Yusuf Islam Reflects on His Journey in New Memoir

Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, has unveiled a new memoir that explores his transformative journey from pop idol to spiritual seeker. In “Cat on the Road to Findout,” released in early October 2023, Islam reflects on his life, career, and the profound impact of his conversion to Islam.

The recollections in the memoir span significant moments, including three near-death experiences that shaped his outlook on life. The first occurred during his youth when he nearly fell from a rooftop. The second came at the age of 20, when he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. The most harrowing experience happened in late 1975, shortly after he turned 27, while swimming in the Pacific Ocean. “I thought I could swim well, but I could not fight or beat the ocean,” Islam recalls. In desperation, he prayed for survival, promising to devote his life to God. A wave then pushed him to safety, marking a pivotal moment in his spiritual journey.

Introduced to the Quran by his brother David, Islam embraced Islam in 1977 and adopted the name Yusuf Islam. This marked a significant shift in his life, as he stepped away from the music scene. His last album as Cat Stevens, titled “Back to Earth,” was released in 1978, after which he refrained from recording music with instruments for nearly 30 years. Reflecting on this period, Islam admits he could have navigated his departure from music more gracefully, acknowledging the emotional connection his fans had to songs like “Peace Train” and “Father and Son.”

Despite his absence from the music industry, Islam’s influence continued to resonate. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, where fellow musician Art Garfunkel praised him, stating, “This guy is better than Paul Simon.”

As he delves into his past in the memoir, Islam addresses controversial moments, including his advocacy for Palestinians and comments surrounding the fatwa on Salman Rushdie. He discusses the pressure he felt regarding music in Islam, a concern that initially led him to sell his musical equipment at a London auction house in 1981.

Islam’s return to music was catalyzed by his son, Muhammad, who brought a guitar into their home in 2002. This rekindled Islam’s passion for music, leading to a series of albums that included collaborations with notable artists like Dolly Parton and Paul McCartney. Through his music, he has sought to redefine his interpretation of Islam, emphasizing unity over sectarian divisions.

“Explaining things is a dry way of communicating,” Islam states, highlighting the importance of expressing his beliefs through song. He believes that engaging with music allows him to convey deeper meanings about faith and existence, a sentiment reflected in his writings and performances.

The memoir also touches on his experiences growing up in a Catholic school in London, where he grappled with existential questions from an early age. He shares his internal conflicts regarding religion and the world around him, revealing a lifelong quest for truth that continues to shape his life’s work.

In discussing current global issues, Islam expresses concern over the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, describing it as a “watershed moment.” He has faced scrutiny for perceived associations with extremist groups, a narrative he strongly denies, citing his commitment to peace and understanding.

As he moves forward, Islam emphasizes the importance of authenticity in his art. “If you’ve managed to grab the truth, you feel much more confident in talking about it,” he reflects, underscoring the significance of his spiritual journey.

With “Cat on the Road to Findout,” Yusuf Islam offers a candid and insightful look into his life, revealing the complexities of balancing fame, faith, and personal growth. The memoir serves as not only a reflection on his past but also as a testament to the enduring power of music as a means of connection and understanding in an ever-changing world.