Call him Mikaeel? Pop star Michael Jackson has reportedly converted to Islam.
Michael Jackson has reportedly converted to Islam and changed his name to Mikaeel after one of Allah’s angels. Jackson, 50, who was raised a Jehovah’s Witness, was encouraged to convert by his friends Canadian songwriter David Wharnsby and producer Phillilp Bubal. His brother Jermaine Friday, who is Muslim, has also spoken out about Jackson’s interest in the religion.
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The king of pop pledged allegiance to the Koran in a Shahada ceremony (the Muslim declaration of belief) presided over by an Imam in the Los Angeles home of musician Steve Porcaro, the UK’s The Sun is reporting.“[Wharnsby and Bubal] began talking to [Jackson] about their beliefs, and how they thought they had become better people after they converted. Michael soon began warming to the idea,” a source told the Sun. Cat Stevens, who famously converted to Islam and now goes by Yousef Islam, was on hand to celebrate Jacko’s conversion. Jackson is currently facing a $7 million lawsuit brought by Bahraini Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa who is demanding repayment of advances.