Michael Jackson 'could convert to Islam': brother

LONDON: Pop singer Michael Jackson could be about to convert to Islam, his brother told a British Muslim newspaper on Thursday.   

Jermaine Jackson said he thought it was "probable" that his eccentric brother, known for hits including "Thriller" and "Bad", would follow his lead by converting to the faith.   

"When I came back from Mecca, I got him a lot of books and he asked me lots of things about my religion and I told him that it's peaceful and beautiful," Jermaine said.   

"He read everything and he was proud of me that I found something that would give me inner strength and peace. I think it is most probable that Michael will convert to Islam."   

He added that he and his brother could make a major difference to the world if Michael was to convert.   

"He could do so much, just like I am trying to do. Michael and I and the word of God, we could do so much," he added.   

Jermaine, who converted to Islam in 1989, came second in the British reality television show 'Celebrity Big Brother', during which he struck up a friendship with Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, who faced alleged racist bullying.   

Michael has become a near-recluse since being acquitted of child abuse allegations in 2005.