Talk:Sami Yusuf

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Contents 1 Changes made of 20 January 2006 2 Ummah 3 NPOV 4 Reasoning 5 Summary - ethnic origin, nationality, citizenship 6 Quick Question

[edit] Changes made of 20 January 2006

I have removed the link to Outlandish's web page as it has no real relevance to Sami Yusuf himself, I have also removed the category of 'Muslim preacher' as he is not really a preacher just a singer.M2k41 18:53, 20 January 2006 (UTC)

Dear admin, Please remove "Iranian-British..." to "British singer/songwriter/composer of Azeri roots born in Tehran." Those who are stating otherwise have no proof whatsoever. It's based on pure conjecture and speculation. I request that this mistake be rectified asap. Thanks

---

He has also preformed in Bosnia, during the bajram (EID.)

[edit] Ummah

Maybe someone can explain the meaning of Ummah?

Ummah means Muslim nation

MP

Ummah dont mean muslim nations , it means nation , groups that beleave anuone or anything in arabic . maybe arabs use it for other than islam too .

[edit] NPOV

Is he Shiite? that should be in the article —Preceding unsigned comment added by Rokkafellah (talk • contribs) 05:01, 19 December 2007 (UTC) I have trouble with these two paragraphs in particular:

"His international status has taken a clear enhancement on the second album with the participation of the hugely successful genre-defining trio of Outlandish on the track "Try Not to Cry."

Use of the words of "clear" and "hugely" and "genre-defining" are value statements. "Hugely", if corroborated with statistics however, would become acceptable.

"It's a genre transcending album with melodies and lyrics that grab you after the very first listen-through. Clearly, Sami’s uniqueness is the special mix of different cultures and artistic influences that he beautifully blends into amazing songs not limited by narrow genres, but seamlessly combining several with ease. The new album deals with – amongst other things - issues such as unity, spirituality, sisters’ struggle to wear the scarf, terrorism, human brotherhood, faith, and songs about Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)."

"Genre transcending" is a value statement. "Grab you after the first listen-through" is another one. "Clearly" and "beautifully" "amazing" "seamlessly combining several with ease." Very much value statements. If you can get a music critic source corroborating this, that might be fine. Also use of "Prophet" and "(pbuh)" are NPOV because the wiki articles are designed to be neutral, not advocate one religious view over the other.

I also had a problem with: At present he is fast becoming a very popular figure in the Islamic world, with his harmonic voice and inspiring lyrics.

It would not be an exaggeration on to state that his music has reached millions of Muslims around the world. His songs can be heard in a cafe in damscus to the mall in Kuala Lumpur.

"In July 2003, British Muslim artist Sami Yusuf released his debut album Al Mu’allim to unprecedented acclaim and success. It was the first album by an Islamic artist to receive such success in Europe, North America, North Africa, Turkey, the Middle East, and Asia, with hits like “Al Mu’allim”, “Who Is the Loved One”, and “Ya Mustafa” being on the tongues of Muslim children and adults from London to Casablanca, and from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur, making Sami a household name in all those regions, and selling over 1 million copies worldwide."

"making Sami a household name" seems like an unnecessary hyperbole. Further, "selling over 1 million copies worldwide" does not have a source backing it up.

"It would not be an exaggeration on to state that his music has reached millions of Muslims around the world. His songs can be heard in a cafe in damscus to the mall in Kuala Lumpur."

It would not be if it had statistics to show it. The last sentence is very much a hyperbole.

"At present he is fast becoming a very popular figure in the Islamic world, with his harmonic voice and inspiring lyrics."

"Inspiring" seems to be NPOV and "fast becoming a popular figure in the Islamic world" needs statistics to support it. 68.88.193.62 21:53, 14 October 2006 (UTC)

^{Superscript text}== Is he Iranian or Non- Iranian ? ==

The text says : " Sami Yusuf, is a British singer-songwriter of Azeri descent. He was born in July 1980 in Iran."

Azari(Azeri) Iranians -just like me !- have been an integral part of Iran since the beginning of time :all of the history of the Azari(Azeri) ethnicity is a part of Iranian history and culture .

I can't understand the above mentioned sentence : does it means his father and mother were citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan who lived in Iran ? or does it means they were Iranian with Azari ethnicity ? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 213.207.245.208 (talk) 18:08, 4 January 2007 (UTC).

