The Muslim singer Yusuf Islam has announced the release of his new album called ‘Tell ‘Em I’m Gone’ in October.
Yusuf wrote his own songs for the new album which will be released on Oct 27, his website reported.
He will also tour Britain, Canada and, for the first time in more than 35 years, North America, since his conversion to Islam.
Commonly known by his former stage name Cat Stevens, Yusuf Islam is a British singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, humanitarian, and education philanthropist. He is a prominent convert to Islam.
Intrigued by Adhan
Years ago, while on holiday in Marrakesh, Morocco, Stevens was intrigued by the Adhan, Islamic call to prayer, which was explained to him as ‘music for God’. Stevens said, “I thought, music for God? I’d never heard that before – I’d heard of music for money, music for fame, music for personal power, but music for God!?”
Later, Stevens’ brother David Gordon brought him a copy of the Qur’an as a birthday gift from a trip to Beit ul-Moqqdas (occupied Palistine). Stevens took to it right away, and began his transition to Islam.
Stevens formally converted to Islam on December 23, 1977, taking the name Yusuf Islam in 1978. Regarding his conversion, he stated, “I had found the spiritual home I’d been seeking for most of my life.”
Since 1979, he has devoted himself to educational and philanthropic causes in the Muslim community. He has received several awards for his work in promoting global peace, including the 2003 World Award, the 2004 Man of Peace Award, and the 2007 Mediterranean Prize for Peace.
