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Post by heartbroken on Jun 29, 2008 23:13:17 GMT -5
I have to say that I watched the special on PBS tonight, Sunday, June 29, 2008, and I was in tears during many parts of the interview. This was mostly due to hearing his old music which had such a profound impact on me as a teenager. I literally viewed Cat as an iconic hero...a man who not only sang beautifully but who wrote songs from his heart, songs about finding love, peace and harmony in the world. Two of his hits, "Peace Train" and "Morning Has Broken" were both songs that always touched my soul deeply.
However, when I discovered that not only had he embraced Islam as his religion, but also became an Imam, I was not only devastated, I was sick at heart and I felt betrayed by this man who spoke so much of finding peace in the world.
Now, I have to say, I wasn't so upset about him embracing Islam as I was about him being a part of an Islamic contract for murder put out against Solomon Rushdie for writing "Satanic Verses" back in the 80s. He and numerous other Moslems offered a million dollars for Rushdie's head as they believed his novel was sacriligious and an affront against Islam. This put him in a whole different light for me...one of "not so peaceful" after all. I was appalled.
I was heartsick hearing about his involvement in this situation. And, I was not happy about his becoming a Moslem because I was married to a Syrian Moslem for 7 years. Therefore, I have personal experience with this subject. I read the Koran and even dressed in the berka for a time. I found nothing inspiring in the Koran, and I felt very oppressed as an Islamic wife. I did not embrace Islam nor do I embrace any major religion to this day.
I am happy that Cat found peace in his mind by embracing something. It's just that Islam is not the "peaceful" religious philosophy that some people think that it is. During the two hours that I watched Cat Steven's special, I was happy and bitterly sad at the same time. I cried several times as I miss the man he used to be, but I refuse to think that "Cat Stevens" is gone forever. I know he still lives inside there somewhere. Cat....I love you still....and I will always hold dear the music you made and sang in the 70s. I wish you and your family peace. In'shallah
Allahyakum ah salam
Cindee (heartbroken)
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Post by Milan on Jun 30, 2008 4:06:48 GMT -5
hmmm... ok.
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Post by Novim on Jun 30, 2008 5:19:29 GMT -5
I am really sorry about what you have to say, Cindee. I have spent a lot of time researching Yusuf's life and have to tell you that much of what was said at that troubled time was inaccurately reported and Yusuf was held accountable when he should not have been. I think he was seen as a potential figurehead for a rather more extreme form of Islam and was exploited as he was a 'name' and would therefore be listened to. These were very difficult days indeed for a very reluctant Yusuf and, if you see him back then, he looks extremely uncomfortable by the position he has been put in. Things have changed! It is much better to forget those times of 20 years ago and look forward.
In one interview I saw one angry Muslim say,' Ours is not a forgiving religion, we do not turn the other cheek - we fight back'. This is very sad (I'm not sure that I believe it!) and also strange because, as Yusuf says, the word Islam means Peace and he is certainly living a peaceful life now. Yusuf has undoubtedly mellowed as the years have passed as he has learnt more about the nature of his personal faith and I can assure you that these days he spends most of his time in charitable work helping other people. He has even turned back to his fans and has started making music again, wonderful music!
His is a truly amazing story if you read unbiased reports. We all make mistakes throughout our lives and Yusuf admits to his and has changed his life as he has learnt from his errors. It is long past time that all this should have been laid to rest! But it's a great story for the Press to pursue and resurrect every time Yusf's name is mentioned. In my experience if you know anything at all about a subject and you see it reported in the Press it is nearly always inaccurately reported. Don't you agree? People change and if they can make a positive mark in this world then that is all anyone could wish for. Yusuf is making his mark now and I commend him for it. Most of us can only hope to achieve a fraction of what he has done!
Please could you tell me a little more about the PBS programme? We didn't get it in England. Who presented it and did you manage to record it? If so, I'd love to see it to see what slant was placed upon the reporting of the story.
Please Cindee, continue to enjoy the music, let it uplift you and remember that the man making it sincerely wishes that the Peace Train will arrive soon!