He is Iranian Azeri and was born in Iran. I corrected it. --Pejman47 01:56, 9 January 2007 (UTC)

Zahra :Salam i wanted to suggest that if you can please stop writing samis born name, because if he wanted others to know it he probably would have revaeled it, and by what you are doing you're invading his privacy and not respecting his right.So please take this into consideration wasalam

Sami is what he says he is: A British Singer/composer/lyricist/musician. PLEASE do not speculate and spread false rumours. Respect whatever he has mentioned and go by that. Thanks

Zahra: Yes brother you're right he wants to be known as a British Muslim Artist, but this doesnt erase the fact that he said he was born/originally from Persia(Iran).You are absolutely right, but we have to get our facts straight, because he is certainly not ORIGINALLY British.

Sister, there is a difference between English and British... Sami Yusuf is British, and that's that:) And he is an ORIGINAL one 9whatever that means). English he's not, but British he is:)

The current version suggests that he is still an Iranian musician, which is not true. "Sami Yusuf is British singer-songwriter of Azeri descent who was born in Iran." would be better. Will wait for feedback before editing. Teyande 10:29, 23 February 2007 (UTC)

Yes brother i undrestand your point and yes he does consider himself British/Western/European Muslim, but again theres a difference between Nationality and Originality. He's Nationality is British, but he is originally Iranian. Northwestern Iran consists of Eastern and Western Azerbaijan, Sami said that his grandfathers came from the Republic of Azerbaijan and settled in Tabriz, Azerbaijan which is presently located in Iran. So they have probably been generations in Iran, before sami went to UK. His name is Siamak (Iranian-rooted name). In his interviews if you listen closely he does say that he can speak farsi and english fluently and azeri 80%, so would it make sense that an Azeri person who is Only from Republic of Azerbaijan would come and learn farsi, without even having an influence. If you go to Islamonline.net, there he is interviewed and he talks about a Persian proverb that his father taught him, and that is,"dast balaye dast besiyaar ast". Anyways he also speaks about how his father reads Masnavi Mowlavi,as you know Masnavi Molavi is by Rumi a famous Persian Poet who wrote his poetry all in Farsi.There are also other reasons, yet it is better unmentioned.

Look, the way I see it is why don't you just let go and get a life?? No offense, but if he 'felt' Iranian he would say he was Iranian. Don't spread rumours about the guy. He is whatever he says he is and nothing ewill change that. He has stated that he is a British Muslim, that's that:) Why are you Iranian people insisting to claim him?? He is for ALL huimanity, not jut for Iran.

I would bet ALL the bucks in the world that mpst of the people insisting he is Iranian are over enthusiastic Iranian fans:) Just let go guys. He's a proud Brit, leave it at that:)

Pejman, what is your problem?? Why are you spreading crap about Sami?? You jealous or maybe just sad cause your name isn't on wikipedia:) Get a life man, move on and STOP spreading lies!!!

Actually i agree with you and you're completely right, he's for all humanity, but facts remain as facts. And we never denied the FACT the he is British, and he probably does feel Iranian since he always talks about identity and culture, but maybe for political/religious reasons its better UNSAID. Actually its better not to stereotype that all Iranians are that, and the same way Britons are proud of him and insisting on it, and turks saying he is turkish, then let's face the truth! We're humans, and we like to take positive things on our side of the table, and hey we're greedy, thats not new to anyone, is it?! Nope. And I hope that if you are ever going to prove your point that he is ONLY British(originally), besides being somehow rude and offensive(to a certain culture, and nation) you could back up and support your views by some facts,( but we all know the facts that he is british and we're not arguing about that, we're disputing where he is from Originally). But let this discussion end, because this is not a matter of life-death. I appriciate your repetition of sami's british nationality!

He is british guys..... i have to say .. i find iranians quite sad people..... why u want him to b iranian???? just accept he is british.... and stop writing rubbish here coz it really gets on peoples nerves!

ahh, and by the way... i was born in kenya coz of my fathers work... but does it make me kenyan??? no!

har chand ke ba adabaneh darid javab midid, inha besyar tohin amiz ba shoma harf mizanand!

