To all of you who are still hating on Rushdie after all this time, explain to me why Islam should be above any whisper of criticism.

You've just made his point more valid.If Islam can't live with people who don't believe without threatening death, it deserves no respect.

Gotta love the calm but intense confidence of Rushdie, a soft spoken, mild mannered man who actually has balls of steel.

Kudos to the British government for keeping this man alive. He's a wonderful writer and a sparkling personality. So sad - the people baying for his blood must read the books they have been told to hate and they will realize that there was nothing to be offended by.

I speak Arabic very fluently and "Islam", still to this day, means submission.

Says ''From the moment I could talk, I was ordered to listen.'' Becomes a Muslim.

The sad thing is his book is still banned in India

Stevens called out for Rushdie to be killed. It was a disgraceful episode and he should have been arrested.

As Americans we support free speech 👍🏽👍🏿👍🏼👍🏾👍

The fact that nearly 1/2 the people who rated this video dislike it is truly alarming.

"That's pussy thinking. You have to not think like that." If only more newspaper editors and journalists and the general public thought like this, then Western society would be in better shape today.

"That's the ordinary life of a book", what a nice phrase. This is why he's a writer and we're not.

It sure aint a lie man. No matter how much great humanitarian work he has performed, Yusuf did state that he would like to attend a burning of Salman Rushdie.

I very distinctly remember Yusuf Islam being interviewed on Irish television and saying that he believed that Salman Rushdie should die for insulting the prophet, but because it was against British law he would not kill him himself. Whilst I do believe Yusuf hs moderated his views now, I do not think that he has ever retracted statements such as the above. As Rushdie said, Yusuf has not been Cat Stevens for a lon long time.

Who is here after Salman Rushdie attack?

While I recognize that you may feel hurt by someone 'blaspheming' something, Islam needs to grow up, as a Religion, to the point where it can take criticism without being so reactionary. If Yusaf Islam supported the fatwa on Rushdie, than he did far worse than Rushdie ever did ... unless you consider murdering a person for the pride of a billion people to be okay.

"Thats pussy thinking." Hahahaha Rushdie you're awesome!

If you all hate the book so much, just don't read it. Simple. It's just a novel.

Rushdie has some balls.

Also best friends with Christopher Hitchens and friends. He is one of the most admired writers among writers today. He is also a pretty cool guy in his interviews. It is a shame though what happened to "Cat-Yusef-Stevens". Really scary to watch him admit that Rushdie should die & that he would do it if ordered to. Strange and incredible change of heart if I ever did see one Ahhh...Islam. The "Religion of Peace"..

if cat stevens called for Salman to be murdered.... then he gave up his humanity and forfeited record sales. tough shit, 'smart guy'

Rushdie is a great thinker, and the kind we need more of. 'Yusuf' chose the dark path of hatred and lack of self conciousness in favor of adopted ideals. Rushdie continued to grow as an individual, and 'Yusuf' has continued to shrink.

Another Saturday night and I ain’t got no Fatwa........

He is so right. It's not Cat Stevens anymore. He's nasty.

Lol, Salman Rushdie slapping everyone down, including the host.

Salman Rushdie was recently attacked on stage by a Muslim who stabbed him several times with a knife, stabbing one of his eyes out. So much for Yusuf Islam's threats being harmless, and for Islam being "a religion of peace".

Any religion that can't take criticism can't possibly be the right religion.

Every time I watch this I laugh. Salman is one of those people that can so subtly convey humour.

Back before his conversion, there were stories that at least a few mental health experts believed that Cat Stevens was a schizophrenic. His conversion to Islam and subsequent actions give credence to that belief.

Every person who works for PEACE is a hero.

Any religion that calls for the following: "The (religious book) Quran makes it clear: If someone defames the prophet, then he must die." Is disturbing!

If I didn't agree with someone's view I don't go outside with a bomb strapped to me -

I'm 23 and a big fan ofCat Stevens. He WAS a great singer and songwriter.

I'm glad you say "working together". The Muslims that do have a problem with the movie need to understand that in the civilised world, anything and everything is up for criticism. If you don't agree, that's fine, but don't kill people for it. If you justify killing people by simply taking offence to something, that opens the door for anyone and everyone to kill whoever they like... I'm sure most people have said something that is offensive to other people in the course of their lifetime.

Aged like fine wine

when are people going to stop believing in imaginary magical douchbags in the sky

I've seen the video. The context is very clear, and Yusuf's tone is very clear. He supported the fatwa. He might have explained it away as a 'joke' after there was a backlash, but it's pretty clear he was being serious in the video

The world would be much safer if we had more muslims like Salman.

Quran 3:56 "As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help" There are 108 more.

Thank you Sir Salman😁 for helping my dad find Islam and revert. Back in the 1980s, you criticized Islam so much it prompted my dad to do some research on it and then to find out the truth about it. So thank you 😄

Cat Stevens was a great performer and songwriter and then he fell under the spell of religious barbarism. It was very sad.

it's a shame about Cat Stevens. I'll just remember the old him.

He looks like one of those enemies you jump ontop of in the Mario games.

