For those of you who don't know who Sami Yusuf is, he's probably one of today's most recognizable Muslim singers. Born in Iran and raised in London by Azeri parents, Yusuf blends different musical styles and is not afraid to innovate where others think it's haram (forbidden) to tread. In 2003, Yusuf revolutionized the world of Nasheed (God and Prophet praising) singing by introducing stringed instruments and percussion. Here is what it sounds like in Yusuf's music. Reactions to his songs have ranged from utter admiration from devoted fans who fight for his autographs to utter denunciation from a few religious leaders and other Muslims who think his music is inspired by Satan. British journalist and Muslim convert, Yvonne Ridley, lashed out at Yusuf in a 2006 article accusing him of "poisoning" the Muslim masses with his music. Yusuf responded to Ridley's bitter attack with an open letter.



Yusuf's concerts in Europe, the US, and much of the Muslim world from Casablanca to Istanbul are all sold out with huge crowds. His sleek music videos praising Allah, lamenting the fall of the Muslim Umma, or chastising extremists who kill in the name of Islam, compete quite well with videos from scantily-clad female singers and dancers on Arab satellite television. Yusuf's new album, Without You, will be released in the next coming weeks, but here's a video from that album.