It was 1998, a time when Brunei was hosting the Brunei Islamic Expo, an event that brought together scholars, thinkers, and figures dedicated to the promotion of Islamic values.
Among them was Yusuf Islam, formerly known to the world as Cat Stevens - the legendary musician whose songs had once graced international airwaves before he left the music industry to fully embrace Islam.
As a reporter for Borneo Bulletin, I was given the unique privilege of interviewing him. The venue was the State Mufti’s Office, a setting befitting the depth of the conversation that was about to take place.
I remember feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness - here was a man whose life had undergone a profound transformation, a man whose journey from fame to faith had captivated many, including myself.
When I finally sat down with him, Yusuf Islam exuded an air of quiet confidence, humility, and wisdom.
He was dressed in a simple yet elegant white outfit, a reflection of the serenity that seemed to define him. Unlike the exuberance of a rock star, he carried himself with the grace of a teacher, a man who had found peace in his beliefs.
Our conversation quickly moved to the topic closest to his heart at the time - Islamic education for children.
Yusuf Islam spoke passionately about the importance of raising young Muslims with a strong foundation in their faith.
He shared his vision of providing high-quality Islamic education through modern yet values-driven methods.
He was not just talking about education in the academic sense but about spiritual nourishment, ensuring that young minds learned about Islam in a way that was engaging, inspiring, and deeply meaningful.
His commitment was not just theoretical; it was something he had already begun putting into action.
In 1983, he established an Islamic primary school in London, and by 1998, it had achieved grant-maintained status, a historic milestone in the UK.
His passion for nurturing young minds extended beyond the classroom - he was creating Islamic content that was accessible, relatable, and educational.
As our conversation drew to a close, he handed me a CD - "Mountain of Light," one of his latest works dedicated to Islamic education.
It was more than just a gift; it was a symbol of his mission, his new path, and his unwavering dedication to sharing the beauty of Islam through words and melodies.
At that moment, I felt a sense of profound gratitude. I was not just speaking to a former global superstar; I was conversing with a man who had found his purpose and was striving to make a difference.
I still have that CD - though I must admit, I have forgotten where I kept it. Perhaps it is buried somewhere among old keepsakes, waiting to be rediscovered. But even without holding it in my hands, the memory of that day remains vivid in my heart.
Now, decades later, as I reflect on that encounter, I realise that it was not just an interview - it was a lesson in commitment, faith, and transformation.
Yusuf Islam’s journey was one of courage, choosing a path that many did not understand but one that he knew was right for him.
His words that day were not merely about education but about living a life of purpose and sincerity.
The world has changed since 1998, and so has Yusuf Islam.
He eventually returned to music, using it as a tool for spreading positive messages.
But at the core of it all, his mission has remained the same - to inspire, to educate, and to uplift.
That day at the State Mufti’s Office, I was fortunate to sit across from a man who had walked away from the limelight and into the light of faith. It was a moment in time that I will always treasure. (MHO)
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