I wasn't born in Iran but I see myself pretty much Iranian & my children will be Iranian, no matter where they’ll be born with whatever passports they’re going to hold. You see, I have a country with rich history and culture to be proud of, some people don’t have that. If this guy doesn't want to be Iranian, let him be. He changed his Iranian name; let him change his ethnic as well. And I hope he stop copying our music if he doesn’t want to be one of us.

lol. Really this is silly. I don['t see what all the fuss is about. He states he is a British Muslim, so why can't you just accept that?? What you say about him copying Iranian music is not true because Sami has MANY influences and ALL who want to clain him say the same thing. Some Turks will say: "his music is Turkish" and Arabs will say his music is "Arabic." that fact is that our brother Sami is very talented and there are some people who are jealous of him and want to discredit and dishonour him. Others will tru to spread lies about him... He does not consider himself Iranian or Azerbaijani, he considers himself British and Muslim... This is the fact you have to accept and I request from Admin to take off 'British Iranian of Azeri roots..." as he is ONLY British and does not im almost 100% sure he doesnt have ANY other passport or nationality.

He is a British Muslim and I think it should left at that. Thanks (unsigned comment left by User:Ahmad1977)

Ahmad, about copying music, have you heard of 'Puran' singing 'Mola Mamad jan'? This is a famous song in Iran and 'Allah Allah' by Sami sounds exactly like Puran. That song wasn't influenced. It was a copy.

Did you say we want to dishonour him or discredit him? Are you saying by mentioning Iran we discredit or dishonour him? Thank you for making something clears for me, now I can understand when Saddam attacked Iran why so many Muslim countries were supporting him. And even when he used chemical weapons on Iranians the entire Muslim world was in silence… British tax helped him financially and even now those taxes help a war against Iraqis. I’m just glad to come across this page to see the real world and real Muslims. Good luck to you all

His own official website writes in several places, including in the referenced Time/CNN article [1]: "A British citizen born in Iran to Azeri parents, Yusuf spent most of his life in London." Thus, the CNN/Time wording is the best, which should be used in the page -- it is not understandeable, why, contrary to his wish, his self-perception, his own website, and Wikipedia article's reference to that URL, the quote would be distorted to "Sami Yusuf is a Iranian-British singer-songwriter of Azeri descent."

See also this self-description: "Azerbaijan - for your love of life, music, spirituality and for giving me a presidential welcome upon my return to my native homeland." [2]

"His family is Azeri by origin." [3]

"Brought up in London, of Azeri descent, 25-year-old Yusuf has achieved celebrity status in Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt." [4] --AdilBaguirov 00:36, 2 March 2007 (UTC)

I don't think we have a problem here. The lead seems fine as it is. He is British, because he has the passport. He is Iranian, because he was born there. And finally he is Azeri because of his ethnic background. End of story --Rayis 00:47, 2 March 2007 (UTC)

How about we say "Sami Yusuf is a British singer-songwriter of Iranian Azeri heritage"? Khoikhoi 00:49, 2 March 2007 (UTC)

That's the best way. To say: "Sami Yusuf is a British singer/songwriter/composer of Azeri heritage" This would be correct and spot on!! And then we could mention he was born in iran, that's fine too. My problem is with the phrase "Sami Yusuf is an British-Iranian..." this is grossly wrong as he is not Iranian in citizenship or ethnicity, so why should he be called Iranian?????????????????? It confuses the hell out of me!

Sami Yusuf himself never calls himself Iranian or Persian. Instead, he always emphasizes that both of his parents are Azerbaijani, that they are from Azerbaijan, that he is of Azerbaijani descent, that his grandparents were from Azerbaijan (north of Araxes) and finally, as he peformed in Baku this past November 2006, he clearly said the following: "Azerbaijan - for your love of life, music, spirituality and for giving me a presidential welcome upon my return to my native homeland." [5] Hence, we should quote him, as opposed to editorializing and making a big fuss out of an issue that's cut and dry. --AdilBaguirov 00:59, 2 March 2007 (UTC)

The quote you are referring to is to his fans from that country, not the context where he is introducing himself. Even so he was born in Iran, there is no reason to censor that information --Rayis 01:01, 2 March 2007 (UTC)

Very interesting logic -- if this was just some empty words to his fans from "that country", why didn't he said such nice things to fans from other countries, such as Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, holland, Yemen, Germany, Saudi Arabia, USA and even UK?! You can mention he was born in Iran (indeed, that's mentioned twice in the article, see BIOGRAPHY), no one asks to "supress" that -- instead, we are asking not to supress the fact that he is Azerbaijani. Hence, I propose this wording:

"Sami Yusuf is an Azerbaijani singer-songwriter, who was born in Iran on July 1980, but is a British citizen and has spent most of his life in London."

