It was a bizarre ending to a bizarre life: The death of Michael Jackson has resonated around the world, as fans and critics world-wide look to each other and inside themselves to reconcile what was without doubt, a life tinted with talent and glory and scarred with controversy and reclusion.

It was a strange tune to which he danced, and in the last months of Michael’s life he chose to embark on an altogether different journey from the moonwalk to following the trail his brother Jermaine’s footsteps into the sanctuary of Islam.

Coming Around to the Call

Rumours of Michael Jackson’s conversion to Islam first surfaced in November 2003, when Saeed Shabazz, a reporter for the Nation of Islam‘s publication, The Final Call, announced that Michael had joined the organization, claiming that the Nation of Islam’s leader Louis Farrakhan “sees a lot of spirituality in Michael.” this comment was denied and the topic seemed to vaporize.

A Friend in Need and a Friend Indeed

In 2005 Michael moved to Bahrain, following a child molestation case that left his career, reputation and financial status in ruins and relegated him to a virtual recluse. He and his children were invited to live in a spare palace belonging to Sheik Abdullah bin Hamed Khalifa. In November of that year he allegedly donated “a huge amount of money” to build a mosque near his new residence. The Khaleej Times newspaper reported that the mosque “would be designated for learning the principles and teachings of Islam as well as teaching of English language, for which high-standard teachers would be brought from the United States under his personal supervision.”

As their friendship blossomed, a lot of money changed hands between the star and the Prince ($7 million to be precise). Michael appeared to be kicking over the traces and anticipating a comeback. He agreed to record a new album, write an autobiography and produce a stage play under the Prince’s wing in order to get back on his feet and return what he’d borrowed.

Splitting Heirs

Then things went sour (sourer than 4 day old milk left in the sun). The King of Pop walked away from the collaboration in 2006, and the Prince of Bahrain decided to sue. In November 2008, they reached an “amicable” out-of-court settlement, the details of which were never made public.

But something extraordinary happened just a few days prior to the settlement; Michael Jackson converted to Islam.

The King of Pop Finds Salvation as a Muslim

Although the seeds had been planted long ago, he made his final decision with the help of his producer and songwriter with whom he was recording what was to be his final album. Both had already converted to Islam.

“They began talking to him about their beliefs, and how they thought they had become better people after they converted.” A source close to Michael said.

An Imam was summoned from the mosque to the star’s home and Michael went through shahada, the Muslim declaration of belief. He changed his name to Mikaeel, after one of Allah’s angels.

Is there a message in his conversion, the attempts by his brother Jermaine, who was also a Muslim, to revive him and the symbolic timing of his passing, just as he was on the verge of his bombastic comeback tour, poignantly entitled “This is It”? Only Michael knows.

Did You Know?

The King of Pop wasn’t the first African-American who changed the face of history and then joined Islam. Since the 1940s, other high-profile African Americans have answered this life-altering spiritual calling in a difficult moment. Here are three of them:

• Malcolm X: the Nation of Islam leader converted while serving time in prison in 1948.
• Benjamin Chavis: the head of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People converted after his scandal-ridden eviction.
• Mike Tyson: the heavyweight-boxing champion converted while in prison.

What do you think of Michael Jackson’s life, death and conversion to Islam? We’d love to know!