From the same source of life – we all come, and inevitably so we must all return.
The passing of artist and performer Michael Jackson yesterday was quite a shock to many. My thoughts and prayers are with the Jackson family during this difficult time – and especially with Micheal’s young children. May they be protected from the media machine that so tragically tore up much of Michael’s life, while ironically celebrating him as one of the world’s most incredible and dynamic performers.
Like many of my generation, the music and public persona of Michael Jackson were a great part of my youth. My serious interest in music began at age 10 when I first saw Michael perform on television, shortly after his “Thriller” album had swept the world. His charisma, uninhibited passion for his art and his unique style filled my head with dreams of one day being able to share my own music with the world.
Few can come close to claiming even a fraction of what Michael accomplished during his career – from child-star as lead singer of the Jackson 5, through his work in “The Whiz” and onward to a solo career as an artist in an absolutely unparalleled musical/performance domain. Michael’s work and music bridged the world and generations. His choreography, concert formats, music videos, album production, charity efforts (”We Are The World” in specific) all set a standard that few could rise above.
Over the years the media scrutiny, mockery and sensationalizing of his personal life always angered me. During the very difficult times of his career I always supported and defended Michael – admiring him for remaining artistically driven and gracious to his supporters.
Each day people with tremendous lives pass from this world – farmers, students, cab drivers, children, elderly retired teachers, soldiers and parents. Who are we to judge the degrees of their “success” or the levels to which their lives touched the lives of others? Each day we should morn the losses of the world’s valuable contributors, and each day we should celebrate the positive achievements of all our earth’s inhabitants.
With that in mind, I write these expressions not because “Michael Jackson the Super Star” has passed onward, but because a guy named Michael inspired me to sing, dance, smile, be gracious with those who shared my art with me and above all (as Michael would say whenever accepting an award) “Thank God” for all the wonderful adventures of life.
May Michael’s music carry on for many, many more generations – inspiring people to dance, dream and hope for a better world.
Lastly – many have been in touch with me over the past year to inquire about my personal relationship with Michael Jackson. A November 21, 2008 Sun (UK) article spread internationally stating that Michael had adopted the religion of Islam through friendship with both myself and my colleague Idris Phillips during recording sessions in Los Angeles.
For the record: Though our professional circles did cross-over slightly with various common professional acquaintances – I never had the honour or pleasure of meeting Micheal Jackson personally, nor did we ever correspond on matters of our professions, personal lives or faiths.
Peace,
dawud wharnsby
Salam brother. I’m moved and touched by your words. His death is no doubt a great loss. He inspired the world. Like all Muslim brothers and sisters, I wonder how his funeral going be like.
Although I wasn’t so sure about his conversion, all the rumours looked so real. And your name was even mentioned… But after reading your article or rather tribute, I’m not sure anymore… please brother, if you have any info at all, was Michael Jackson really a Muslim..? Did he really convert…?
Thank you brother, thank you for your music and da’wah efforts. Take care.
salaam aleikum wr wb,
May Allah swt His peace be upon you.
I have read your article, and honestly i am a little bit dissapointed. Maybe it’s because i want to believe Michael Jackson was a Muslim and i wanted to give myself peace by taking this as the truth. I dunno.
He was just a great influence on me in my youth and everytime i saw an interview with him, i got goosebumps. He looked so sweet and nice..
Anyway, i still hope Insha Allah that his soul is resting now, and if he did believe in Allah swt, his sins will be forgiven and have a place in Djenna in the afterlife, the same hope i have for all my brothers and sisters around the world.
Thank you for clearing this out for those who were in doubt.
Sincerely
Your sister
Karima
Salam 3laykum brother Dawud,
Hope you are in the best of healths and iman inshallah. In the U.k media they stated that you and friend gave da3wah to michael Jackson so he reverted to Islam with you as a witness.
Is this true? Can you confirm this please?
Allah ma3ak
Brother Uk
Assalamualaikum,
Thanks for clearing up the MJ issue Bro Dawud. The news of your involvement even made it into our newspaper here. Shahir, Singapore.
I do not know if michael is a muslim or not, but I heard with my own ears his brother Jermaine said “May Allah be with you” at his press briefing after Michael was pronounced dead.
As-Salaamu alaikum Dawud,
Subhanna Allah, I was also under the impression that you were with Michael J. for his shahadah. I will correct this on my blog, imamjohari.wordpress.com. Reach back for me when you get a chance. 202-345-5233 (Love You Brother – keep on doing your thing).
