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Yesterday the greatest pop singer ever passed away. Most young people today probably have no idea how huge Michael Jackson was. He truly was not only the king of pop, but arguably all of music - as his music was universally loved. I remember setting my VCR to record Michael Jackson’s latest music video releases on FOX 5 (this was before the youtube/internet/DVRs) - and even wrote a review of Michael Jackson’s Halftime Show at Super Bowl XXVII in the 4th grade.

Its a shame the last decade of his amazing career was tarnished by many of his mental and physical woes (vitilligo, lupus, body dysmorphic disorder, among other mental disorders due to his lifestyle). His contributions to not only music, live performances, dancing, and music videos - but also altruism, philanthropy, race relations, world peace, etc. triumph just about that of almost anyone else over the past 50 years.

Alhamdulillah, what is comforting is that at least Michael Jackson died a Muslim. After years of rumors, last year it was confirmed that Michael was indeed a Muslim , and this was also confirmed by other reputable sources like Dawud Wharnsby and Imam Zaid Shakir (see article below).

I hope and pray he died with firm Iman for his sake, and that he has a proper Muslim funeral.

The following is a great article by Imam Zaid Shakir on Michael Jackson’s Passing:

Upon The Passing of Michael Jackson

By Imam Zaid on 25 June 2009

Like the light of a meteor streaking across the crisp, cold, clear sky of a winter’s night, Michael Jackson, streaked across the sky defining this country’s cultural horizons. None of us coming of age in urban America will forget Michael’s debut onto the public stage with his brothers as part of the phenomenally successful Jackson 5. Hit after hit, “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” “I’ll Be There,” rocketed up the Billboard Charts to number one. I can still reel them all off from memory some forty years later. For better or worse, they are indelibly etched into my mind, and have played a part in defining my soul.

Although I was a couple of years older than Michael, I joined the ranks of unsuccessful Michael Jackson wannabes. At the time it seemed worth the effort as all of girls had gone head over heels for Michael, and just a fraction of his dynamic appeal could reap huge dividends in terms of one’s popularity. The ‘hood was in love with Michael and he apparently had the talent to fulfill the lofty and ever increasing expectations placed upon his slim young shoulders.

Continue Reading Imam Zaid’s Post on Michael Jackson’s Passing here