Yusuf Islam Reflects on Life, Faith, and Music in New Memoir

Yusuf Islam, formerly known as the iconic singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, is set to share his life story in a new memoir, titled Cat on the Road to Findout, releasing in early October. The book offers deep insights into his spiritual journey, career challenges, and the impact of his conversion to Islam.

In a recent video interview, the 77-year-old artist reflected on pivotal moments in his life that shaped his identity. He recounted three near-death experiences, the most significant occurring in 1975. While swimming in the Pacific Ocean, he found himself in a life-threatening situation. “I thought I could swim well, but I could not fight or beat the ocean. I had only seconds left,” he recalled. In that moment of vulnerability, he prayed, promising to dedicate his life to God if he survived.

This prayer marked the beginning of a profound spiritual exploration for Islam, who had already faced his own mortality after a tuberculosis diagnosis at the age of 20. His quest for meaning led him to study various philosophies, ultimately culminating in his conversion to Islam in 1977, following the gift of a Quran from his brother.

Islam’s transition from a celebrated pop star to a religious figure was not without its challenges. He officially changed his name from Steven Georgiou to Yusuf Islam and released what he considered his final album as Cat Stevens, Back to Earth, in 1978. For nearly three decades, he refrained from producing music that featured instruments, grappling with the belief that his faith prohibited such expressions.

Despite the challenges, he acknowledges that his past musical contributions were significant. “I didn’t understand how meaningful and motivating anthems like Peace Train or Father and Son had been,” he admitted. His music, described by Art Garfunkel during his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2014 as a “huge building block in the proud edifice of rock ’n’ roll,” continues to resonate with fans around the world.

Islam’s memoir seeks to clarify the motivations behind his music, his philanthropic efforts, and his controversial statements regarding cultural issues, including the fatwa on author Salman Rushdie. He also reflects on his return to music, which began in earnest after his son, Muhammad, introduced him to the guitar in 2002. This rekindled passion led to a series of new albums and collaborations, including a notable feature with Dolly Parton and Paul McCartney.

The book also addresses Islam’s advocacy for peace and education, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. He expressed concern over the violence and its implications for future generations, stating, “The new generation who sees this, they’re not going to forget about it.”

Throughout the memoir, Islam grapples with the duality of his life experiences—balancing celebrity with a commitment to spirituality and charity. He candidly acknowledges past mistakes, including his handling of media interactions and personal relationships, while celebrating his achievements in establishing schools and promoting peace initiatives.

As Islam embarks on this new chapter, he aims to engage his audience through both music and storytelling. “I’m in my best element when I’m actually singing my heart out,” he remarked. His journey, marked by profound transformations, continues to inspire discussions about faith, identity, and the power of music.

The memoir is expected to resonate deeply with fans and readers who have followed his journey from a pop idol to a spiritual leader, providing a comprehensive look at the life of one of music’s most enigmatic figures.