Is new name Mikaeel Jackson?
British tabloid says pop star has converted to Islam
November 23, 2008
IN ANOTHER bizarre twist to singer Michael Jackson's colourful life, a news report has emerged claiming that he has converted to Islam.
The Sun carried an exclusive report alleging that the singer, who was raised as a Jehovah's Witness, converted to Islam in a ceremony at a friend's house in Los Angeles.
The eccentric singer is said to have sat on the floor and worn a small hat while an imam, or a religious leader, officiated.
Jackson then assumed a Muslim name, Mikaeel.
This incident happened days before the 50-year-old is due to appear at London's High Court where he is being sued by a Bahraini sheikh.
Quoting a source, the newspaper report said the ceremony took place while he was recording an album at the home of Mr Steve Porcaro, a keyboard player who composed music on his Thriller album.
At the time, he was said to be looking 'a bit down'.
Then, the former Jackson 5 star was counselled by Mr David Wharnsby, a Canadian songwriter, and Mr Phillip Bubal, a producer, who have both converted.
Their Muslim names are Dawud Wharnsby Ali and Idris Phillips, respectively.
The source told the paper: '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.'
Declared belief
His conversion, though abrupt, may have been thought through as far back as last year.
A Telegraph report quoted his brother, Mr Jermaine Jackson, as suggesting that Mr Jackson would convert after having taken an interest in Islam since his own conversion in 1989.
He said: '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.
'He read everything and he was proud of me that I found something that would give me inner strength and peace.'
Jackson is due to give evidence on Monday in a £pounds;4.7 million ( $10.8 million) lawsuit brought by Prince Abdulla Al-Khalif of Bahrain.
The sheikh claims he bankrolled the singer's lavish lifestyle in exchange for an exclusive recording contract. The billionaire sent songs for him to record but claims this has not happened.
He told the court on Thursday: 'Many times he confirmed to me he would pay me back.'
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