Dr. Al Mutawa wan- ted to create an intellectual property that was rooted in his native Islamic culture but that would project a different image of that culture to the rest of the world without religious or racial overtones. Sure the Prophet's life was an inspiration to me, it's a mark of genius, but I was also influenced by John Lennon and the idea that art can change the world. My job is to produce something that is applicable to people all over the planet, that's why we have no religious messages or racial or cultural affectations.The going wasn't easy Teshkeel Media took hits from all sides. Some in the west wondered when (Al Qaeda leader) Osama Bin Laden was going to join the troupe, and some in the east thought it bordered on heresy but, through hard work, and not just a little luck, things worked out for the best.