Sami Yusuf Muslim singer, composer Date of Birth: 07.1980Год Country: Iran

Biography of Sami Yusuf

Sami Yusuf, a Muslim singer and composer, was born in 1980 in Tehran, Iran, to an Azerbaijani family. Growing up in a musically inclined household, Sami's father not only introduced him to music but also instilled in him a strong sense of religiosity and reverence for Allah.

His musical journey started under the guidance of his father, who taught him the art of singing. Sami then went on to study at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, one of the world's top music schools. His exposure to Western music, Middle Eastern melodies (maqam), and classical music helped develop his unique vocal style, which has gained him worldwide recognition.

Sami Yusuf believes that his talent is a result of divine intervention and sees Islam as compatible with modernity, goodness, and the beauty of the world. Even as he presents himself impeccably on stage, with a fashion sense reminiscent of a glamorous pop star, Sami maintains his adherence to the Muslim customs by keeping a neatly trimmed beard.

His first album, "Al-Mu'allim," was released in 2003 and quickly gained popularity, paving the way for another successful album, "My Ummah," in 2005. Together, these two albums sold over 1.5 million copies and topped the charts in the Arab world and Turkey. One of his most popular songs, "Hasbi Rabbi" ("Sufficient for Me is God"), became the best-selling ringtone in the Arab world.

Sami Yusuf has a diverse fan base, including contemporary teenagers in torn jeans and respectable Arab women from large families. His third album, "Without You," was released in 2009, and he continues to write his own songs. When Sami's voice fills concert halls, it becomes evident how different he is from other Islamic music stars, despite being an Azerbaijani born in Iran and spending most of his life in London.

His music is often described as the "Islamic answer to Western Christian rock." Through his songs, Sami tackles contemporary issues in the Islamic world, such as oppression, struggle, terrorism, war, fanaticism, and misunderstanding. He condemns extremists for the killing of children in Beslan and the French government for banning headscarves in schools. His songs lack romantic love but are filled with love for God.

Sami Yusuf's popularity has been compared to Beatlemania, which swept the Western world in the mid-20th century. He is often referred to as the "brightest pop star of Islam," and his concert tours have reached the United States. His most grandiose concert took place in 2007 in Istanbul, Turkey, where 200,000 people gathered to watch him perform.

His favorite musicians include Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens) and Dawud Wharnsby, and he enjoys listening to Ahmad Bukhatir when he wants to relax. Sami receives numerous letters expressing how his music has inspired and changed people. His popularity goes beyond mere musical fanaticism, as he manages to touch the deepest parts of the mysterious and complex souls of non-Muslims. "I don't believe in a clash of civilizations. I believe in a clash of uncivilized people," Sami Yusuf once said in an interview.