Being larger than life, or being projected as such in the music business, leads you to question yourself. Some people try to forget about it by taking drugs or too much drink, but I was never like that. I was aware that there were very serious, big questions, and I was petrified about what might be in store for me.

I never wanted to be a star, I never wanted to travel far / I only wanted a little bit of love so I could put a little love in my heart / I never wanted to be la-de-da, go to parties ‘avec le bourgeois’ / I only wanted to sing my song well so I could ring a small bell in your heart

It is part of my faith as a Muslim to try to help those who are suffering from poverty or economic or political injustice.

I was brought up in the modern world of all the luxury and the highlight of show business. I was born into a Christian home.

Positive thoughts and prayer have been the best means available, since the beginning of time, to transform darkness to light.

The spiritual quest was always the predominant aspect of my life. It's always been there. But there's also an incredible passion connected to it; it's not just a dry investigative process. I have been extremely emotional about it, and that comes out in the songs.

I always stood for the elimination of conflict and wars, and any of those causes that ignite them.