Customer Reviews

A is for Allah Double CD

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

Do not be dissuaded by those who say "A is for Allah" is for children for it is a tenet that we are all children of Allah.

This CD is intended for children. It is a great way for children to learn the arabic alphabet. The music is catchy and uplifting. I love having some muslim music for my child to listen to. I highly recommend it.

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 is for ALLAH" is truly a blessing for anyone interested in expanding their mind and knowledge not only in Islam, but also culture, history, and learning the beautiful arabic language. It is produced in the simplest form for easy understanding for children as well as those not familiar with Islam as a way of life. I recommend this material and others also by Yusuf Islam. He is a blessing for all of us.

This is one captivating CD. Even as a non-Muslim (Catholic) I am inspired by its holiness... and certainly touched by the commitment that went into its production. It is clear that Yusuf Islam is still a perfectionist, and created this work with complete and utter dedication. He is a great and natural teacher.

For me, it is best listened to in private, in a dark room, beneath headphones. This is the best way to experience Yusuf's soft and gentle, yet emphatic voice ... which at once puts the "fear of God" into the listener and also soothes him or her. His voice feels like a warm angora wool blanket enveloping you on a cold windy night. It cares for you. And Indian singer Zain Bhikha's hauntingly sweet, almost feminine, voice rivals or even surpasses Yusuf's. The only song in which Yusuf is the lead singer brings back a bit of the old Cat Stevens his fans once knew and loved, but the voice is a little more submissive, more plaintive, and eerily thin.

[NOTE: I originally wrote this review (word for word) in December 2000 but have only just now gotten around to posting it.]

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

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).

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

Short and sweet. If your looking for the sounds of Cat Stevens, this is not what you're looking for. As a long time Cat Stevens fan, I was hoping to catch a glimpse of his old time work as Yusuf. Unfortunately, as wonderful as his voice is, this is not Cat Stevens. I loved Cat Stevens but Yusuf's albums are just not for me.