Who Is Fauzia Mubarak Ali, Cat Stevens’ Wife of Over 40 Years?

Fauzia Mubarak Ali has been married to Cat Stevens for more than 40 years. She’s not someone you’ll see on TV or in interviews. But behind the scenes, she’s played a powerful and quiet role in her husband’s life.

While Cat Stevens (now known as Yusuf Islam) is famous around the world for his music and spiritual journey, Fauzia chose a different path—one away from the spotlight. In this article, we’ll learn all about her life, how she met Cat Stevens, their strong marriage, her family, and the amazing work she’s done for human rights.

Let’s begin with who she really is.

Fauzia Mubarak Ali Quick Bio

Who Is Fauzia Mubarak Ali?

Fauzia Mubarak Ali is best known as the wife of Cat Stevens. But she is also a strong and thoughtful woman in her own right. She has spent many years working quietly to support her husband and help people in need.

She has lived most of her life away from fame. Even though her husband is a well-known music star, she has stayed private and humble. Most people don’t know much about her, which makes her story even more interesting.

Fauzia is more than just Cat Stevens’ wife. She’s a mother, a leader, and a human rights activist. Her story is full of meaning, and she deserves to be seen for the life she has built with love, care, and strength.

Fauzia Mubarak Ali’s Early Life and Family

Fauzia was born on March 24, 1958, in Karachi, Pakistan. She grew up in a caring and educated family. Her parents, Mubarak Ali and Zainab Ali, raised her with strong values. They believed in education, kindness, and standing up for what’s right.

From a young age, Fauzia loved books, poetry, and learning. She also cared deeply about the world around her. These interests stayed with her as she got older and shaped the kind of work she would later do.

She also speaks many languages, including Urdu, English, Arabic, and Persian. That helped her connect with different people and cultures throughout her life.

Fauzia Mubarak Ali’s Education Journey

Fauzia always took her education seriously. She started at St. Joseph’s Convent School in Karachi, where she did well in both schoolwork and outside activities. She was known for being a smart, kind, and active student.

Later, she moved to Lahore and studied at Kinnaird College for Women, one of Pakistan’s most respected colleges for girls. There, she earned a degree in Urdu Literature in 1979.

But her learning didn’t stop there. She went to the University of Columbia in New York to get a Master’s degree in Comparative Literature. While studying in the U.S., she became even more passionate about women’s rights and social justice.

How Fauzia Mubarak Ali Met Cat Stevens

Many people wonder how someone like Fauzia met a famous singer like Cat Stevens. The answer is simple—it was a traditional arranged marriage, which is common in many Muslim families. Some say Cat Stevens’ mother helped choose Fauzia as his wife.

At the time, Cat Stevens had already become Yusuf Islam. He had stepped away from music and was fully focused on his new faith. He wanted to marry someone who shared his values and beliefs. Fauzia was that person.

Even though she didn’t know much about his past music, she liked his character and sincerity. The two connected not through fame, but through faith and shared purpose.

Fauzia Mubarak Ali and Cat Stevens’ Wedding Story

Fauzia and Yusuf were married on September 7, 1979, at the Regent’s Park Mosque in London. Their wedding followed simple Islamic traditions and was filled with peace and family blessings.

At that time, Yusuf had already left the music world behind. He was focused on living a spiritual life, building schools, and learning more about Islam. Marrying Fauzia was part of this new beginning.

Together, they started a quiet but beautiful life. Their love wasn’t about fame or headlines. It was about support, trust, and building a future based on shared faith.

Their 40+ Year Marriage

It’s rare to see a marriage that lasts this long in the spotlight—but Fauzia Mubarak Ali and Cat Stevens have made it work for over four decades. Their love is strong, and their respect for each other is clear.

Yusuf once shared that after marrying Fauzia, he felt free. He said he finally had time to enjoy life without the pressure of touring or recording. They focused on their family, faith, and helping others.

Even though Yusuf returned to music later on, he always made sure his songs respected his faith and values. In fact, he changed a famous lyric in his song “Hard Headed Woman” to say, “I’ve found my hard-headed woman,” to honor Fauzia.

Fauzia Mubarak Ali’s Children and Family Life

Fauzia is also a loving mother. She and Yusuf have five children—four daughters and one son. Sadly, one of their sons passed away in infancy, but the rest of the children have grown up and found their own paths.

