Cat Stevens

“A person who steals bread during a famine is not treated as a thief.”

“Ever since I became a Muslim, I've had to deal with attempts to damage my reputation and countless insinuations seeking to cast doubt on my character and trying to connect me to causes which I do not subscribe to.”

“I'm a little bit out of it, I suppose; I'm more of the golden oldie type.”

“It's very difficult to ignore humanitarian disasters. The royalties from my albums continue to support my charity work.”

“The words of the songs speak for themselves.”

“'Peace Train' is a song I wrote, the message of which continues to breeze thunderously through the hearts of millions. There is a powerful need for people to feel that gust of hope rise up again.”

“There was no division I could see between the essential teaching of all Prophets and wise men of religion.”

“Violence is almost an everyday occurrence in some Muslim lands: it should not be exacerbated by revenge attacks on more innocent families and communities.”

“In those days a concert was a personal experience. I wanted to be as close as possible to the audience, and of course big stadiums didn't enable you to do that. It wasn't my style.”

“Man is created to be God's deputy on earth and it is important to realize the obligation to rid ourselves of all illusions and to make our lives a preparation for the next life.”

“I am confident that, in the end, common sense and justice will prevail. I'm an optimist, brought up on the belief that if you wait to the end of the story, you get to see the good people live happily ever after.”

“My imam at the Central Mosque said there was no problem with making music. In fact, he encouraged me - he said if the songs are moral, not offensive, then go ahead.”

“I don't like applause, I must admit. Ultimately, artists are shy creatures; they're introverts.”

“If you want to sing out, sing out, and if you want to be free, be free, cause there's a million ways to be, you know that there are.”

“I've studied various schools of thought... I acknowledge that some Muslims consider music prohibited, but I've found a lot of evidence from the life of the Prophet to show that he allowed certainly, but even encouraged, music at certain times.”

“The greatest legacy is that which benefits the widest number of people for the longest period without limit to value. No one but the Prophet Muhammad was given that role as the seal of God's message.”

“Maybe some people may have thought or imagined that Islam drains all creativity. In fact, when you look at history, you discover that the golden age of Spain is what actually produced what we call the guitar.”

“I looked at some of the statues of Jesus; they were just stones with no life. When they said that God is three, I was puzzled even more but could not argue. I believed it, simply because I had to have respect for the faith of my parents.”

“There is a powerful need for people to feel that gust of hope rise up again.”

“I wouldn't be writing songs if I didn't have something to say.”