I was expecting George Stephanopoulos.

I still love the old Cat Stevens. His songs are sublime. I do not know whatever happened to that Cat Stevens. I don't know who this Yusuf person is, either.

Kat Stevens. If there's one thing more disheartening than a religious zealot, it's a born again religious zealot.

LOL. As a boy i always thought Cat Stevens was criminally handsome. Disappointing to hear he might actually be monstrous.

Few years ago a relative brought up a topic about Islam. I said being totally ignorant at that time of Islam being a religion which was essentially the same as other religions, I knew most muslims seemed to be totally devoted to god and prayed 5 times day. But, she said no, no it's not like Christianity, or other religions. I then spend over 2 years learning and comparing Islam with Christianity as a starting point. What I found was shocking, yes, there are several passages promoting peace and fairness to all. However, this message of peace was replaced with passages of waging war on non believers, or apostates who leave Islam must be killed, and verses like don't not make friends of people of book - Christians and Jews because they are friends and must not be trusted. There are 164 verses of relating jihad in the quran. There are verses to lie to defend Islam, or to wife. Moderate muslims either haven't read the whole Quran, or we do not know if they are lying. This is problem with Islam. It was based on teachings of prophet Muhammed, who ordered the killings of over 900 men and boys from one village because they did not want to convert to Islam. Those ISIS rebels are not extreme they are only following the foot steps of their prophet. Most of them think as good muslims if they fight and die they will be rewarded with virgins as martyrs. The writer is correct, you see Muslims some even imams proclaim Islam is a religion of peace, we now know this is wrong, Islam means to submission. The problem I feel is that once you become a muslim you cant just leave it. Because your family will disown you, or you may sentenced to death because they regard you as an apostate. Did you know, Muhammed in Quran clearly says that Jesus was born by virgin mother her name was Mary. But does not accept his crucifixion. When I discovered this I knew Islam was a false religion. How, I can explain. If Quran accepts and as most muslims do, jesus was born by Virgin mother then he must be Devine. Thus making jesus more Devine then Muhammed , as Muhammed was created though sexual intercourse and jesus was not. So to name him jesus as a prohet and not greater than Muhammed makes this ideology false. Plus, if we compare, prohet Isiah in 53. Mentions jesus birth and contributions to world, and dying for sins of world. Jesus healed the sick, and cured the blind and there are countless witnesses by many sources that he was was also crucified. He promoted peace and love your enemy .Muhammed on other hand promoted violence and ordered the killings of non muslims. Both muslims and non-muslims are still suffering for more than 1400 years thanks to Muhammed and his so called religion of peace. Enough is enough, we all need to leave this bondage called Islam, live life and contribute positively to world. We need our muslim brothers and sisters to help and make this world better place for all.

Great Book, and Congratulations Salman for coming out of the islam trap.

I read TSV many years ago out of pure curiosity and fell in love with a well-told story. The controversy behind the fatwah takes a back seat IMO. The Moor's Last Sigh also amazed me. Rushdie can really write.

If you go to the top of the page and search for 'Salman Rushdie Yusuf Islam' you will find a video of a UK TV programme in which Yusuf Islam appeared to support the fatwa against rushdie.

You are talking about negotiation and cannot even spell "negotiate" lol priceless!

When he was Cat Stevens he was not a Muslim and he was about making good music about peace such as ( Peace Train ) I don't condem him joining a faith , however to be so radicalized and losing the person he once was is sad.

For freedom of speech and freedom and democracy

Cat Stevens, that's his name

Yusuf Islam Statement (8.12.22): "Saddened and shocked to learn about the horrific act on Salman Rushdie. My wish is for all of us to live in peace. May God grant him and everyone else who has suffered from the manic pandemic of violence in this world, a full recovery. Peace."

Get the impression that there are a few people coming in this thread under different names so they can say the same things over and over?

OH..... Never mind.. I just looked across the page and there is a video entitled "Cat Stevens calls for the death of Salman Rushdie. OK..I suddenly get why Rushdie might be inclined to hate him.lol.

And Yusuf Islam decided he doesn't want certain ppl killed. So he's supposedly, apparently changed. BUT, George asks Mr. Rushdie if he's a different guy. I was annoyed. Like why does he have to change

Earlier this year I attended a show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. One of the acts among an eclectic mix was Canadian act Frazey Ford, who performed a sweet cover of Cat Steven's classic 'How Can I Tell You'. This brought to mind many more of Cat's beautiful songs such as Peace Train, Morning Has Broken & Father & Son to name just a few. The image of this sensitive artist singing these wonderful songs to rapt audiences of youngsters in the 70s was recalled vividly in my minds eye. My reverie was soon shattered, however, as my thoughts fast forwarded nearly 20 years or so to the image of Yusuf Islam repeatedly endorsing calls for the murder of a man for the crime of writing a book (video available on You Tube). The man in question was of course Salman Rushdie. My brain struggled to reconcile that Cat and Yusuf were one and the same person. What kind of development path leads to such an outcome? Its like personal growth in reverse, or perhaps more akin to a particularly insidious cancer. A cancer of the mind. Like cancer, the sufferer of ideological (in this case religious) intolerance often does not know he/she has the disease until it is too late. The human brain is an amazing organ, as far as we know the most delicate, magnificent and beautiful thing in our universe. It keeps working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year and It does this from before you leave the womb, right up until you die or you find religion.

