A)  I first came to know about Islam through my elder brother David. Five years ago he traveled to Jerusalem, and among the many Holly places he visited Al-Aqsa. He had never been inside a mosque in his life before. The atmosphere was so different from that of the Christian churches and Jewish temples that he had to ask himself, "Why is this religion (Islam) such a big secret?". He was struck by the behavior of the Muslims and their peaceful form of worship. As soon as he returned to England he bought a copy of the Qur'an and gave it to me, because he knew I needed guidance - Alhamdulillah.

A) It was the timeless nature of the message. The words all seemed strangely familiar yet so unlike anything I had ever read before, they were so simple, so clear. Up to this point the purpose of life had always remained an immense mystery to me. I had always believed that there was a master design to it all, but who was the unseen Artist? I had tried many spiritual paths without much satisfaction. I was like a boat without a direction, but when I read the Qur'an it was as if I was made for it, and it for me. For over a year and a half I read and read. During that time I never met one Muslim. I was completely engulfed in the message of the Qur'an. I knew that soon I would have to either submit myself fully, or continue travelling my own way making music. It was the hardest move of my life. One day I met someone who told me about a new mosque which had just opened in London: the time had come for me to accept my religion. I started to walk to the Mosque on a Friday in Winter 1977. After Jum'a (Friday) prayers I approached the Imam and told him I wanted to embrace Islam. That was the first contact I had with the Muslim community.

A) I think a lot of Muslims have lost their way because they have not really studied the Qur'an itself. It is the essence of knowledge and contains true guidance for those who are ready to understand it. I believe that there is only one real Islam: surrender to Allah and obey His messenger. That to me is the only safe road to Paradise. We must distinguish the true from the false by increasing our knowledge and staying close to the company of those who are travelling the right path. It seems Allah Ta'ala has preserved the treasure of Knowledge by scattering numerous keys throughout the world. We Muslims only have to come together in order to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of what Islam really is. All Muslims believe in one God, one Qur'an and Muhammad, peace be upon him, after that it is up to every individual which path he or she wishes to choose. In the end each soul will be responsible for its own deeds.

A) It was not difficult because I knew deep down it was right to give up those vices which were in reality destroying me, like drinking, smoking, usury etc. Yet the hardest thing was to separate myself from my old friends. I couldn't understand why they didn't all grasp the message of Islam. I tried to hold on for as long as I could without cutting myself off, but there came a point when I decided that for the sake of my religion I had to draw the line between my past, and Islam. There were many tests, for instance, when I was amongst non-Muslims I used to have to say "excuse me" and quietly leave to perform my Salat. I didn't use to tell them where I was going, so it must have looked a little strange. Then one day I decided to make it known that I was going to perform my prayers. Immediately everybody accepted it and respected me for it. When you stand up and do your duty Allah makes it easy for you, after that I never had much problem.

A) When I was young I began to take a strong interest in music. My father bought me a guitar, and I began to write my own songs. I chose the name Cat Stevens, and at eighteen had my first his record. I was very successful and my records started selling throughout Europe, but show business didn't suit me. I began to drink and smoke heavily, and it wasn't long before I became very ill. I had caught tuberculosis. This put a stop to my career and I was confined to hospital for a few months. During this time I began to study eastern philosophy. I had a book with me called "The Secret Path", which became my first introduction to the region of the "soul".. It was enough to send me on a long search for peace and enlightenment, a journey which finally brought me to the gates of Al-Islam. I started to write songs which expressed this spiritual awakening, so my lyrics became autobiographical. While I was twenty-one I had my first world-wide major success, the album was called "Tea for the Tilerman" and it established me as one of the so-called superstars. In a way I think of my albums like documents, various stages in my journey towards God.

A) Unfortunately, today people are seduced into buying things through their lower desires. Records, films, tapes; magazines, most of them are designed just to make money. Listening to pop music is like dreaming: it's a temporary release for the soul. People who follow this kind of music are generally yearning for union with "reality". Music provides them with short-term relief, an escape from this merciless system we call "modern life".

A) I have suspended my activities in music for fear that they might divert me from the truth path, but I will not-be dogmatic in saying that I will never make music again. You can't say that without adding Insha Allah.

A) I am really literally only working for Allah. He sustains me and He has arrange it so that I can do this. I wish to be instrumental in establishing Islam in Britain by whatever means or in whatever capacity I can. The community is growing stronger day by day and that is my work at the moment. I am studying Arabic and my real longing is to be able to understand the Qur'an. A lot of Muslims can read Arabic, and that to them is not so special, but for me the Qur'an is yet to be understood. Every verse is complete guidance, a chapter in itself. I often feel very sad the way people treat the Qur'an, by taking it so lightly. It is the word of God for all the time and holds the central position for every true believer.

A) We should be careful not to follow the example of the Christians in this matter.It is a big responsibility for us all. The message of Islam should not be spread by mouth alone. To begin with you must make sure that your actions are correct and then give the good news simply and clearly: "Say, He is God the One". Don't try and convey the complete message of Islam all at once. When the Prophet - peace be upon him - sent Mu'adh to Yemen, he said to him, "You are going to a nation from the People of the Book, so let the first thing to which you will invite them be to the Oneness of Allah (tawhid). If they learn that, tell them that Allah has enjoined on them, five prayers to be offered (in one day and one night). And if they pray, tell them Allah has enjoined on them zakat of their properties and it is to be taken from the rich among them and given to the poor. And if they agree to that, then take from them zakat, but avoid the best property of the people". A Muslim should first be of good nature, kind and hospitable, the qualities which the Prophet himself had, peace be upon him. If we just give people logical discussions, they may agree with us but then go away and forget the whole thing because they haven't actually seen you do anything! Aisha - may Allah be pleased with her - said that the Prophet was the Qur'an walking. This is the key. It is no use reading the Qur'an - the Qur'an is the embodiment of the teaching which Allah Almighty has sent for perfection of man, so you can't just use it as a mouthpiece, you must put it into practice: that means say little but do much. Always remember, it is only Allah Who can guide a person to Islam.