Michael Jackson never ceases to amaze. For most of his adult life he’s left the public at large scratching their heads. The plastic surgery, the clothes, marrying Lisa Marie Presley, the skin color change, the kids, the masks, the plastic surgery are all part of his eccentric persona. But one thing that’s remained constant was his loyalty to his family religion, the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Somewhere in the last few years, however, his devotion to the faith dwindled as he explored another religion. Just days before he’s due in court in London to answer to charges he failed to pay back over $9 million to Arab sheikh Abdulla Al-Khalifa, Jackson took the final step and converted to Islam.

A source told last night how Jacko, brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness, decided to convert as he used a studio at the home of his chum to record a new album.

The star — whose hits include The Way You Make Me Feel — was spotted looking “a bit down” by a producer and a songwriter who had both embraced Islam.

The source said: “They began talking to him about their beliefs, and how they thought they had become better people after they converted. Michael soon began warming to the idea.

[From The Sun]

As a Muslim, Jackson has taken the name Mikaeel, said to be the name of one of Allah’s angels. His first option was Mustafa, which means “the chosen one” but he said no. Mikaeel is barely a change, I think he opted for the better choice, publicity-wise.

In a weird intersection of random 70s and 80s musicians, Jackson was joined for his shahada, the official decalaration of Muslim faith, by Yousef Islam, the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens, and the ceremony took place at the home of Steve Porcaro, the keyboardist for Toto. I have a mash-up of Billie Jean, Wild World and Africa that will not stop playing in my head. I also can’t stop wondering how Muslim men feel about fellow Muslim men dressing in burkhas. Mikaeel may need a new wardrobe.

Michael Jackson is shown out in Beverly Hills on 10/23/08. Credit: Fame