Very best wishes,
Novim
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Post by heartbroken on Jun 30, 2008 5:30:29 GMT -5
Novim....you said much that is so true, and done with such grace. I applaud your entire comment, and, yes, much of what the media reports is often skewed if not totally in error at times.
I was extremely emotional today during the interview with him. I'm sorry, but I did not record it. I thought that the interview was actually done very well and rather unbiased. It was more of a documentary of his life and music than anything. And, I want you to know that I STILL love his music and admire the creative talent that is his gift, even now.
Indeed, we do all make mistakes in our life. That's what creates the wisdom in our mature years. To coin an old cliche, "Youth is wasted on the young!"
I want to thank you for your wonderful response. After posting my comment and then reading yours, I have to say that my heart is much lighter now.
Thank you so very much,
Cindee
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Post by Vivian on Jun 30, 2008 5:39:26 GMT -5
I'm glad your heart is lighter now, Cindee, because what Novim says is true. The media has a way of twisting people's words around to make it look like they're saying one thing when actually they are saying something else. Pretty much that's what happened with Yusuf. You know the old saying "Actions speak louder than words", well, take a look at all the good Yusuf has done to help poverty ridden people or those torn apart by disaster, no matter what religion they are, and those actions do speak for themselves.
Peace,Vivian
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Post by heartbroken on Jun 30, 2008 5:49:09 GMT -5
Yes, Vivian. I wholeheartedly agree. I truly believe that actions speak louder than words, and I have been reading about all the great things that he is doing to help others. My tears tonight was apparently a releasing of 30 years of disappointment in him and the strong emotions that his music evokes in me. Thank you for your remarks as well.
Cindee
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Post by catty on Jun 30, 2008 11:53:38 GMT -5
The only you could lobby against Yusuf Islam about Rusdie affair. Was the vague opaqueness regarding the fatwa. Yes he stressed the party line rather than having a personal opion on it. Against or For it. On both sides he was used. The tabloid on this issue nearly destoyed the reputation of a good man. Also by some in the muslim community who wanted to use his fame for there own purpose as a spokeman. For a very thorny issue that he was ill equiped to argue on it. We all have to grow up sometimes and perhaps he saw islam as a way to escape the prison of "Cat Stevens". Given his obivous nack for music with fleeting glimpes that talent in song writing like "The little ones" "A is for allah" and "God is the light". But these days its good to see him mellowed out a bit and smiling a bit more  |
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Post by suncatcher on Jun 30, 2008 12:58:45 GMT -5
But these days its good to see him mellowed out a bit and smiling a bit more This reminds me of some quotes from an article of a Year 2000 interview with Yusuf: In the late '70s, I didn't know what to smile about. I was confused. . .
. . .when I read the Koran . . . I began to realize that I could look back and laugh at myself.
. . . In "Wild World," I once sang "It's hard to get by just upon a smile," but I've changed my opinion about smiles. I think smiles are very important. ~Sun~ |
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Post by suncatcher on Jun 30, 2008 14:03:47 GMT -5
However, when I discovered that not only had he embraced Islam as his religion, but also became an Imam, I was not only devastated, I was sick at heart and I felt betrayed by this man who spoke so much of finding peace in the world. Now, I have to say, I wasn't so upset about him embracing Islam as I was about him being a part of an Islamic contract for murder put out against Solomon Rushdie for writing "Satanic Verses" back in the 80s. He and numerous other Moslems offered a million dollars for Rushdie's head as they believed his novel was sacriligious and an affront against Islam. This put him in a whole different light for me...one of "not so peaceful" after all. I was appalled. I am happy that Cat found peace in his mind by embracing something. It's just that Islam is not the "peaceful" religious philosophy that some people think that it is. Cindee (heartbroken) Hi, Cindee, I'm curious about your post, since I've never read nor heard of Yusuf referring to himself as an Imam, nor that Yusuf was part of a "contract for murder." Personally, I have found that true Islam is indeed the most peaceful and beautiful of religions. I think it’s only fair that we read Yusuf’s own words related to such subjects -yet again. So here are some relevant quotes. I apologize that I’m not gifted enough to shorten this post more than I have – please forgive me for that.