Here are their names and a little about them:

• Muhammad Islam (Yoriyos Adamos): A musician like his father

• Hassana Islam: Works as a director in her father’s businesses and lives in the UAE

• Maymanah Islam: A charity worker and photographer in London

• Asmaa Eve Georgiou Islam: A solicitor in London

• Amina Yusuf: Also a photographer, living a quiet life

Their family is close. They support one another and have been raised with values of kindness, hard work, and faith. Fauzia has played a huge role in creating a strong and loving home.

Cat Stevens’ Return to Music and Fauzia’s Support

For many years, Cat Stevens—now Yusuf Islam—stayed away from the music world. But then something changed. One day, their son Muhammad came home with a guitar. That simple moment opened a door Yusuf had once closed.

Muhammad started writing songs, and that made Yusuf think deeply about music again. He said his son helped him understand how music could still be a part of his life without going against his beliefs.

Fauzia supported him through it all. She stood by his side as he slowly stepped back into music. But this time, he was more careful with his words and messages. He wanted his music to be full of meaning, peace, and hope. And with Fauzia’s love and guidance, that’s exactly what he did.

Fauzia Mubarak Ali’s Human Rights Work

Fauzia Mubarak Ali is not just known as Cat Stevens’ wife. She has done powerful work on her own. She is a human rights activist who fights for justice and peace, especially in Pakistan and the Middle East.

She started the Human Rights Advocates Association (HRAA). This group works to protect women, children, and people treated unfairly. Fauzia believes that everyone deserves safety, respect, and a chance to grow.

After the 2001 attacks in the U.S., she became even more active. She wanted to stop hate and help people understand each other. Her voice became strong, even though she stayed humble and private.

Charity Founded by Fauzia and Cat Stevens

Together, Fauzia Mubarak Ali and her husband started a charity called Small Kindness. This group helps orphans, widows, and families hurt by war and violence, especially in the Balkans and other areas in need.

Their goal is simple: spread kindness. The charity gives food, clothes, school supplies, and hope. But most of all, it gives people dignity and a reason to smile again.

Fauzia and Yusuf believe that helping even one person can make the world better. They do this work quietly, without showing off. But their efforts have helped thousands of lives.

Controversies and Challenges Fauzia Mubarak Ali Faced

Being a strong woman with a public voice is not always easy. Over the years, Fauzia Mubarak Ali has faced many challenges. Some people didn’t agree with her views. Others tried to stop her work.

She received threats from people who didn’t like her standing up for human rights. In Pakistan, she was even arrested a few times during peaceful protests. Still, she didn’t give up.

Some critics also questioned her marriage to Cat Stevens. They said it didn’t fit what they believed. Others accused her of being too traditional—or not traditional enough. But Fauzia stayed calm and focused. She let her actions speak louder than words.

Where Is Fauzia Mubarak Ali Today?

In 2026, Fauzia Mubarak Ali lives a peaceful life in London with her husband. She’s still active in causes that matter to her. But she doesn’t look for attention. She prefers to work quietly and let others shine.

She’s also a proud mother and now a grandmother. Yusuf once posted a sweet photo of him holding their new grandson—born on his own birthday! Their son Muhammad had become a father, and the family continues to grow.

Fauzia may not be famous in the usual way, but her life is full of purpose. She supports her family, helps people in need, and lives by her values every day.

Final Thoughts

Fauzia Mubarak Ali, Cat Stevens’ wife, is a woman of quiet power. She has spent over 40 years building a life of love, peace, and purpose. While the world knows her husband as a music legend and spiritual figure, few realize how much strength and support came from the woman beside him.

She is more than a partner—she is a leader, a mother, an activist, and a true example of calm courage. Her story shows us that you don’t need to be in the spotlight to make a big difference.

(FAQs)

How many children does Fauzia Mubarak Ali have?

Fauzia Mubarak Ali has five children, but sadly, one son passed away in infancy. Her surviving kids include four daughters and one son, Muhammad Islam (also known as Yoriyos), who is a musician.

Where is Fauzia Mubarak Ali originally from?

She was born on March 24, 1958, in Karachi, Pakistan, and later moved to the UK and the US for her education and life with Cat Stevens.

What is Fauzia Mubarak Ali’s ethnicity and nationality?

Fauzia is of Pakistani ethnicity and holds both Pakistani and British nationality. Her background mixes Eastern traditions with a modern global life.

How old is Fauzia Mubarak Ali, and when is her birthday?

She was born on March 24, 1958. That makes her 67 years old as of 2026.

When and where did Fauzia Mubarak Ali get married?

Fauzia married Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) on September 7, 1979, at Regent’s Park Mosque in London. It was a quiet Islamic wedding arranged through family.

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