We should also add that his grandparents are from Republic of Azerbaijan, and that he speaks and sings in Azerbaijani, Turkish, Farsi, Arabic, Urdu and English. --AdilBaguirov 01:15, 2 March 2007 (UTC)

The page is about the countries he has visited in a tour, of course he will say nice things about every country he has visited --Rayis 01:32, 2 March 2007 (UTC)

IF the CNN/TIME [6] article is being used to claim that he is Iranian (because this is the article that's alwas used!!) then people should quote from the article exactly as it's written: "A British citizen born in Iran to Azeri parents, Yusuf spent most of his life in London." [7] He is not Iranian because he doesn't have Iranian nationality and he has NEVER stated he is Iranian EVER! So, why are the Iranian fans insisting on it?? Therefore, the proper assertion should be "Sami Yusuf is a British singer/songwriter.composer born in Tehran to Azeri parents"

my dear, I don't know about "pooran" but "Allahu Allah" or "Hasbi Rabbi" is definitely 100% Afghani folklore originally... This is not new for Sami to sing different songs from different cultures: "Allahu" (Ghazali, Nusret Fetullah Khan), "Ya Mustafa" (Ghavali, from the Sabri brothers), "Creator" (Egyptian folklore), "Supplication" (originally Turkish). So, what do you have to say about that?? I don't want to arfue, I just want you to back-off from brother Sami being Iranian because he is British and he's poud of it. Jazakallah. God bless. Ahmad

That's the best way. To say: "Sami Yusuf is a British singer/songwriter/composer of Azeri heritage" This would be correct and spot on!! And then we could mention he was born in iran, that's fine too. My problem is with the phrase "Sami Yusuf is an British-Iranian..." this is grossly wrong as he is not Iranian in citizenship or ethnicity, so why should he be called Iranian?????????????????? It confuses the hell out of me!

I request from Admin and the moderators to change line to: "British singer/composer/songwriter of Azeri descent" as this would sound much closer to the truth. with all due respect to iranians, but to be honest I've found that most of those insisting he's "Iranian" are themselves iranian! As though they want to claim him for themselves thus making him also Iranian. Name me ONE interview where Sami has stated he is Iranian? Being born somewhere does not make 'from' there.

Iran has many ethnic groups (Persian, Azari, Kurd, Baluch, Lor, Bakhtiari, and …) He’s father is Iranian-Azari and his mother is Azari from Azerbaijan. According to his website and in his words: “My Azeri is not perfect, I speak English and Farsi and am planning to advance my Arabic and Islamic studies by going to Egypt for a year in September."

Changing his Iranian name, tell us 2 things:

1. He doesn’t want to be judged by his background. Maybe he wants to avoid political issues surrounding in Middle East and specially Iran.

2. He just wants to be known as a Muslim not a Shia Muslim and mentioning Iran, certainly wouldn’t help his case on that. Even though his Mother is Azerbaijani, and most of Azerbaijanis are Shia Muslims but many people don’t know about that.

Maybe he just wants to be judged by his music not by his background.

And maybe he just wants people like yourself to back-off and stop judging him. Sami's parents are irrelevent here and you shouldn't be discussing things if Sami has not mentioned (his names etc) as it will always remain a speculation until it is disclosed by Sami himself. He is a British Muslim of Azeri roots (his paternal grandparents migrated from Baku) and he is definitely NOT shia. Stop judging him and stop thinking you know him. We should go along with whatever the facts are and whatever he has disclosed himself. Im sure brother Sami holds a lot of respect for Iran (as he would for any other country) BUT that does not make him Iranian.

Or maybe you should back-off and learn some manners. As a Muslim you owe that to yourself.

Salam i have no argument about him being an iranian, that is a fact, but i wanted to know how you found out that his mother is from Azerbaijan?!Please provide me with your information, Thank you, God bless

Really?? Where are your facts about him being Iranian?? which article?? If you are refering to the CNN/TIME article it says "A British citizen born in Iran to Azeri parents, Yusuf spent most of his life in London." [8] I am perfectly happy with that reference as it's true, but to state that he is "Iranian-British" is a clever manipulation of the truth of which brother Sami has NEVER recognised nor confirmed. So, once again i ask, where is your proof?? I won't back–off because i happen to love Sami and his music and I won't allow haters and jealous people like some here who obviously made it a mission to make him out to be an Iranian and spread lies about him! Tell me something, why don't you just accept what he has said?? Sami said that he's a British citizen of Azeri roots, so who are we to say otherwise?? On what authority and under what premis do you assert he's Iranian??? Brother Sami has lived in the UK for all his life and even if he spoke Farsi it wouldn't mean much because he's fluent in Arabic and also Turkish. I think this site is being vandalised by a few people (who are most definitely Iranians) who obviously hate Sami Yusuf and are trying their utmost to defame and ruin him.