Cat Stevens - In His Own Words (A 2000 Interview)
The backlash over reports that I'd supposedly endorsed the death sentence that Islamic fundamentalists had levied against Salmon Rushdie for the alleged blasphemy of The Satanic Verses hurt quite a lot because that whole episode was taken out of context. [/i] Chinese Whiskers: Did Cat Stevens Say, ‘Kill Rushdie!’ ?
I never called for the death of Salman Rushdie; nor backed the Fatwa issued by the Ayatollah Khomeini - and still don’t.
. . .
The accusation that I supported the Fatwa, therefore, is wholly false and misleading. It was due to my naivety in trying to answer a loaded question posed by a journalist, after a harmless biographical lecture I gave to students in Kingston University in 1989, which unleashed the infamous headline above.
. . .
Sad too that no matter how many times I’ve repeatedly tried to explain my true position, journalists inevitably bring up this subject again and again; as if it was the only memorable thing I was reported to have done in my almost sixty years living on this planet (yawn). [/i] Islam: A Home of Tolerance, not Fanaticism
By Yusuf Islam (formerly the singer Cat Stevens) [September 21, 2001]
I came to Islam in my late 20s, during my searching period as a wandering pop star. I found a religion that blended scientific reason with spiritual reality in a unifying faith far removed from the headlines of violence, destruction and terrorism. One of the first interesting things I learned in the Koran was that the name of the faith comes from the word salam - peace. . . the Koran presented a belief in the universal existence of God, one God for all. It does not discriminate against peoples; it says we may be different colors and from different tribes, but we are all human and “the best of people are the most God- conscious”.
. . .
The Koran specifically declares: “If anyone murders an (innocent) person, it will be as if he has murdered the whole of humanity. And if anyone saves a person it will be as if he has saved the whole of humanity.”
The Koran that our young people learn is full of stories and lessons from the history of humanity as a whole. The Gospels and the Torah are referred to; Jesus and Abraham are mentioned. In fact there is more mention in the Koran of the prophet Moses than of any other. It acknowledges the coexistence of other faiths, and in doing so acknowledges that other cultures can live together in peace.
. . .
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, . . . “A believer remains within the scope of his religion as long as he doesn’t kill another person illegally.” Such knowledge and words of guidance are desperately needed at this time, to separate fact from falsehood, and to recognise the Last Prophet’s own definition of that which makes a person representative, or otherwise, of the faith he lived and the one we try to teach. [/i] ~Sun~ |
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Post by suncatcher on Jun 30, 2008 14:07:00 GMT -5
I have to say that I watched the special on PBS tonight, Sunday, June 29, 2008, and I was in tears during many parts of the interview. This was mostly due to hearing his old music which had such a profound impact on me as a teenager. I literally viewed Cat as an iconic hero...a man who not only sang beautifully but who wrote songs from his heart, songs about finding love, peace and harmony in the world. Two of his hits, "Peace Train" and "Morning Has Broken" were both songs that always touched my soul deeply. . . . During the two hours that I watched Cat Steven's special, I was happy and bitterly sad at the same time. I cried several times as I miss the man he used to be, but I refuse to think that "Cat Stevens" is gone forever. I know he still lives inside there somewhere. Cat....I love you still....and I will always hold dear the music you made and sang in the 70s. I wish you and your family peace. In'shallah Allahyakum ah salam Cindee (heartbroken) Hi, Cindee, Thank you for your thoughts. Many fans have expressed views similar to yours here on the Majicat messageboard, and I, too, believe that the soul of Cat still lives in Yusuf. Insha'Allah (God-willing), Yusuf will continue to write beautiful songs. I hope that we can all find Cat's spirit in Yusuf's new songs as well as in his timeless, older songs. Your heartfelt post made me want to share a couple of quotes and a poem related to this subject: Cat Stevens - In His Own Words (A 2000 Interview)
A lot of people felt when I became Muslim that I'd turned my back. But what I was trying to do was live up to the moral objectives which I'd set for myself, which a lot of my songs were about. You can't keep on singing. At some point you've got to do it. My big mistake was not being able to communicate clearly my reasons and my rationale. I was floating on a cloud and didn't know how to get people to float on the cloud with me. And Yusuf says in his biography at catstevens.com: Today I am in a unique position as a looking glass through which Muslims can see the west and the west can see Islam, and it is important for me to be able to help bridge the cultural gaps others are sometimes frightened to cross. [/i] I Fall ThroughA poem to Yusuf, written from the point-of-view of a Cat Stevens fan I thought if I could touch you I could touch your magic Could take your swirling images And somehow make them real Something I could feel So. . . I reached out to touch you But found this gaping emptiness Like falling through the looking glass And never finding you - just simply falling through And somewhere in my stumbling Confusion’s crazy crumbling In all my foolish fumbling I lost my faith in you. . . And. . . I threw away your images With all their empty promises So sweet, yet so untrue. . . But. . . Your songs keep coming through. . . And each is like a looking glass Where I see you, each time you pass— Compelling me to follow you And so I do. . . And I fall through . . . And all at once, I’m in a world
Where sight is dimmed and thoughts are swirled
Where spirits waken to your sound
Where body’s lost, but soul is found
Where notes dance with eternity
So beautifully, so heavenly
And every note is lifting me
Till you are there, right next to me
And. . .
