Album: In Praise of the Last Prophet

Introduction
"In Praise of the Last Prophet" is a 2002 album by the artist Cat Stevens, who is also known as Yusuf Islam considering that his conversion to Islam in 1977. The album comprises of devotional tunes, Islamic Nasheeds, and religious hymns applauding the Prophet Muhammad, the creator of Islam. With this album, Cat Stevens, who had left the music market for a very long time, returned to express his spiritual accessory and deep dedication to Islam and the Prophet. Unlike his previous works as a folk-rock vocalist, this album carries a strong religious theme and showcases his dedication to celebrating the life and deeds of the Prophet in a range of languages, consisting of English, Arabic, Urdu, and Turkish.

Background and Inspiration
After transforming to Islam in 1977, Cat Stevens altered his name to Yusuf Islam and abandoned his successful music career to concentrate on his new-found faith, devoting himself to charity work, education, and family life. In the early 1990s, he launched a number of spoken-word albums with spiritual themes, however it took him nearly two decades to make a comeback with an album of tunes.

"In Praise of the Last Prophet" is the conclusion of Yusuf's journey through his faith and his desire to create music that assists people connect with the spirituality and mentors of the last prophet, Muhammad. The album was launched in 2002, a year after the tragic events of 9/11, making it especially relevant as it intended to combat the unfavorable stereotypes and mistaken beliefs surrounding the religious beliefs of Islam.

The primary motivation for the album came from Yusuf's deep desire to honor the Prophet Muhammad in his music. Through his spiritual discovery and learning of Islamic teachings, Yusuf wished to come up with the appeal and virtues of the Prophet's life, as well as to highlight the importance of peace, love, and togetherness that Islam promotes.

Tracks and Themes
The album features 11 tracks, each paying tribute to the life, mentors, and character of the Prophet Muhammad. The songs cover numerous aspects of the Prophet's life, from his birth to his death, and the virtues he instilled in his fans through his actions and mentors. Some notable tracks from the album include:

1. "The Adhan (Call to Prayer)" - The album opens with a sincere performance of the Muslim call to prayer, setting the stage for the devotional nature of the songs that follow.
2. "Tala'a al-Badru Alayna" - This conventional Islamic song commemorates the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad to Medina and is sung in both Arabic and English with a combination of Middle Eastern and Western instrumentation.
3. "Bismillah" - An appealing, uplifting song that functions as a pointer to say "In the name of Allah" before beginning any action or task, instilling a sense of appreciation and mindfulness in everyday life.

Overall, the styles of the album center around the concept of embracing peace, love, and tolerance, while cultivating an appreciation for the extensive spiritual teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

Conclusion
"In Praise of the Last Prophet" marks a turning point in Cat Stevens's career as an artist, showcasing his improvement from a folk-rock musician to a devotional vocalist. The album succeeds in its goal of developing a sense of unity, understanding, and appreciation for the mentors and virtues of the Prophet Muhammad. Through his mix of traditional Islamic songs, and contemporary western music, Cat Stevens, as Yusuf Islam, appeals to a broader audience and shares the message of peace and love imbued in the religious beliefs of Islam.