Michael Jackson has changed his name as part of his conversion to the Islamic faith, according to reports.

Jackson, who has chosen the first name Mikaeel, is understood to have pledged his allegiance to the Koran during a ceremony in Los Angeles.

The singer, who was raised as a Jehovah's Witness, is said to have been introduced to Islam by a friend.

“They began talking to him about their beliefs, and how they thought they had become better people after they converted. Michael soon began warming to the idea,” a source told the Sun newspaper.

“An Imam was summoned from the mosque and Michael went through the shahada, which is the Muslim declaration of belief.” Mikaeel is the name of one of Allah’s angels."

As previously reported, Jackson will appear at London's High Court on Monday (November 24th) over allegations he breached a contract with the second son of the King of Bahrain.

The singer has been cleared to travel to the UK by his doctors, who earlier this week said it would be “unwise” for him to make the trip.

He is expected to arrive in the UK on Monday after an application to appear via video link was withdrawn.

(by Jason Gregory)