4-«I hold you for the first time, my tiny son, very far from your father. For he was taken to the army camp and sent me back to give birth here, in the home of your grandfather who still mourns the fate of his own child... But soon we will be returning, you and I, to Damascus.

I have named you Mohammad. It is the name of your father, and of his father. It is, as well, the name of your prophet, for, unlike me, you were born a Muslim.

Here I am responsible for you, yet there is no way I can guarantee your future. It's frightening... I wish I were a believer so I could trust in God! I wish I could do something to make you a believer,., say to you something while you sleep which would be registered in your mind, something that would remain with you until you grew up... All I know from your religion is the call to prayer, as I used to hear it daily from the minaret, to whisper in your ear:

[ Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar

Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar

Ashhadu an la ilaha ill Allah...]

(English translation:

God is Greater (than all things) (4 times) I bear witness that there is no deity except God( twice)

I bear witness that Mohammad is the messenger of God( twice)

Come to prayer- (twice)

Come to salvation (or success )- (twice)

God is Greater- (twice)

There is no deity but God).

Do you hear, my son? That is what I would wish for you».