Recently in Nov. 2006, his first pop album after 28 years, "An Other Cup", was released under the name Yusuf.
He currently lives in London with his wife and children, where he is an active member of the Muslim community.
Following Ayatollah Khomeini's February 14, 1989 death fatwa against author Salman Rushdie, he made statements that were interpreted as endorsing the killing of Rushdie. This generated a furor among a number of celebrities and free-speech activists in the West who spoke out about his comments on radio stations and newspaper editorials. On February 21, 1989, Yusuf Islam addressed students at Kingston University in London about his conversion to Islam and was asked about the controversy in the Muslim world and the fatwa calling for Salman Rushdie's execution. He replied, "He must be killed. The Qur'an makes it clear - if someone defames the prophet, then he must die."
He founded, and is chairman of, the Small Kindness charity, which initially assisted famine victims in Africa and now supports thousands of orphans and families in the Balkans, Indonesia, and Iraq. Islam also founded the charity Muslim Aid, but left as founding Chairman in 1999.
opening
Yusuf Islam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bismillahirahmannurrahim
Alhamdulilahirobil 'alamin
Arohmanirahim
Maliqiaumiddhin
I'aqanaqbudhu wa'iaqanaq sto'im
Ihh dhinassiroh thalmustaqim
Shirohthal lazih na'an'am tha'alaihim
Waladho... lhim... Aameen...
The lyrics above are the opening lines for Yusuf Islam's song "Opening". These lines are in Arabic and are a typical Muslim invocation before reciting anything from the Quran or before beginning any task.
The first line, "Auzubillahiminalsyaitonirajim" means "I seek refuge in Allah from Satan the accursed". Muslims believe that reciting this line protects them from Satan's influence while reciting or engaging in anything important.
The second line, "Bismillahirahmannurrahim" means "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful". This is also a common Islamic phrase used before undertaking a task or beginning a recitation. It emphasizes that every action should be dedicated to Allah, who is the most merciful and kind.
The following lines express gratitude to Allah as the lord of the worlds, the most compassionate, and the supreme judge of the final day. It also expresses the believer's desire to worship Allah and seek his guidance.
Overall, the song "Opening" reflects Yusuf Islam's deep Islamic faith and emphasizes that all actions should be dedicated to Allah, who is the most compassionate and merciful.
Line by Line Meaning
Auzubillahiminalsyaitonirajim
I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan.
Bismillahirahmannurrahim
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Alhamdulilahirobil 'alamin
All praise is due to Allah alone, the Lord of all worlds.
Arohmanirahim
The Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
Maliqiaumiddhin
Master of the Day of Judgment.
I'aqanaqbudhu wa'iaqanaq sto'im
You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.
Ihh dhinassiroh thalmustaqim
Guide us to the straight path.
Shirohthal lazih na'an'am tha'alaihim
The path of those whom You have favored.
Ghairil mathdhu bi'alaihim
Not of those who earned Your anger.
Waladho... lhim... Aameen...
And there is no god but Allah. Amen.
Writer(s): Yusuf Islam, The Qur'an
Contributed by Carson J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.