Michael Jackson signs up to Islam and a new name
From the archive: published Nov 21, 2008, 17 years ago. Details may have changed since.
Pop singer Michael Jackson converted to Islam in a ceremony in Los Angeles this week.
An imam was summoned from the mosque and Jackson went through the shahada, which is the Muslim declaration of belief at the home of Steve Porcaro, a keyboard player who composed music on his Thriller album, according to reports.
He is said to have sat on the floor and worn a small hat while an imam officiated.
Jackson was counselled on converting by David Wharnsby, a Canadian songwriter, and Phillip Bubal, a producer, who have both previously converted to Islam. According to The Sun Yousef Islam, previously Cat Stevens until he converted turned up to help Jackson celebrate.
As part of the conversion, Jackson has also had a name change. The artist and accused child molester formally known as Michael Jackson is now known as Mikaeel, although it wasn’t clear whether he’d gone the Prince route with one name, or has kept his last name, or changed it to something different.
(img: The Telegraph)
