Michael Jackson Converts to Islam, Changes Name?

The UK’s Daily Mail reports Michael Jackson is a new convert to Islam, and that he will henceforth be known as “Mikaeel.” Jermaine, who converted in 1989, is quoted as having once said of Michael:
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 and his famous family were raised Jehovah’s Witnesses, but most of them appear to have strayed from the strict Christian sect. Daily Mail reports Michael’s conversion ritual took place at the home of an old friend, composer Steve Porcaro.

Perhaps Jackson has turned to Islam in the hopes of respite from continued legal woes: he’s currently scheduled to testify at London’s High Court over allegations that he owes an Arab sheikh $4 million. The sheik claims he gave Michael–Mikaeel–the money to make a new album, while Mikaeel claims the money was a gift. Perhaps Islam will give Mikaeel the strength to avoid needless shopping sprees.