The Muslim Observer

April 2000: Br. Yusuf Islam on his tour to the U.S.A. visited New York the weekend of April 2nd in which he spoke at a CAIR program entitled "Putting Faith Into Action" in Manhattan on April 2nd, 2000. Alhamdulillah, Br. Yusuf Islam also visited St. John's University in Queens the night of April 3rd during his stay in NY. Approximately 400 people, mostly students attended, and alhamdulillah, many of his non-Muslim fans were in attendance as well. He spoke on "My Rise from Icon to Slave of Allah." He entertained questions mainly from non-Muslims for nearly an hour after his 30 minute speech. The program ended with Maghrib salah and dinner. Br. Yusuf Islam graciously handed out booklets to the non-Muslim audience and gave autographs to all those who requested. Nearing the end of the program, after many requests, Yusuf Islam sang for the audience the song "Salaam" that he had written. The St. John's community was very pleased to have him visit. This lecture came at a time when Muslim-Christian dialogue has been improving after a Muslim presence has finally been felt in recent years at the largest Catholic University in the United States. Alhamdulillah, the Muslim Students’ Association is currently beginning to plan its second annual Islam Awareness month, in November 2000.