A Is for Allah

About the Artist
Yusuf Islam was born Cat Stevens in London in 1948, son of a Swedish mother and Greek Cypriot father. He achieved fame as a pop star in the 60s and 70s, selling over 45 million albums worldwide to date. He embraced Islam in 1977 and chose the name Yusuf Islam. Since then he has married,has five children and is an active member of the British Muslim Community, focusing on the areas of education and humanitarian relief.

Product Description:
20 Years in the Making YUSUF ISLAM's LATEST RELEASE. With 8 songs - most of which he wrote and 1 he performs, he explains the basics of his faith through the vehicle of the 28 letter Arabic alphabet. The album takes its name from the title track written by Yusuf after the birth of his first child back in 1980 but never officially released. Read about why Yusuf decided to resume his career in production 17 years after accepting Islam. "A is for Allah" also introduces Zain Bhikha, a young up-and-coming artist from South Africa, part of Yusuf's efforts to encourage and work with talented artists. Zain, who flew in especially to record, loved the experience. " I'm not too sure if I can ever express in words what it felt like to work with Yusuf Islam. It was something I've dreamt of doing since I started singing in 1994". This album will accompany the 68 page full colour hardback book of the same name- which contains the complete text as well as all the lyrics - that was released in the UK in November 19! 99. Some trivia-- apparently a pirate copy of the song A is for Allah was bootlegged all around the world and amazingly hit the top of the charts in Turkey in the 1980s; a decade later he was to achieve the same with Tala'a al-Badru 'Alayna from the album The Life of the Last Prophet (1995). Double CD and Book.

Tracks:

Introduction
A: Allah
Ayat Al-Kursi (2: 255)
Say He Is Allah
B: Bismillah
Bismillah
T: Taqwa
Th: Thawab
J: Jannah
Surah Al-Kahf (18: 31)
H: Hajj
Kh: Khatam
D: Deen
Our Guide To The Qur'an
Dh: Dhikr
R: Ramadan
Z: Zakah
Surah Al-Tawbah
S: Salam
Salam, Salam
Sh: Shams
Surah Al-An'am
S: Salah
D: Duha
Surah Ad-Duha (93: 1-11)
T: Tareeq

Tracks:

Turn To Allah
Z: Zill
'I: Ilm
Gh: Ghayb
F: Fatihah
Surah Al-Fatihah (1: 1-7)
Q: Qur'an
Surah Al-Qadr (97: 1-5)
Qur'anu Rabbee
K: Kalimah
L: La Ilaha Illa-Allah
M: Muhammad Rasul-Allah
Seal Of The Prophets
N: Nawm
Surah Al-Sajdah
H: Hijrah
W: Wu'du
Surah Al-Muddaththir (74: 1-5)
Y: Yawm Ad-Deen
Surah Al-Infitar
A Is For Allah
Last Word

Album Description

20 Years in the Making YUSUF ISLAM's LATEST RELEASE. With 8 songs - most of which he wrote and 1 he performs, he explains the basics of his faith through the vehicle of the 28 letter Arabic alphabet. The album takes its name from the title track written by Yusuf after the birth of his first child back in 1980 but never officially released. Read about why Yusuf decided to resume his career in production 17 years after accepting Islam. "A is for Allah" also introduces Zain Bhikha, a young up-and-coming artist from South Africa, part of Yusuf's efforts to encourage and work with talented artists. Zain, who flew in especially to record, loved the experience. " I'm not too sure if I can ever express in words what it felt like to work with Yusuf Islam. It was something I've dreamt of doing since I started singing in 1994". This album will accompany the 68 page full colour hardback book of the same name- which contains the complete text as well as all the lyrics - that was released in the UK in November 19! 99. Some trivia-- apparently a pirate copy of the song A is for Allah was bootlegged all around the world and amazingly hit the top of the charts in Turkey in the 1980s; a decade later he was to achieve the same with Tala'a al-Badru 'Alayna from the album The Life of the Last Prophet (1995). Double CD and Book.

Customer Reviews:

A Is for Allah.......2006-11-05

Peace and Blessings,
I truly enjoyed both CDs, A is for Allah and Bismillah.
I found myself playing them over and over.
Yusuf Islam did excellent on these CDs... makes me proud to me a Muslim.

Unfortunately my wonderful CDs were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina and are no longer available through Amazon.

If anyone can direct me to where I can purchase these CDs, A is for Allah and Bismillah, please post a message to this site.

Thanks,
Suez

Wait for the Live Show.......2004-09-29

Needless to say there are no future plans for a US tour.

Done Well, could be better.......2004-01-31

As a Muslim, I was pleased that an ENglish language Muslim album had been put out, but was less plesed when I actually heard it. This very much a children's album; not what it had been made out to be. Oh well.

For Muslim music in English that is for adults, I recommend "Soldiers of Allah", a group that has performed with Yusuf. You probably can't find their Cd outside of the Middle East, so I'd advise you to download it(even if it illegal, it's the only way).

