Yusuf Islam has released his new pop album “an other cup” after 28 years of absence from the music industry (western music industry). Because all these while he has been producing Islamic albums such as; A is for Allah, I Look, I See, Night of Remembrance, Footsteps in the Light, The Life of The Last Prophet and others.
All these while Yusuf Islam has been researching whether Music other than Nasheeds were haram (forbidden) in Islam. In an interview with Q-News Magazine, published early October 2003, this is what Yusuf’s views were about music:
“I still do not believe that the issue of music is as clear-cut as some would like to present it. I cannot agree with the view that all types of music are haram (forbidden); neither do I hold the view that all music is halal (permitted). But I think there is a wide difference between sex driven disco music and morally motivating devotional songs. It’s well documented that the Prophet (peace be upon him) witnessed and even encouraged certain forms of entertainment during social and commemorative occasions. I personally do not use guitars or other musical instruments other than percussion. That does not mean I would point a finger at other people who were able to use those in a proper way.”
In his new album he uses various types of musical instruments, including the guitar. I guess since 2003 his views about music and the usage of musical instruments in Islam has changed once again.
In one of the songs of his new album “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” he talks about this issue. Because he says “But I’m just a soul whose intentions are good, Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood“. We all know that his intentions are good and that he only wants to promote Islam with his comeback to the industry. May Allah SWT reward him for that and forgive him if his ijtihad (personal judgement) about Music is wrong.
One Comment
Mashaallah, this is the first time i came across this wonderful lecture. I live in Malaysia and has been reading a lot about Yousuf Islam and sincerely I admired him for his courage and sincererity. Similar to what Mr. Yousuf did, the Chief Ministerof Kedah, one of the states in Malaysia, and I started a foundation to help eradicate what we termed as “hard-core poverty” in Kedah. Allhamdulillah,to date we manage to provide assistance in the form of creating jobs as well as building homes for these unfortunates to live. We have just completed building 27 new homes for Madrasah ( religious school) that was totally burnt down from a candle fire used by an old mother to light her room. We have another 100 homes to build after the Eid, insyaallah. The lecture by the Honorable Imam inspired me most and insyaallah, I will place my effort in making these poor muslims back to a respectable place and be respected by others.
The Honorable Chief Minister has placed great hope that one day all poor muslims in the state will be better off and this can happen with the help of Allah the Almighty, insyaallah. May Allah bless you and may Allah bless all of us the Muslim brothers and sisiters. ameen.