Your voice is like a healing wine
Where angels, God, and soul entwine
So purely singing all I feel –
And nothing else could be so real. . .This looking glass that I fall through Reveals the world where I find you A world that’s real, though made of sound. . . The sweetest place I’ve ever found ~Sun~ |
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Post by heartbroken on Jun 30, 2008 14:37:59 GMT -5
Sun....thank you and bless you for your eloquently stated comments. I found a tremendous amount of inner peace from the responses I have received so far. I want to thank all of you who have responded for helping me to come to terms with my personal long-term pain about this issue.
It was exceptionally cathartic for me to learn that he was not actually ever involved in that terrible ordeal with the Rushdie book situation. It was during the height of the controversy that I heard in a news cast that Cat had become an Imam. I am assuming that that too was false at this point.
Hearing from so many about him, and learning about all the charitable work he is doing, and has done, brought my spirit back up to par with what I've always felt about him. He is, truly then, the man of peace that this idealistic teenager always believed he was within.
As for the religion, having experienced living it firsthand, I can honestly say that I was not impressed with the tenets of the faith as I never really met someone who practiced the literal words of the Koran. And, yes, there are some wonderful passages in the Koran.
Sadly, most of the men who "abide" by the faith have distorted passages to its most terrible interpretation. Many Islamic men "say" that women are "respected and cherished" by the faith; however, my personal experience was one of exceptionally oppressive treatment. Women are most often treated like chattel. Mind you, this is just one women's experience, but it has left a sour taste in my mouth.
Many thanks,
Cindee
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Post by mjtrewhella on Jun 30, 2008 14:47:19 GMT -5
Listen Heartbroken , to all these lovelly people on this sight. I have met this wonderful man and his family a couple of times in the last few years . I have chatted with him , he was happy to shake my hand and introduced me to his wife . There is not an evil bone in his body,and he still has a twinkle in his eye and a great smile .He radiates peace and love . He is such a humble good man ,he would hate to be thought of as Iconic ,michele
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Post by heartbroken on Jun 30, 2008 15:23:06 GMT -5
It is as I have always believed, Michelle. Thank you for reinforcing that fact for me and others. You are indeed fortunate to have had the pleasure of meeting the person I have always adored and thought highly about. His songs expressed what has always been in my own heart with regard to the world. I now understand he was simply following his own heart to find himself and peace in this world. I have been informed. I am grateful and happy that my incorrect perception was corrected.
Peace to you all,
Cindee
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Post by Vivian on Jun 30, 2008 16:16:41 GMT -5
Listen Heartbroken , to all these lovelly people on this sight. I have met this wonderful man and his family a couple of times in the last few years . I have chatted with him , he was happy to shake my hand and introduced me to his wife . There is not an evil bone in his body,and he still has a twinkle in his eye and a great smile .He radiates peace and love . He is such a humble good man ,he would hate to be thought of as Iconic ,michele I've met him not once but TWICE. And I must say every single word here is true. Yusuf is without one of the most peaceful humans on this planet. Peace,Vivian |
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shunra
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I'm on my way I know I am, somewhere not so far from here...
