As I write, the top news on BBC News online (July 8th) covers the poignant memorial service held in Michael Jackson’s honour. Since his sudden death last month, we have witnessed the world pay homage to the King of Pop. The singer has topped album charts and stars and politicians alike have been showing respect to a man who has been a major icon for decades. And of course the Muslim community has been buzzing with questions regarding his possible conversion to Islam.
Whether or not you are the biggest Jackson fan a death is a death and therefore a powerful reminder to us all, regardless of who may be the latest victim of its inevitability. Yet, unlike many around me, Muslims inclusive, I’ve been unable to bring myself to register a more particular shock and sense of loss – for the very same reason. Michael Jackson was not the only person to have died recently.
While millions mourned the death of the singer on June 25th, Iraq mourned the death of some 70 innocent lives lost in a brutal market place bomb blast only the day before. A day after Jackson’s death another Iraq bomb blast claimed 13 more lives. Meanwhile thousands continue to die of disease, hunger, poverty and conflict around the world.
The point I’m trying to make is one of perspective. While Jackson‘s death is a great deal more high profile, I find it difficult to pay him extra recognition while neglecting those nameless and faceless, dying in more tragic circumstances, their human dignity reduced to ‘collateral damage’ or mere numbers.
If Michael Jackson was Muslim, I sincerely pray that Allah shows mercy to him. And I pray the same prayer with the same sincerity and intensity for those who have passed away, often in more painful circumstances and without the recognition they may deserve. May Allah forgive them all and bless their families with patience to bear their loss.
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