Beautifully done........2002-08-22

I purchased this CD after having listened to some of Yusuf Islam's music, although, I am ashamed to admit, after my sister dowloaded some of his songs from the internet for my newborn son.
I was immediately enchanted and wanted to listen to more.
This CD is so beautifully put together that when you are listening to it in the car you don't want to shut it off even after you have reached your destination.
The Surah and songs are used to explain and support the his narration of the alphabet. For example, after A is for Allah, AyatulKursi is recited to explain the Power and Abilities of Allah.
The song lyrics are simple enough for any child to understand and at the same time very meaningful. I find myself constantly singing them.
My only suggestions to you when listening to this CD is to listen to it carefully and in the order it is presented.
Then the last song, A is Allah, will be so much more meaningful.After that you can go back to any thing you liked out of the CD.
I hope this helps.

A fine introduction to Islam for English-speaking people.......2001-11-04

By means of the 28 character Arabic alphabet, in order, Yusuf Islam, a Britisher, a convert and the author and narrator, associates each letter with an Arabic word representing an Arabic concept.

Interspersed with the explanation of each word/concept are Arabic song and/or phrases. The concepts are given context and are shown to demonstrate the connection to Allah as revealed in the Qu'ran.

Those new to Islam are introduced to the basic tenets of the faith and basic doctrines, such as the Five Pillars of Islam, Ramadan (ninth month of a holy moon), Al-Salat (the way of prayer set by the rising and falling of the sun), fasting, generosity in wealth, purification and cleansing, salaam (peace and safety), hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca, the importance of education through reading and gaining wisdom with proper guidance (most importantly, the Qu'ran), believing in unseen things (faith), supreme relevance of the prophet and messenger Mohammed and the Day of Judgment. In sum and over both CDs, Yusuf Islam is demonstrating that Islam is a way of life as he has come to know it.

This is a double album and is a production of the Mountain of Light organization based in London. The first CD is color-coded red, the second, sky blue. It is appropriate for all age groups. Yusuf Islam's voice is calm and pleasing, measured and soothing. The musical interludes are brief and appropriate. There is a children's choir that sings some of the songs which are done in English. Certain songs are done with women's voices unlike the voices in "Prayers of the Last Prophet" produced by the same organization.

Tracks:

Bird Song at Eventide
Duna
At Dawning (I Love You)
Little Silver Ring
Song to the Seals
Fairy Tree
Lost Chord
Kashmiri Song (Pale Hands I Loved)
Till I Wake
Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal
Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes
O Dry Those Tears
Sylvia
Ah, Moon of My Delight
Allah
Bless This House
Thanks Be to God
Roses of Picardy
God Be With Our Boys Tonight
Smilin' Through
Little Grey Home in the West
Bonnie Wee Thing
Lord Is My Light
Somewhere a Voice Is Calling
Brown Bird Singing - Robert White

Average customer rating:

Bird Songs at Eventide

Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000002ZWO
Release Date: 1995-11-21

Tracks:

Bird Songs At Eventide
Duna
At Downing ('I Love You')
The Little Silver Ring
Song To The Seals
The Fairy Tree
The Lost Chord
Kashimiri Song ('Pale Hand I Loved')
Till I Wake
Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal, Op.3 No.2
Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes
O Dry Those Tears!
Sylvia
Ah, Moon Of My Delight
Allah
Bless This House
Thanks Be To God
Roses Of Picardy
God Be With Our Boys Tonight
Smilin' Through
Little Grey Home In The West
Bonnie Wee Thing
The Lord Is My Light
Somewhere A Voice Is Calling
A Brown Bird Singing

Average customer rating:

Beautiful, Masha'Allah
Mr. Islam, this ain't no Haj
Very Educational
Learn About Islam, Hear Beautiful and Inspiring Music
wow!

A is for Allah

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005T6H9
Release Date: 2001-09-01

Tracks:

Introduction
A:Allah
Ayat al-Kursi
Say He is Allah
B:Bismillah
Bismillah
T:Taqwa
Th:Thawab
J:Jannah
Surah al-Kahf
H:Hajj
Kh:Khatam
D:Deen
Our Guide is the Quran
Dh:Dhikr
R:Ramadan
Z:Zakah
Surah at-Tawbah
S:Salam
Salam, Salam
Sh:Shams
Surah al-An'am
S:Salah
D:Duha
Surah ad-Duha
T:Tareeq

Tracks:

Turn to Allah
Z:Zill
I:Ilm
Gh:Ghayb
F:Fatihah
Surah al-Fatihah
Q:Quran
Surah al-Qadr
Qur'anu Rabbee
K:Kalimah
L:La ilaha illa-Allah
M:Muhammad Rasul-Allah
Seal of the Prophets
N:Nawab
Surah al Sajdah
H:Hijrah
W:Wu'du
Surah al-Muddaththir
Y:Yawm ad-deen
Surah al-Infitar
A is for Allah
Last Word

Album Description

A is for Allah takes its name from the title track written by Yusuf after the birth of his first child, and is the complete audio version of the book completed almost two decades later. Discovering the new spiritual horizons of Islam back in 1977, Yusuf's life changed - and so too did his perspective. This epic work reflects that change away from the narrow confines of this world to the unbounded, everlasting presence of God and the Hereafter.