Salam From the way our sis/bro talked (above paragraph)with all due respect, it shows your lack of interest in sami, because if you read enough about him you would CERTAINLY know that he surely is NOT fluent in Arabic or Turkish, if he was he would have said it in his interviews and wouldnt go to egypt for 2 years to learn it, as for his turkish, azeri may look like turkish but it still has its differences, you can ask turkish/azeri people what the differences are. Anyway bro, let me tell you something if i hate samiyusuf as a iranian, i would never memorize his songs,i would never ride 6 hours back and forth to go to his concert, neither would i search online to read more about him, and it is because i've read about him that im sure his Iranian. I have never denied the fact that he is British and yes ofcourse his proud it, he has made that quite clear for everyone to know. If you undrestood the point of this discussion you would never repeatedly bring up the point that he is British, because in this SPECIFIC discussion we're trying to find out where he is from Originally, meaning his roots, the blood that runs through his viens which come from his father and mother. It's not a matter of detesting him because he is British, or loving him because he is Iranian, it wouldnt matter if he is Iranian, but humans are curious creatures, the same way you're curious everyday to come and check this topic and reply! It is normal for any human to know every detail of a person he/she admires,because in that way you will feel more closer to that entity. Bro/Sis, there are reasons that we dont want to mention due to his iranian roots, and that is because he himself does not want his private issues being discussed by others, so US IRANIANS whom you say are Promoters of lies and rumours, have in fact respected his decision to keep quite about his fathers identity and him as well. Im not sure where you are from but from the way you speak and how you are very defensive yet intimadated by Iranians, i think is another reason why Sami doesnt want to show his iranian roots, because with all due respect personalities such as yourselve would not love sami as much as they do if they know his iranian/(or shia, but im not sure if he is shia or sunni,but either way he is Muslim in the end). You have to undrestand that if he doesnt talk about being an Iranian in his interviews it is due to political reasons and private issues which he probably doesnt want the whole world to know, thats called Taqqiyah, and inshallah we could further our discussions in a more respectable manner. But you know what let's leave it at this he's a Muslim, and nothing else should matter in this World or in the Akhira... Peace be upon you.

I'm happy to see that you have so much love for brother Sami - Masha Allah - something both us have in common. However, contrary to your view, I wouldn't care either way if he was Iranian or Ethiopian. What matters to me are his words and his is own self-perception and it's out of respect for him that we come here with the hope of clarifying things. I don't believe it's right to introduce sami on this site as an "Iranian-British with Azeri roots" this is something brother sami would probably not like as he has ALWAYS asserted that he's is British with Azeri roots. Tell me dear brother/sister, if we love our brother then shouldn't we go along with what he has said and not create so much confusion? As for his mother/father or any other member of his family or friends, he has always said that he discovered Islam/Iman in the West and I can tell you dear brother/sister that a person can be totally different to his own father/mother (which is the case usually). Every man is for himself and everyone will answer on the day of Qiyama for themself so it doesn't matter what 'private' information you may know about him because ONLY allah knows what's in peoples haerts. The main issue I have is that MANY people believe Wikipedia is in fact a proper encyclopedia thus using it as a reference at times! They don't know that everyone is free to change/delete and vandalise the information... I would like you and I (who are obviously fans) to request from the Administrators to change "Iranian-British of Azeri roots" TO "British singer/songwriter/composer of Azri roots born in Tehran." I believe this is closer to br. Sami's wishes. Dear brother/sister, if we love Sami then let's follow him and his words too (not just his music). I apologise if I offended any of our beloved Iranian brothers/sisters but I was just getting frustrated to why all of you guys were insisting he is Iranian if hasn't said so himself. Jazakallah

Salam Wallahi what you're saying is 100% right, and as always we have to respect the opinion of Bro Sami,and I hope inshallah that I havent hurted you in any single way through my writing, because surely that was not my neyyah. I believe the only plausible and accurate way to address sami is a British artist with azeri roots who was born in Iran,(as you yourself said), and honestly I'm not a nationalistic person of any sort, but I am one who searches, and due to what i've found out I've given an answer. But by God, it wouldnt matter to me a bit if he was Iranian or not, because the moment I heard his music(which was before I even knew he existed) and his interviews and discussions I knew for sure that he was one who Loves Allah and his Prophet, may Allah Swt bless him and you, and I hope we all become more united. Plus, I feel very ashamed of the way I reacted so please forgive me, because I feel very guilty. Allah Swt bless u wasalam PS.Dear Admin, If you can please change the description into,"Sami Yusuf is a British Artist with Azeri roots who was born in Tehran,Iran in 1980 and so on...."

