LOS ANGELES, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Pop star Michael Jackson has converted to Islam at a ceremony in Los Angeles attended by Yousef Islam, the singer formerly known as Cat Stevens, sources say.
Jackson, whose once-amazing career has been eclipsed in recent years by reports of bizarre behavior, as well as legal and financial troubles, is said to have changed his name to Mikaeel and taken the shahada -- or made a declaration of belief -- as part of his conversion to Islam, Al-Arabiya said Friday.
The religious ceremony reportedly took place at the Hollywood Hills home of Toto keyboardist Steve Porcaro, who composed music for Jackson's iconic "Thriller" album.
Jackson's lawyer said the singer has agreed to testify in person next week at a $7 million breach-of-contract lawsuit brought against him in London's High Court by the king of Bahrain's son, Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa.
The sheikh is suing Jackson for allegedly backing out of a business venture that was to produce an album, including songs the royal wrote for and planned to record with Jackson, as well as an autobiography and a stage play.
However, Jackson contends he never signed an official agreement and insists the payments he received from the sheik were "gifts," claiming the royal's case is based on "mistake, misrepresentation and undue influence."
LOS ANGELES: Penyanyi kontroversi Amerika Syarikat, Michael Jackson, memeluk Islam dan menukar namanya kepada Mikaeel, nama malaikat yang memberi rezeki.
Superstar muflis berusia 50 tahun itu dilaporkan memakai jubah dan kopiah ketika mengucap dua kalimah syahadah di hadapan seorang imam dalam satu majlis di sebuah rumah rakannya di sini.
Akhbar The Sun dalam laporannya semalam mendedahkan majlis itu diadakan beberapa hari sebelum Jackson atau 'Jacko' dihadapkan ke Mahkamah Tinggi London, selepas disaman oleh seorang putera Arab.
Jacko yang dibesarkan sebagai penganut Kristian, dikatakan mengambil keputusan menukar agamanya ketika beliau menggunakan studio di rumah kawan rapatnya untuk merekodkan album baru.
Rakannya, David Wharnsby � seorang penulis lagu Kanada dan produser Philip Bubal, yang menasihatkan Jacko supaya memeluk Islam. Kedua-duanya juga sudah memeluk Islam dengan nama baru mereka Dawud Wharnsby Ali dan Idris Philips.
"Mereka mula berbincang mengenai agama dan bagaimana mereka menjadi seorang yang lebih baik dengan menukar agama. Tidak lama kemudian Michael mula menerima idea itu," kata sumber yang dipetik akhbar itu.
Jacko yang merakamkan lagu terkenal seperti The Way You Make Me Feel, bagaimanapun menolak nama alternatif, Mustafa � bermaksud orang yang terpilih.
Penyanyi Britain, Yusuf Islam, 60, atau nama asalnya, Cat Stevens, mengalu-alukan Jacko sebagai saudara baru.
Jacko kini berdoa untuk ke Makkah selepas satu majlis diadakan di rumah pemain keybord Toto, Steve Porcaro, 51, di Hollywood Hills yang menyusun album Thriller penyanyi itu.
Jacko, yang jarang keluar rumah tanpa memakai topeng, dijangka memberi keterangan Isnin ini dalam tuntutan saman berjumlah £4.7 juta (RM25.3 juta) oleh Putera Abdulla Al-Khalif dari Bahrain. � Agensi
No comments:
Post a Comment