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Post by shunra on Jul 1, 2008 9:23:41 GMT -5
I think he was quite naive, and he was exploited by those muslims who used his name, and of course he was used by the media...
In regrad to the issue of women, living in Israel, you hear a lot about murders in the family, where brothers or fathers murder their sisters or daughters, in muslim families, because they suspect them of destroying the familiy's reputation, I've heard it's commanded in the koran but I am not sure.., anyway it is horrible..
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Post by Vivian on Jul 1, 2008 9:30:19 GMT -5
I think he was quite naive, and he was exploited by those muslims who used his name, and of course he was used by the media... In regrad to the issue of women, living in Israel, you hear a lot about murders in the family, where brothers or fathers murder their sisters or daughters, in muslim families, because they suspect them of destroying the familiy's reputation, I've heard it's commanded in the koran but I am not sure.., anyway it is horrible.. According to Yusuf himself, so called "honor killings" is forbidden and is NOT stated in the qu'ran. Peace,Vivian |
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shunra
Bitterblue Member
I'm on my way I know I am, somewhere not so far from here...
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Post by shunra on Jul 1, 2008 9:37:17 GMT -5
Thanks for the information,Vivian, but from where that custom evolved in the muslim society? it's not a custom in any other society I've heard of...
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Post by Milan on Jul 1, 2008 9:54:55 GMT -5
heh heh... calling kareema
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Post by Vivian on Jul 1, 2008 10:50:09 GMT -5
Thanks for the information,Vivian, but from where that custom evolved in the muslim society? it's not a custom in any other society I've heard of... Well, that's not correct. Honor Killings occurs in MANY different societies. Peace,Vivian |
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shunra
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I'm on my way I know I am, somewhere not so far from here...
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Post by shunra on Jul 1, 2008 11:21:58 GMT -5
In what societies, can you be more specific ?
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Post by suncatcher on Jul 1, 2008 13:52:13 GMT -5
As for the religion, having experienced living it firsthand, I can honestly say that I was not impressed with the tenets of the faith as I never really met someone who practiced the literal words of the Koran. And, yes, there are some wonderful passages in the Koran. Cindee Hi, Cindee, When I think about what you're saying here, I find that it's the people who don't practice the religious tenets that give a bad impression, rather than the religious tenets themselves. Yes, there are wonderful passages in the Koran. Sadly, most of the men who "abide" by the faith have distorted passages to its most terrible interpretation. I think there are always some, but not most, people who will distort religious passages to support terrible interpretations. This is true in all religions - the KKK comes to mind - but it's the bad interpretations, not the religions, that are the problem. I believe that the vast majority of people - regardless of their religion - correctly interpret their religion as a guide for peaceful living within themselves and their own religious communities, and with all of humanity. Many Islamic men "say" that women are "respected and cherished" by the faith; however, my personal experience was one of exceptionally oppressive treatment. Women are most often treated like chattel. Mind you, this is just one women's experience, but it has left a sour taste in my mouth. I'm sorry for your personal experience, especially because it prevented you from finding the truth and beauty of Islam. Women are respected and cherished by the Islamic faith - but those who don't practice what they preach can make it seem otherwise. In Islam, we are constantly taught that we must practice good deeds, not just preach about them. As to terrible interpretations, Yusuf mentions "the distorted ideas and misdeeds of those who have turned from the path of Muhammad and his work in guiding humanity to peace and happiness." He says the following in The Muslim Citizen in a Global Village:
Unfortunately, most Muslims today are born Muslims . . .
[Probably like your ex-husband, Cindee - meaning those who tend to follow their culture, even when it doesn't follow the Koran and the example of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh)] Maybe the solution is that we all need to act like new Muslims, starting at the beginning.
We must also be able to criticize our own selves if we are to be amongst the guided.
The first place to start reformation is with ourselves.
