11.05.2026 23:04
World-renowned artist Yusuf Islam made sincere statements at the "World Decolonization Forum" in Istanbul. The master artist, stating that in the early years after choosing Islam, he distanced himself from art due to the widespread belief that music was forbidden, expressed that this taboo was broken during the Bosnia War. Saying that the anthems he sang to soothe people's pain amid the war changed his view on music, Islam noted that he rediscovered the spiritual power of art through this painful experience.
Cat Stevens, the commentator, lyricist and musician who left his mark on the 1960s and 1970s with albums under that name and chose to become a Muslim in 1977, made striking statements in his speech at the “World Decolonization Forum” held in Istanbul, addressing both his music career and the transformation he experienced after converting to Islam. Saying that he once believed music was haram, Yusuf Islam stated that his perspective changed over the years, adding, “You cannot stop music. Music always has an impact on our lives.”
“A NEW MUSLIM DOES NOT HAVE TO ABANDON THEIR CULTURE”
Speaking at the forum hosted by Enstitü Sosyal and NUN Education and Culture Foundation, Yusuf Islam said that people new to Islam do not have to completely detach from their own culture.
Islam stated, “When someone becomes a new Muslim, they don’t have to leave their culture at the door. But you need to learn a certain amount and then manage your desires. You need to identify this with the essence of Islamic values.”
Giving examples from his own life and what he experienced during the period when he became a Muslim, Islam emphasized that uniting the world with music and making connections is important, and continued as follows:
"My journey began in London. My father is Greek, and my mother is Swedish. I already had to go through some cultural differences. Of course, you are influenced by the culture you are born into. I went to school in London, where I sang songs and hymns; after hymns, I moved on to rock music, which is also part of the culture."
“MUSLIMS BROUGHT THE GUITAR FROM BAGHDAD TO EUROPE”
The master artist spoke about the difficulties he faced in the early years after embracing Islam, saying:
"When I became a Muslim, there was a moment when the cultures of the Muslim world also colonized me. They would say, 'Why aren't you wearing a turban?' or 'Why are you playing the guitar?' A certain mindset had become extreme, and at that point, music was also forbidden. So I went through a complete transformation in this understanding. Then I began to think, 'Muslims brought the guitar from Baghdad to Spain, and from Spain it came to Europe, and now that guitar is in our hands.' I wondered, 'Where do I stand in all this?' When someone becomes a new Muslim, they don’t have to leave their culture at the door. But you need to learn a certain amount and then manage your desires. You need to identify this with the essence of Islamic values."
THE BOSNIA WAR CHANGED HIS VIEW ON MUSIC
Yusuf Islam, who stated that he once believed music was haram, recounted how his experiences during the Bosnia War deeply affected him.
The artist said that the songs he heard in Bosnia evoked strong emotions in him, and stated, “You can open a person’s eyes with music. We want to open people’s eyes, not blind them.”
“SPOTIFY ALGORITHMS HAVE MADE THINGS HARDER”
Yusuf Islam also touched upon the digitalization of the music industry today, particularly highlighting the algorithms of digital platforms.
The artist said, “Managing music activity has become even more difficult with Spotify algorithms. But social media also offers great opportunities. Someone who gets in front of a camera and showcases their talent can reach millions of people.”
“GOD GIVES EVERYONE A TALENT”
Yusuf Islam, who also recounted his return to music, said that when he picked up a guitar at home, he started creating again.
“God has given me this talent. Everyone has a God-given talent,” the artist said, emphasizing that people serve one another through the talents they possess.
“THE POSSIBILITIES IN MUSIC ARE ENDLESS”
Yusuf Islam noted that young musicians today are doing very successful work and said there are no limits in music.
Evaluating the new generation of artists, he said, “They write magnificent lyrics,” adding, “The possibilities in music are endless.”