"I was the reason why he had gone there because I
wanted him to get out of America and just go somewhere
it's peaceful and quiet and people pray five times a
day which is beautiful."

=====


Jermaine Jackson wants Michael to convert to Islam


http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070129/en_nm/jackson_dc

LONDON (Reuters) - Jermaine Jackson said on Monday he wants his brother Michael to convert to Islam; and he believes the reclusive superstar has given it serious thought.

"Michael, I feel, needs to become a Muslim because I
think it's a great protection for him from all the
things that he's been attacked with, which are false,"
said the former Jackson Five singer who now lives in
Bahrain.

"There's a strength and protection there," Jackson
told BBC Asian Newtwork after finishing runner-up to
Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty in the "Celebrity Big
Brother" TV reality show that was marred by
accusations of racist bullying.

Jackson said he believed his brother had given
conversion "serious thought" during long spells in
Bahrain.

"I was the reason why he had gone there because I
wanted him to get out of America and just go somewhere
it's peaceful and quiet and people pray five times a
day which is beautiful."

Michael Jacksonwas acquitted of child molestation
charges in June 2005.

He has said he plans to move to Europe in a bid to
resurrect his musical career as the "King of Pop" and
has indicated he will release a new album in 2007.

Jermaine Jackson said his faith helped keep him sane
in the enclosed confines of the British reality TV
program where the contestants are kept cooped up under
24-hour surveillance.

"If I didn't have Allah and my prayer rug, I would not
have survived and the reason why is because it kept me
focused, it kept me calm," he said.