Sami Yusuf is NOT Iranian...he is from Turkey. I saw his interview and he said that even though he is from Turkey he can't speak the language that well. Admin please change how it says he is from Iran on the profile, all you have to do is check his interview which on on youtube.com

If you can please provide us with the link that sami says , " Im from Turkey but i cant speak the language." Every claim needs a proof.

The ONLY possible thing that can be said is what he always stated and which was also echoed in the Times article that he is: ""A British citizen born in Iran to Azeri parents, Yusuf spent most of his life in London." [9]. im afraid ANYTHING other than this is pure malice. Of course he isn't Iranian, if he was he would've said it! Don't you think he would have let us all know that????? I'm really suprised with Wikipedia. It seems it's being run by a few over-enthusiastic Iranian fans who are obviously dead fixed on the idea that he's an "Iranian." Please have it changed immediately as it really doesn't look good for the credibality of such a site.

His own official website writes in several places, including in the referenced Time/CNN article [1]: "A British citizen born in Iran to Azeri parents, Yusuf spent most of his life in London." Thus, the CNN/Time wording is the best, which should be used in the page -- it is not understandeable, why, contrary to his wish, his self-perception, his own website, and Wikipedia article's reference to that URL, the quote would be distorted to "Sami Yusuf is a Iranian-British singer-songwriter of Azeri descent." See also this self-description: "Azerbaijan - for your love of life, music, spirituality and for giving me a presidential welcome upon my return to my native homeland." [2] Well aid really!!

First off I am not Turkish or Iranian, all I'm saying is that I saw his interview he gave in Eqypt and he said that he was from Turkey but he cannot speak the language that well. I have no reason to lie, I'm just saying it is pretty immature for Iranians to claim him when he isnt from Iran.

[edit] Reasoning

As per an e-mail from Mr Yusuf, he was born in Tehran but explicitly does not consider himself Iranian.

I think that's definitive enough. DS 02:48, 16 March 2007 (UTC)

Thank you,but can you please show the email first that he does not consider himself iranian?! Please show us the email with the email address and all the necessary proof.

his email address is confidential and can not revealed. DS says that it is definitely him, and I don't have any reason not to believe him. --Pejman47 02:58, 24 March 2007 (UTC)

Allright so can we at least see the email not the email address and any way it doesnt matter if he doesnt consider himself iranian, it doesnt change the fact that he is one. By the way, "Pejman" you were the first one to claim he is iranian, so how come your believing a 30-year old Canadian who has no relation with Sami Yusuf, and can "DragonflySixtySeven" please introduce himself a bit?!

• I am on OTRS, the "people who answer Wikipedia's e-mail". Mr Yusuf did not address his e-mail to me specifically, but I'm the one who answered it, and I'm the one who's dealing with this. Since it's his personal e-mail, I'm not going to tell you the address, but I can tell you that it was from SamiYusuf.com, which is his official site. Good enough? DS 15:37, 24 March 2007 (UTC)

I still think that he is Iranian (at least ethnically), but if he doesn't want to be one, why not letting him decide his nationality? It is his right and I am not in a place to give any comment about the reason about his choice. and also read this: WP:BLP. and by the way DS don't have any interests in this case and is one of the Admins of Wikipedia and I think he tells the truth. please forget this case as I did--Pejman47 15:52, 24 March 2007 (UTC)

Allright thank you for the info, so he emailed you through the awakening records email? Did he give any details of why or he just said that to change his discription?

[edit] Summary - ethnic origin, nationality, citizenship

Sami's own official website writes in several places, including in the referenced Time/CNN article [10]: "A British citizen born in Iran to Azeri parents, Yusuf spent most of his life in London." Thus, the CNN/Time wording is the best, which should be used in the page -- it is not understandeable, why, contrary to his wish, his self-perception, his own website, and Wikipedia article's reference to that URL, the quote would be written as "Sami Yusuf is a Iranian-British singer-songwriter of Azeri descent."