Have you seen your GP recently?

I can really feel the love in this conversation.

Btw.....did you watch the video that Jaykerouac2 told you to search for? Just wondering what you thought of Yusuf Islam endorsing the death fatwa on Salman Rushdie.

How does he walk with some gigantic balls?

Yusuf has a new song it's called the "Decapitating Train"

So much for the peace train...

I didn't say that, you did.

Search KZfaq for: 'Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam Calls For The Murder Of Salman Rushdie - He Now Denies Ever Doing This' Listen to Cat/Yusuf's words, especially the last 40 seconds.

mentioning the words quran and fact in the same sentence is an oxymoron.

I apologise completely. I assume everyone has my poor sense of humour and I also had hoped you had realised I was 'joshing' you and you were understanding our conversation to be on that level. I am no fan of Salman Rushdie but I am also no fan of those who reacted so vehemently. I do think that everyone can write and say what they want providing they are not inciting anyone to kill others. That goes for westeners or anywhere else. I hope you accept that as I do value your opinion and feelings.

Did Rushdie just say ‘that’s pussy thinking’?!?! The man is a legend.

"He hasn't been Cat Stevens for a very long time."

A great man. Inevitable that some POS would try to take him out.

hes a legend

The clips are taken out of context in general. The Wikipedia article on "Cat Steven's comments about Salman Rushdie" has good citations and gives both the comments made, Yusuf Islam's explanation of the comments and Rushdie's views on the comments.

My dog right there

"No, that's pussy-thinking." I love it when people as articulate as Salman swear so bluntly and vulgarly, it has so much more edge to it! And he makes a very good point. A life lived in fear is not a full life.

wow didn't know Cat Stevens wanted this guy killed

1966. Then came Matthew & Son and I'm gonna get me a gun was his 3rd single. I agree with Tillerman. Love his first three albums with Island records.

Salman has every right to say that about someone who thought he should be killed for writing a novel (i.e. doing his job!)

0:44 "He's not a good guy". This statement has shocked me a lot, since it's really clear and direct. And I think Salman is totally right about it.

I really don't know one way or the other..nor do I care really...all I know is I'm glad Cat/Yusuf is back and I'm lovin' it..and he has many fans old and new for a reason

He is just a child that not get a candy.

Wonder what Yusaf is thinking after this week.

I'll second that emotion!

Ride on the peace train. As if!! What a crock

Actually Salman Rushdie he slapped himself...

i m cat stevens biggest fan but i must admit this time that he made a mistake and didn t apologize since 30 years

Words of wisdom as always from this man, who lets not forget had a fatwah against him for writing a book you could not make it up...

Cat Stevens was a staunch peace loving man, why has he changed so much and has so much hatred now he is Usef Islam? Islam = peace.

Cat Stevens died when he accepted Islam.

"Come on and be strange." -- Yusuf

I loved Cat Stephens. His songs in one of my favourite films "Harold And Maude" are amazing. But Yusef Islam is a perfect example of how religion can corrupt a person's very humanity, and most especially Islam. Listening to him defend a deluded lunatic like the Ayatollah Khomeni's so-called "Fatwa" on Rushdie is enough to turn your blood to stone.

Ah, a fine representative of the religion of peace.

I hope he pulls through.

Im an American, so we don't use that fancy "u"

Obviously he's going to be awarded the title "Sir", so long as he serves Britain's interests. He would have been stripped of it as soon as he was to revert.

“So much about the circumstances of my becoming a Muslim. Since then I have been asked, time and again: ‘Why did you embrace Islam? What was it that attracted you particularly?’­ and I must confess that I do not have any single satisfactory answer. It was not any particular teaching that attracted me, but the whole wonderful, inexplicably coherent structure of moral teaching and practical life-programme. I could not say, even now, which aspect of it appeals to me more than any other. Islam appears to me like a perfect work of architecture. All its parts are harmoniously conceived to complement and support each other; nothing is superfluous and nothing lacking; and the result is a structure of absolute balance and solid composure. Probably this feeling that everything in the teachings and postulates of Islam is ‘in its proper place’ had created the strongest impression on me. There might have been, along with it, other impressions as well which today it is difficult for me to analyze. After all, it was a matter of love; and love is composed of many things: of our desires and our loneliness, of our high aims and our shortcomings, of our strengths and our weaknesses. So it was in my case. Islam came over to me like a robber who enters a house by night; but, unlike a robber, it entered to remain for good.” [Islam at the Crossroads, p.11, by Muhammad Asad (a.k.a. Leopold Weiss)]

And any time you get into futile discussions about religions, it always winds into a circular exercise in confused futility. Religion clouds conversations like a foggy coating, while topics get ignored.

Imagine if Monty Python did a similar film to Life Of Brian but they base it on Islam, "The Life of Moe". I don't think the Pythons would be alive!