posted November 26, 2008 10:38 AM           

Michael Jackson has reportedly become a Muslim and changed his name to Mikaeel.

By Graham Tibbetts
Last Updated: 10:33AM GMT 21 Nov 2008

Michael Jackson wore an abaya, a traditional Arab women's veil, in Bahrain Photo: REUTERS
The singer, who was raised as a Jehovah's Witness, converted to Islam in a ceremony at a friend's house in Los Angeles.

He is said to have sat on the floor and worn a small hat while an imam officiated.

According to The Sun, the ceremony took place while Jackson, 50, was recording an album at the home of Steve Porcaro, a keyboard player who composed music on his Thriller album.

The former Jackson 5 star was counselled by David Wharnsby, a Canadian songwriter, and Phillip Bubal, a producer, who have both converted.

A source said Jackson had appeared a "bit down" and added: "They began talking to him about their beliefs, and how they thought they had become better people after they converted. Michael soon began warming to the idea.

"An imam was summoned from the mosque and Michael went through the shahada, which is the Muslim declaration of belief."

Last year his brother, Jermaine Friday, suggested Jackson would convert having taken an interest in Islam since Friday's conversion in 1989.

"When I came back from Mecca I got him a lot of books and he asked me lots of things about my religion and I told him that it's peaceful and beautiful," said Friday.

"He read everything and he was proud of me that I found something that would give me inner strength and peace.

"I think it is most probable that Michael will convert to Islam.

posted September 03, 2009 10:35 AM         

I am not against drugs totally. It relieves traumas and sufferings and unless one is prepared(or not under guidance of experts by that I don't mean physicians as they are intellectual smugs) they may die using it. I think thats what happened to MJ.

I do like him. Very talented and unique singer who gets the credit to set the trend for music videos.

I just didn't liked the suicidal path he was on.

posted September 03, 2009 03:51 PM         

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What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world is immortal"~