf’s own views. On the Mountain of Light website you can listen to audio lectures and read articles on a wide range of topics including faith and music. You will also find an in depth, personal account of Yusuf’s journey to Islam, and his Peace Notes a collection of much needed wisdom on how we can learn to better live with one another.

To Warm You Through the Night

Father and Son ...

Source: Yusuf