Amid all the commentary on the death of Michael Jackson (may God be merciful to him), this letter from an American imam caught my eye.

Some months ago the world received credible reports that Michael Jackson had accepted Islam. Allah continues to guide people to the path of peace and for that we are grateful. My regret is that so many artists are reported to have come to faith-Iman, yet the Muslim community and its leadership has failed to reach back. Perhaps the wall of celebrity can explain some of it. It also says something else; Imams in America need to do a better job of sharing the love of Allah. Brother Jermaine, I don’t think we have been there for you, your brother or your family and for that I am truly sorry.

I am committing myself today, June 28th 2009, upon the death of your brother, to reach out more to people in the arts and to be a support for them spiritually, without fanfare, seeking nothing in return but to nurture their faith and I beg others to do the same. Muslim artists such as Mustaqiim Sahir, Dawwud Wharnsby, Yusuf Islam and millions in the UK have spoken highly of your spirituality, Br. Jermaine Jackson and the world morns the loss of your brother and our brother, Michael Jackson.

Update: Yusuf Islam and Dawud Wharnsby have both clarified that – contrary to some rumours – they were not involved in Michael Jackson’s conversion to Islam, if he did indeed convert.