Yusuf Islam Reflects on Life and Faith in New Memoir

Yusuf Islam, formerly known as the iconic singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, has released a new memoir titled Cat on the Road to Findout, which explores his transformative journey from pop star to spiritual seeker. The book delves into his early life, his conversion to Islam, and the complexities of his return to music after a long hiatus.

In the memoir, Islam recounts near-death experiences that shaped his perspective on life. The first occurred during his teenage years while he was jumping between rooftops, narrowly avoiding disaster with the help of a friend. The second incident took place at age 20 when he was diagnosed with tuberculosis after coughing blood. His third brush with death happened in 1975, when he struggled against the Pacific Ocean’s currents while swimming in Malibu, California. “I thought I could swim well, but I could not fight or beat the ocean,” Islam reflected in a recent video interview. In that moment, he prayed for survival, promising to dedicate his life to God if he was saved.

Following these experiences, Islam became a spiritual seeker, influenced by various philosophies and religions. His brother introduced him to the Quran after a trip to a mosque in Jerusalem, igniting a profound change in his life. “If I was doing a tour, I would be in my hotel room, door locked and reading,” Islam shared, reflecting on the impact of his newfound faith. In 1977, he converted to Islam, changed his name, and released his final album as Cat Stevens, Back to Earth.

The transition was not without its challenges. Islam acknowledged that he could have better navigated his departure from the music scene, recognizing the significance of his past songs like Peace Train and Father and Son. Despite not releasing new music for nearly three decades, he left an indelible mark on the industry, influencing generations of artists.

In his memoir, Islam attempts to clarify his past actions, including his controversial comments regarding the fatwa issued against author Salman Rushdie in 1989. He addresses his charitable work, including efforts to support Palestinian causes and advocate for Muslim children in England. Islam’s return to music began in 2002, prompted by his son, Muhammad, who bought a guitar while attending college in London. This pivotal moment reignited Islam’s creativity, leading to new recordings and collaborations with artists like Dolly Parton and Paul McCartney.

Throughout the years, Islam grappled with the notion of music within his faith. He initially believed that Islam prohibited music, a belief that changed as he explored different interpretations of his religion. “I didn’t see any borders. I go back to unity,” he stated. His 2014 book, Why I Still Carry a Guitar, served as a direct response to the Muslim community, explaining his relationship with music and faith.

Yusuf Islam’s memoir also touches on his childhood experiences in London’s Catholic schools, where he first questioned the nature of sin and morality. “Religion constantly made me feel guilty about nice-looking things,” he wrote, highlighting the internal conflict between his faith and the world around him. This tension has characterized much of his life as he navigated between fame and philanthropy.

As he reflects on contemporary issues, Islam expresses concern over the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, calling it a “watershed moment.” He has faced criticism over perceived associations with Hamas, which he categorically denies, attributing difficulties in securing a U.S. visa to these misunderstandings.

Through his memoir, Yusuf Islam seeks to articulate a more nuanced understanding of his journey, combining candid reflections with a commitment to his faith and music. “I was looking for answers, and a lot of that was in the music,” he said. Now, as he continues to create, he emphasizes the importance of speaking his truth and sharing his story with the world.