See also this self-description: "Azerbaijan - for your love of life, music, spirituality and for giving me a presidential welcome upon my return to my native homeland." [11]

"His family is Azeri by origin." [12]

"Brought up in London, of Azeri descent, 25-year-old Yusuf has achieved celebrity status in Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt." [13]

Sami Yusuf himself never calls himself Iranian. Instead, he always emphasizes that both of his parents are Azerbaijani, that they are from Azerbaijan, that he is of Azerbaijani descent, that his grandparents were from Azerbaijan (north of Araxes) and finally, as he peformed in Baku this past November 2006, he clearly said the following: "Azerbaijan - for your love of life, music, spirituality and for giving me a presidential welcome upon my return to my native homeland." [14] We should quote him, as opposed to editorializing and making a big fuss out of an issue that's cut and dry.

I proposed this wording:

"Sami Yusuf is an Azerbaijani singer-songwriter, who was born in Iran on July 1980, but is a British citizen and has spent most of his life in London."

We should also add that his grandparents are from the Republic of Azerbaijan, and that he speaks and sings in Azerbaijani, Turkish, Farsi, Arabic, Urdu and English. --adil 04:58, 25 March 2007 (UTC)

Um,...He doesnt sing in Farsi...

are you sure? I never heard, only his singing in Azerbaijani, Turkish, English, Arabic and Urdu, and assumed he sang in Farsi. Strange, he is trying to appeal to all Muslims, and considering that about 70 million Muslims speak Farsi as a primary language, it would look as an overlooking of a large audience. --adil 07:26, 27 March 2007 (UTC)

On his website it says he is British-born.

"With God in his heart and the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh at his side, British-born singing sensation Sami Yusuf is taking the world by storm — and even has non-Muslims humming his tunes — but don’t make the mistake of calling the widely acclaimed ‘King of Islamic Pop’ a preacher." "Yusuf, whose family originally comes from Azerbaijan, was born and raised in the United Kingdom and claims that when he first embarked on Al-Mu’allim, he was targeting Muslims living in the West. Both his lyrics and music swing back and forth between East and West in a manner that reflects the stew of cultures in which he grew up. "

http://www.samiyusuf.com/press/2006_11_10/2006_11_10_egypttoday_2.htm

Simple he a British Iranian of Azeri decent, Azeris are ethnic groups in Iran who are Iranian nationality and consider themselves iranian like many other groups such as kurds, arabs and lurs etc. in Iran.

The funny thing about this guy is , he is a clever Iranian fooling the majority of non-Iranian muslims; He knows well that shias as a minority of muslims are not much loved by the sunni majority, so he simply hides it! He knows well that being Iranian means simply being Shia, so he tries to make his identity unknown by mentioning a tiny ,very unknown muslim country called Azerbaijan (althought many know that Azeri is one of the manin Iranian ethnicities), the funniest thing is, he even chooses a very arabic name, renaming his persian name "Siyamak", to be more accepted by the majority of muslims! Who said that religion doesn't sell well?! As a friend of Iranians I suggest to this guy not to hijack Iranian melodies naming them nasheed! Iranian culture like all human cultures belongs to people appreciating it. I also suggest my Iranian friends not to waste their time on calling one their countryman who is abusing their culture and melodies for his pocket's benefit.

lol. I think you're full of crap sir, but I do agree on one thing: "...I also suggest my Iranian friends not to waste their time on calling him their countryman..." just get a life and get over this whole 'Sami Yusuf is Iranian' hysteria. Thanks

For the one using " lol. I think ........ ". Please avoid using chat terms in discussions, also If you have any idea let people know, instead of attacking people who has posted their own ideas! and I believe the post you were addressing has not specified his/her gender to be called a "Sir". Thank you.

• • • How come his Iranian again(on the main page)?

Because I bet 100% there are some Iranians who just DO NOT want to get over the fact that guy isn't Iranian and he doesn't see hin himself as Iranian (judging from all his interviews etc)!! Dearest friends, please get over it!! Leave this issue! Sami himself sent an email ephatically saying he's not Iranian and is British of Azeri roots!

He's not "Iranian Azeri". He's British of Azeri descent... Why all the Iranian???

This is what I've been asking all along... Why can't some people just leave this issue alone! He's NOT Iranian, doesn't want to be known as such, and has emphatically stated that he is BRITISH of AZERI Descent.

