BismillahLet me be the first to say that I am not a politicianA teacher, a preacher, or an activist on a missionBut given my competition, I think I have sufficient permission to speak on behalf of what I proudly call my religionNow let's go back to the beginning because that's when it all beganIn the dark cave of Hira was a luminous manA person who gave everything a person can to heal the hearts of people and help them to understand that life: is about GodAnd it was God that he soughtSo as he turned away from idols,And the pain that they broughtHe was turned towards the oneWho created man from a clot"Read!" He was told, as Gabriel embraced himRead, and read again -- the Divine Presence effaced himRead in the name of Your Lord, O BelovedFrom this point on, you are truly MuhammadThe one who hearts yearn for and tongues love to praise,Who would guide humanity in the last of its daysThis book he would recite to them and in it there is no doubt,He would purify their beings from inside and out,And teach them its meanings and how to live livesAs women and men who truly imbibeThe meaning of representing God on earthPeople of virtue, people of worthPeople who give far more than they ever getWho forgive, and forgive, and forgive and forgetPeople who seek God before seeking God's favours,Who empower the poor and take care of their neighbours,People who hold their tongues, and whose anger is tamed,Who fight oppressors without fearing any blamePeople of strength, people of devotion,Oceans of calm peace in a world of motion,This is the inheritance that he left behind,Held in a recitation that's as sweet as it is sublime,To revive the truth that no man can deny --There is no god -- who created you and I,There is no god -- who nurtures and provides,There is no god of the earth and skies above,There is no god, no god but Allah.