UPDATED: Did Michael Jackson Die As A Muslim?

There are multiple reports coming from religious leaders confirming that Michael Jackson was Muslim. Most notably, they come from Imam Zaid Shakir who said he has reliable sources, and Imam Johari Malik who said CNN reported an Imam will be visiting the family for janazah arrangements. We’ll keep you posted of any more news as well as any updates on if Jackson will indeed be receiving a Salatul Janazah.

The biggest news all over the world yesterday was the death of one of the most famous musical artists in recent history, Michael Jackson. As the hour long television specials, radio playlist tributes, and music video marathons already began on the same day, many Muslims are left wondering, “was Michael Jackson a Muslim?”

The short answer? It’s hard to say.

The long answer? Initially it began with rumors years back that he had joined the Nation of Islam. On top of that, Jermaine Jackson, his brother, is a known and confirmed Sunni Muslim, which added another ingredient into the mix.

Then in November 2008, various news sources reported that Michael Jackson had officially accepted Islam, as he had been interested in it since 2005 with the help of his brother Jermaine. Other news sources claimed that Muslim artists Dawud Wharnsby and Idris Phillips were also involved in his acceptance and that they were present when he took the shahadah (testimony of faith), and even that he was also meeting with singer Yusuf Islam, the former Cat Stevens.

But since then, not much else had been said about his acceptance of Islam. What’s more confusing is taking into account recent statements both Dawud Wharnsby and Yusuf Islam that not only were they not involved in the reported shahadah, neither of them has ever met the pop star.

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UPDATED: Did Michael Jackson Die As A Muslim?