Narrated by Yusuf and based on the 28 letter Arabic alphabet, this is an exciting double album that reaches new heights in education and entertainment. Bursting with rich sound effects and featuring the voices of Hamza Yusuf, and Shaikh Muhammad Gibreel, with songs by Zain Bhikha, Raihan and Yusuf himself. A is for Allah is a must for every explorer of wisdom, young and oldA is for Allah takes its name from the title track written by Yusuf after the birth of his first child, and is the complete audio version of the book completed almost two decades later. Discovering the new spiritual horizons of Islam back in 1977, Yusuf's life changed - and so too did his perspective. This epic work reflects that change away from the narrow confines of this world to the unbounded, everlasting presence of God and the Hereafter.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful, Masha'Allah.......2005-10-26

I really enjoy this cd. It is a great way for children to learn about Islam through music. This is a nice cd to listen to while driving in the car. It is filled with brief information bits to remind us of Allah and our obligations as muslims.

Mr. Islam, this ain't no Haj.......2003-10-16

I have been a long time fan of Mr. Islam's work. Most notably The Life of the Last Prophet. An absolute work of genius in contemporary Islamic music. However A for Allah is indeed a f for Effort.How many more tired renditions of "Bismillah" and "Salam salam" can the listener endure? I think Mr. Islam's problem lies in the fact of his unoriginality. The aforementioned album contained original music gloryfying Allah in such singles as "Muhammad Al Mustafa" and the beautifully sung "Tala al-badru Alayna." This time around we are immediately warned that the album will contain no musical intruments. I don't want to in anyway disparage the beautiful vocals of Zain Bhika whose songs moved me to tears.But such a warning, does not induce me to pass up mom's cake when Ramadan get's a rollin'. I love the idea but to spread Islam, this endeavour needs to be more inspiring. So I give it a 3.

Very Educational.......2003-06-14

I expected a lot less talking, but It's great. I cant wait till my children get a little older because it has a lot of what I need to be teaching my children. We do listen to it now and my two year old was singing some of it, she loves it when we sing together. I'm definitly glad I bought A is for Allah, a wonderful investment in my kids' education.

Learn About Islam, Hear Beautiful and Inspiring Music.......2003-04-14

I am very happy to have found this CD! I'm now buying a second copy so that I can lend it out. I am Christian, my husband is Muslim. We both very much love the CD. There is a lot of speaking on the CD, which I usually do not enjoy. But this CD is quite different from anything else. Yusuf Islam's (formerly Cat Stevens) voice is very pleasant to listen to for one thing, especially due to his accent. And what he speaks of is a very clear, concise primer on the basics of the Islamic faith. Non-Muslims who want to better understand Islam will learn much from this CD. And the Arabic words are spoken very clearly. Non-Arabic speakers will actually be able to identify individual words and repeat them correctly, if desired. Everything said in Arabic is also said in English.

The music on the CD is truly beautiful. The melodies are simple, and are often paired with harmony, or choruses of singing. Sometimes children join in on the songs, and this is quite moving. Much of the "music" is actually the recitation of verses from the Qur'an (and their English interpretations). This too is beautiful to hear. The songs are short but true pearls. I am actually now searching for a CD of just music of this type.

A Christian can actually have a very meaningful worship experience with this CD. There is one song which proclaims the Quran'ic teaching that God has no Son, and of course this song is not likely to be meaningful to a Christian, however most of the rest of the ideas presented are wholly in keeping with Christian beliefs, and help me to remember and feel closer to God when I listen. Of course this is my own personal experience, but anyone open-minded enough to be interested in the topic of Islam will likely also enjoy the variety of ways available to worship the Lord.

There is a book which can be purchased that is a parallel to the CD. I have this also, and recommend it, too, for its beauty and simple wealth of information on Islam. It apparently was originally inspired by Yusuf Islam's desire to teach his children about the Islamic life, but both the CD and book are ENTIRELY suitable for adults.

If you want to learn something about the teachings of Islam, and experience beautiful songs along the way, songs which sing of God, Peace, religious Duty, and Paradise, then you will be very pleased with your purchase of this CD.

(By the way, my husband adds that Muslims will also very much enjoy the strenthening of their faith they will gain from listening)

wow!.......2002-09-16

This is such a beautiful recording and it is suprising that there is no instruments without a small drum. This is such a beautiful CD and i guarantee that u'll be suprised and u'll love it too

Average customer rating:

Friml Plays Friml

Manufacturer: Supraphon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000024GRE
Release Date: 1997-02-18

Tracks:

Rose Marie (Melodies from the operetta)
Allah's Holiday (melodies from the operetta)
The Firefly (melodies from the film)
Improvisation on Donkey Serenade
Prague Improvisation
Egyptian Dance
L'amour Coquette
Rhapsodic Improvisation
Zavis's Songs, Op. 1: 1. Just Some Love
Zavis's Songs, Op. 1: 2. For You!
Zavis's Songs, Op. 1: Is That a Sin?
Zavis's Songs, Op. 1: 4. Do You Ever Recall?
Zavis's Songs, Op. 1: 5. Quiet Nights

Music Album:

Music Album