Imam Johari
As-Salaamu Alaiykum Brother,
This article was beautiful. Michael was a very inspiring man and I blame the media for much of his downfall. He was always seemed like such a kind and gentle person. It’s a shame that many people realize this only now that he is gone. Thank you for clearing up the ‘Michael becoming Muslim’ topic. I have researched so much online to try and find out if it was really true. And although you have denied witnessing Michael becoming Muslim or even meeting him, I pray to Allah (SWT) that Michael did indeed, at one point, accept Islam in his heart. I wish we could find truth to this news. I guess we won’t really know until his funeral airs on t.v. because if he was Muslim, they would prepare an Islamic funeral service. All I can say is InshaAllah.
Inna Lilahe Wa Inna Ilayhi Raj’un.
May he rest in peace.
(From Virginia, U.S.A)
Dawud,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I especially like your idea to celebrate the lives of so many people who pass on every day who have contributed positively to this world in their own way.
I will actually also miss Billy Mays, (of “As Seen on TV” fame) also d. June 25, 2009 at age 50, because he was the best TV pitchman I have ever seen and because he inspired me to put my heart into whatever I sell.
Thank you for once again clearing up your association from MJ, references to that Sun (UK) article kept popping up over and over again last week with your name on all of them. You were credited as “Canadian singer songwriter David Wharnsby), a link to which actually led to the wikipedia article of David Wharnsby the actor screenwriter (also from Waterloo), Sarah Polley’s husband.
Wasalam,
Humaid.
Oh Well… That settles the debate of dawud wharnsby being present at MJ’s Shahada.. Only Allah swt knows . And he (ALLAH) is the giver and the most merciful..
But being a teenager of the 80’s MJ was a big influence on me .. And i wish that he was a muslim..
May allah have reham on all of mankind .. for greater kings have been born , and they are no more ..So you can have the king of pop or the the king of rock and roll or the king of any country .. BUT ULTIMATELY ALLAH IS THE KING OF ALL KINGS ..
PEACE BE ON ALL..
WASALLAM
JAMAL
Thank you for the clarification. May I add that your song lyrics are so thoughtful, gentle, and beautiful. Most English Islamic songs do not suit my tastes. But your words are pure honey from the heart.
I do wonder to why we don’t mourn all other deaths. Bomb blasts, suicide attacks, poverty etc. all step behind Michael Jackson’s death.
I’m not saying that i don’t care that he has died, but only that we should open our eyes to all other things…..
btw what happened to all previous blog entries?
salam
Thank you for the moving thoughts; your perspectives in regards to MJ’s death in general and outlook in terms of humanistic values in specific, truly resonate across one’s conscience in more ways than one.
I’ve recently started listening to your music and I find it serene beyond words in a sense that it captures the simple things in life which we all take for granted, yet challenges us to be better human beings by liberating ourselves from the quicksand of human-egoistic fallacies.
Dawud, I’m a firm believer in making the world a better place through the light of peace; be it through poetry, music or even a kind smile to a passing by pauper.
Thank you for your music, your words and the passion that ignites within you as a creation of God.
May God Almighty reward you for all your endeavors, Amen!
Sincerely,
- Ali, from Toronto Canada
there would be no other King of Pop like Michael Jackson. he would always be the King.
dear brother
thank u so much 4 ur clarification
but i have one question
this thing of declaring MJ’s Islam happened nearly a year ago
so my question is why have u waited so long to say that
and why, surprisingly, have Br. Yusuf also done the same and waited without even a sigle word about it since then
And why chosing now suddenly to speak
Waiting 4 ur answer
and please send the same question to brother Yusuf
SAWAWB
Dear Alaa Omae,
Thank you for your question.
Though I cannot speak for Yusuf Islam, I personally did not release a public statement about the false November 2008 article (originally published in the Sun and subsequently appearing in numerous other major international papers) simply because tabloid papers, known for their poor journalism, cheap gossip and sensationalization of people’s lives, are of no interest to me.
Secondly – last year’s article appeared in the news only days before Mr. Jackson was to resolve sensitive legal matters with one of his previous financial backers. Publicly refuting the article may have only drawn more attention to the rumors surrounding Mr. Jackson’s faith – at a sensitive time for him – and been a cheap way of using his name/persona as a means of drawing attention to my own work.
Lastly – Mr. Jackson’s lawyer went on the record shortly after last year’s rumors spread and clearly stated that the initial article in the UK Sun was false. There was no need for me to say or do more. It is the responsibility of educated consumers to verify what they read – especially in poorly written tabloid papers.
With Mr. Jackson’s passing, religious communities have now shamelessly joined the media in a circus of sensationalizing his death. Out of respect to the Jackson family, and out of a desire to mourn his loss, I published this blog which I hope “clears the air” surrounding rumors of my involvement in Mr. Jackson’s religious choices.