• No problem ! If he doesn't want to be ( or tobe presented as )Iranian , that's his choice . I didn't know that's his decision. I will not change the text anymore.Thanks --Alborz Fallah 19:48, 9 June 2007 (UTC)

Simply solution, dont say he is Iranian. Just say he was born in Iran to Azeri parents...thats fact, he cant deny he was born in Iran, even if he is British and not Iranian. This way, no ones upset. He doesnt have to be Iranian.Hajji Piruz 17:17, 10 June 2007 (UTC)

Yeah, I'm ok with that:) Everybody is happy that way. My issue is that we should just stick to the facts, whatever they may be! If he was born in Tehran/IRAN then that's a fact, if says he British of Azeri roots - it's a fact and we should accept it. I'm with you Mr. Hajji Pirus, well done and thanks for being so sensible.

Are you kidding me??!! INDIAN???!!

Yeah, I know!!!! Funniest thing ever!!!

All I know after reading the comments and knowing what I know about Sami Yusuf is that ...1. He was born in Iran thats a fact but he is not Iranian..if this is the fact then why dont we put all the Iranians, azeris, and afghans back in one country and call it persia or iran... My point is that there 3 countries of the former persian empire and those people are very independent of thier own nations now and Sami yusuf is pround of his Azeri backround plus he claims hes british so we should respect that.

Second the song Hasbi rabi is originally a Afghani foklore compose..thats why many Afghans were offended when he sang in many different languages and not in Dari/farsi..and yes he does know how to speak farsi becuase he just released a single called my mother and its in english and farsi.

Third I dont really blame him for not wanting to claim Iranian No offence To My true muslim brothers and sisters from Iran but many Iranians in the west where Sami lives have no Islamic up bringing becuase many of them are trying to hard to be fully westernised...either they do not practice Islam or they become Athieist...or they convert to christianty and its not becuase christianty had more to offer to them than islam (astakfurallah)its becuase they think westerners will accept them more and it differs them from true muslims of iran...so I dnt blame Sammi for not claiming Iranian living in the west. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 207.69.139.141 (talk) 01:20, 12 October 2007 (UTC)

He has Iranian origin, but he is Sunni —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.131.114.109 (talk) 19:25, 25 October 2007 (UTC) I think you'll find he is Shia, however for the sake of another argument(a-la Iranian or Azeri? etc), best if we just leave him as Muslim, instead of squabbiling over Shia-Sunni.

I'm pretty sure that Sami Yusuf is Taiwanese. Hare Krishna, Dawud (talk) 08:07, 4 February 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Quick Question

Yes i know his first name is Sami, but i read somewhere he was born/changed his name from Siamak/Siyamak or something like that, is this true? or am I mistaken? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.200.100.234 (talk) 20:20, 25 January 2008 (UTC)

That may be true. The page lacks certain factual information:

• He was born in Tehran, Iran and to Iranian parents with Iranian nationalities so by default he is Iranian unless if he denounces that officially.
• The page should mention that he has eschewed the question of his origins for whatever reason. The fact is that he has eschewed the question and not why he has as we do not know the latter.
• Some members say he is an Azeri as if he is a citizen of Azerbaijan. He is an ethic Iranian Azari, i.e. born to parents who spoke the Turkic language called Azeri in English but Azari in Iran by Iranian Azaris and Persians. Saying he is an ethnic Azeri is partial fact. His father was definitely not a citizen of Republic of Azerbaijan or former Soviet Republic. That is why we should say he is an Iranian Azari ethnic until he denounces his Iranian citizenship, if he does.
• He has changed his name from a Persian sounding name. I am sure we can find sources for this sooner or later. But if not, we can simply omit this one.

Persian Magi (talk) 08:47, 25 February 2008 (UTC)

Found from somewhere that Hamshahri claimed his real name was Siamak Radmanesh and he was son of Iranian songwriter Babak Radmanesh who resides in Britain. Persian Magi (talk) 07:00, 26 February 2008 (UTC)

i like sami yousef and love his songs,,but some of his songs have iranian resources,for example allaho allah from iraninan song name is mola mamad jaan or eid music from another iranian old song montazerat boodam,,, you can check in youtube ,,,,but thank you sami yousef for your nice songs,,maybe in the future i say im not iranian im from semnan,baloochestan,or khorasan or gilan,coz all of this county like azerbaiejan as a county from iran,,i hate of these fanatic opinion's —Preceding unsigned comment added by 77.239.239.170 (talk) 11:24, 23 March 2008 (UTC)

Excuse me Mullah maamad jaan is afghani folk song not a irani folk song.. get your information right..if you heard it from a iranian singer then he copied becuase that is a Afghani song..that is why so many afghans were offended when sammi sang that song and he did not sing a verse in dari/farsi. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.23.33.117 (talk) 10:09, 26 March 2008 (UTC)