Yusuf Islam - A Is for Allah - CD
Number of Discs: 2
Running Time (aprox.): 60 mins
Languages): English
Special:
Narrated by Yusuf Islam
Quranic recitation by Sheikh Muhammad Gibreel
English translation read by Imam Hamza Yusuf
Songs sung by Zain Bhikha
Guest appearance by Raihan
Adhan by Muazzin of Makkah
It took 20 years for Yusuf Islam to develop A is for Allah from a song to a monumental and attractive work.
[Ages 3 & Up] With 8 songs, this exciting double album takes its name from the title track written by Yusuf Islam after the birth of his first child. It reflects his emphasis on early education and the new spiritual horizons that he reached. Based on the 28 letter Arabic alphabet, A is for Allah bursts with rich sound effects and features the voices of Hamza Yusuf as well as Shaikh Muhammad Gibreel, who recites the Quran. The lead singer is Zain Bhika, a popular artist from South Africa who performs the title track, Turn Allah and other songs.
The book (sold separately) comprises of 68 beautiful full colour pages and over 40 photographs describing, for children and adults, the essence of Islam through the Arabic alphabet.
This CD is a good source for the classroom and for accompanying children and of course it is good for all those Cat Stevan's Fans (That unique voice and rhythm)
About Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevans):
Born Steven Demetre Georgiou, the son of a Greek Cypriot father and Swedish mother, Yusuf Islam grew up above the family shop in Londons theatre district, situated at the northernmost junction of Shaftesbury Avenue and New Oxford Street, near the heart of Londons West End.
While studying at Art College he was auditioned by a record producer, Mike Hurst, formerly of the pop-folk trio the Springfields. The resulting tracks impressed the Decca Record chief so much that the young artist - now known as Cat Stevens - was selected to launch the new Deram Label, which also signed new British talent such as David Bowie and the Moody Blues.
Cat Stevens went on to become one of the biggest solo artists of the 1960s and 1970s, penning such classics as Matthew & Son, Moonshadow, Wild World and Father & Son and selling over 50 million LPs.
Following a bout of TB early in his career he undertook an ongoing search for peace and ultimate spiritual truth. After almost drowning in the Pacific Ocean at Malibu he received a translation of the Qur'an as a gift from his elder brother, David. His spiritual quest for answers was fulfilled and he embraced Islam in December, 1977. Six months later he changed his name to Yusuf Islam, walked away from the music business to start a new life and raise a family.
Today, Yusuf Islam is arguably one of the world's most famous converts to Islam. His pioneering work in the field of education resulted in securing a landmark decision by the British government to certify and support Islamic education throughout Great Britain. The three schools he founded in Londons Brent district Islamia Primary, Islamia Girls' Secondary and the Brondesbury College for Boys consistently top the boroughs examination league tables. [For More please visit http://www.yusufislam.org.uk/biodata.htm ]
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