We should look to our responsibility in giving this universal message to the people who are ignorant of it, that includes Muslims as well as non-Muslims - Mankind all together.[/blockquote][/i] I pray for all Muslims to be the best example they can be, and that you will meet some truly good Muslims, Cindee. Peace, ~Sun~ |
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Post by suncatcher on Jul 1, 2008 13:57:00 GMT -5
I think he was quite naive, and he was exploited by those muslims who used his name, and of course he was used by the media... In regrad to the issue of women, living in Israel, you hear a lot about murders in the family, where brothers or fathers murder their sisters or daughters, in muslim families, because they suspect them of destroying the familiy's reputation, I've heard it's commanded in the koran but I am not sure.., anyway it is horrible.. According to Yusuf himself, so called "honor killings" is forbidden and is NOT stated in the qu'ran. Peace,Vivian Thank you, Vivian. You're absolutely right. ~Sun~ |
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shunra
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I'm on my way I know I am, somewhere not so far from here...
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Post by shunra on Jul 1, 2008 15:41:12 GMT -5
I think that all the major institutionalized religions changed and evolved through the years, sometimes even became quite remote from the origional message of their founder..like the catholic inquisition ..or the vatican ,with it's grandiosity, it's quite far from the message of simplicity that Jesus taught.In judaism all the laws of interpertation of the bible that religious people live, by, is sometimes so meticuolus, that the origional reason for doing it, is neglected. Maybe the religion of Islam stayed relatively quite authentic to the original message, without including the intepretations of the extremists...
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Post by heartbroken on Jul 1, 2008 19:22:23 GMT -5
Sun.....it would seem that perhaps I've ALREADY met some good Moslems....here! Thank you so much for your input. It is truly appreciated.
Cindee
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shunra
Bitterblue Member
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Post by shunra on Jul 2, 2008 2:49:03 GMT -5
Vivian, can you please answer my question, I am really curious, in what other societies there is a custom of" honor killings" of women in the family ?
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Post by cristalina on Jul 2, 2008 6:36:08 GMT -5
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Post by suncatcher on Jul 2, 2008 16:38:50 GMT -5
I think that all the major institutionalized religions changed and evolved through the years, sometimes even became quite remote from the origional message of their founder..like the catholic inquisition ..or the vatican ,with it's grandiosity, it's quite far from the message of simplicity that Jesus taught.In judaism all the laws of interpertation of the bible that religious people live, by, is sometimes so meticuolus, that the origional reason for doing it, is neglected. Maybe the religion of Islam stayed relatively quite authentic to the original message, without including the intepretations of the extremists... What a great post, Shunra - it really makes one stop and think. Thank you. ~Sun~ |
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Post by suncatcher on Jul 2, 2008 16:46:21 GMT -5
Sun.....it would seem that perhaps I've ALREADY met some good Moslems....here! Thank you so much for your input. It is truly appreciated. Cindee It was my pleasure, Cindee. Insha’Allah, you’ll find good Muslims associated with any and all of Yusuf’s endeavors – most notably, Yusuf himself. I highly recommend his mountainoflight website – it has reliable Islamic information that’s clear and easy to understand. Yusuf’s talks and articles are full of wisdom - eye-opening and heart-healing. Thank you for beginning this thread. I especially appreciate the frankness and sincerity of your original post. I think you were wise to air your thoughts rather than let them embitter you. And thank you for being open-minded. You remind me of Yusuf in the way that your heart seeks the truth. Keep seeking! Peace, ~Sun~ |
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Post by Vivian on Jul 2, 2008 20:28:44 GMT -5
In what societies, can you be more specific ? I do know Honor Killings occur in many African nations. Not sure which countries, but take a look at the link Cristalina posted above. That might help you. Peace,Vivian |
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shunra
Bitterblue Member
I'm on my way I know I am, somewhere not so far from here...
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Post by shunra on Jul 3, 2008 11:31:15 GMT -5
Thanks for the links, Cristalina, I am a hatha yoga(which originated in the hindu tradition) teacher, and kundalini yoga(sikh tradition)student, in both traditions you have to practice "Ahimsa" which means "non-violence" towards any living creature, that's the reason that they are vegeterians....even to kill animals is forbbiden...so it's news to me that there are "honour killings" among those societies too...  Thanks suncatcher for your compliment..  |
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