Yusuf Islam (dulunya dikenali sebagai Cat Stevens)

(This article was taken from Reader’s Digest magazine – June 2010)

...the wave that saved my life. I was staying with a friend in Malibu in 1976 and the sea looked so alluring I went for a swim. Suddenly I was caught in a riptide and it was impossible to swim back. My faith jumped right up to my heart and I called out, “God! Save me and I’ll work for you!” At that moment a friendly wave came from behind and swept me safely to shore. I felt like I’d been given a second chance.

...reading the Qur’an for the first time and how it changed my life forever. My brother gave me a copy for my birthday. I’d studied many other religions and philosophies but this was a revelation. I found it so profound and started to apply the teachings to my own life. The more I changed my conduct, the more amazing life became. It’s hard not to follow the crowd but I started to swim in another direction. I converted to Islam in 1977 and changed my name in 1978.

...the peace of mind I felt at becoming a Muslim, a piece of mind I still feel today. I have learned who I am. This had always been a problem for me – I’d changed my name and style for a few times before. We are responsible for our own actions and their effect on those around us. Try it for yourself. Go out and swear at somebody and watch his or her reactions. Speak gently and kindly and the response is different.

> Subhanallah..