My approach to faith does not include concepts of “conversion/reversion” or “propagation”, so the very idea that I would have even tried to “convert” Mr. Jackson (or anyone else for that mater) to my spiritual perspective, is silly. Nor is my faith validated by others who may adhere to scriptures, practices or traditions I may follow – regardless of who they are or how high profile they may be. Michael Jackson’s faith is quite plainly none of my business. I judge individuals by their actions and not by their places of worship.
My meditations, prayers and thoughts of good will go out to all of humanity – regardless of culture, creed or religious practice. As I respected Michael Jackson for his artistic abilities, positive writings and charity work – naturally he and his family are in my prayers.
- DW
Assalamualaikum DW.
I’m sorry if i have misunderstood your comments but I find this statement of yours rather ironic :
“My approach to faith does not include concepts of “conversion/reversion” or “propagation”, so the very idea that I would have even tried to “convert” Mr. Jackson (or anyone else for that mater) to my spiritual perspective, is silly.”
Because I think you are actually propagating religion through your nasheeds, and inviting people to Islam.
I really admire your work but it is disappointing to read that you don’t believe in the concept of Dawah, which is obligatory on all Muslims. I suggest you listen to Dr. Zakir Naik’s ‘Daa’wah or Destruction’ for more knowledge in this matter.
May Allah guide us all..
Wassalam.
Thank you for your comments and opinions Silver.
There have indeed been general public misconceptions over the years that my writings (in particular my spiritual hymns) were done as acts of religious propagation or as “alternatives” to “mainstream music”. It has been my ongoing effort for a decade or more to quell these misconceptions in my lectures, in forums such as these, and in some cases by actually revamping my poetry and song lyrics. I write poetry to express and sort out my own feelings/thoughts, only deciding to share my work when I suspect that others may be able to identify with the sentiments I have expressed… then, God willing, be inspired to further their own personal spiritual journies.
To my understanding the Arabic word “dawa” is about “invitation” – an invitation not simply to a spiritual community or religious institution, but an invitation (aimed at individuals) towards a fundamental higher consciousness of humankind’s relationship to/with The Creator. Hence, we read that Muhammad, upon whom be peace, “invited” others to better understand the oneness of God, and not simply to join a specific religious community. Communities based on similar or like-minded goals and action are, in my opinion, a bonus blessing to the positivity that comes from individuals who take social and spiritual responsibility in their own lives.
Most certainly my songs and poetry are often the result of my personal reflections about God and my life – in turn becoming “invitations” to help others reflect in like fashion. But, they are in no way intended to be overt or covert “hooks” of conversion, aiming to have listeners join the path of spirituality I stumble upon in my own simple life.
“Invitation” or “dawa” is what I do every second that I am awake. My whole life and career are about inviting others towards “entering into peace” (the literal meaning of the Arabic gerund “islam”) through personal assessment, mediation, prayer and service to God through serving humanity.
If the public has misunderstood this about me or my work…well, I guess that is testimony to my imperfection as a human being or weakness as a writer. It is also testimony to perhaps why it is stated in the Qur’an that, it is the “misguided” who follow “the poets” and not The Creator.
Zakir Naik has been the gracious backer of a 30 part television series for children that my good friend Zain Bhikha and I have produced for his Peace TV channel in Mumbai. If I am able, I will review the lecture you have suggested or speak to Mr. Naik personally about your thoughts when he and I are next in conversation.
- DW
The
i could say that Michael Jackson is a living legend when it comes to pop music. he would be surely missed by most of us.
i’m so happy . you are a very wonderful person and your nasheeds are fantastic
dear brother dawud
did michael jackson realy became a muslim befor he died???
please reply!!
but great artical though
ur sister
khadija awad
Dubai.UAE
p.s.can u come to dubai and sing ur nasheeds there
ASSALAMUALAIKUM brother
this articles was published in Dawn “Images”.why did you chose to live in Abbotabad.you could have lived in Lahore or other places.if there is some personal reason then there is no need to answer.but still i do have a question are songs really allowed i know that songs which talk about love and physicall beauty are wrong. but songs in which you talk about country,relations and general topics is there anything wrong about them.which musical instruments are allowed and which arent. i have heard that only ‘Duff’ is allowed.
ALLAH HAFIZ
| Michael Jackson is truly the King of Pop. i am a die hard fan of him and we are going to miss him now that he is gone.
I do not listen music but i always like him due to his spiritual thoughts.
I was shocked when i watched on tv about his death.
After his death i read ,watched every things about him (his biography moonwalk was surprised me it amazing ). I am still in grief its very pain full for me and really don’t know why. Allah bless him. ameen
Karachi / Pakistan
asalamu alaykum brother dawud hope ur in good health. Thank you for the clarification about michael jackson, cnt believe he is dead though, i feel sorry for his children. Take care. By the way your doing a great job with your nasheeds and your programme that cmes on peace t.v. Thank you