Passing of a Legend

Michael Jackson was the Elvis Presley of our time, and his passing is not unlike that of Elvis' either.


Neither before them nor after them had, (nor will) entertainers like them ever come again. Comparisons have been made between the two many times, and MJ even got to marry Elvis' daughter, Lisa Marie. They are both cultural icons for generations of people and made lasting changes to the industry. But what is even more un-nerving about the similarities is that today (June 26th 2009) happens to mark the 32nd anniversary of Elvis' final performance in 1977, just one day after Jackson's passing; almost as if the two had "left the building" together. The King of Rock 'n Roll (Elvis) and The King of Pop (Michael) even share similar aliases. Both of their deaths came as a shock to the world and their legacies leave behind vacant shoes that can never be filled.

I believe Michael's death is a lesson from God to the world, that even those we revere in our times are not immune to the call of death, no matter their stardom or how much larger than life they seemed to be. Michael's memory is bringing the world together through his good works in charity, music and dance at a crucial time when the world is being pulled apart. Michael's death is a personal loss to me as well as to his billions of fans across the world because Michael was an inspirational figure who transcended the limitations we set for ourselves, he was a true perfectionist in his work ethic. Those who knew him said he was shy, and humble in person, soft-spoken. He fought the lies of the media and those who were in pursuit of his fame and money with honesty and self-less work in humanitarianism. He inspired thousands of artists across the world and donated millions to profit those who are less fortunate than we are. May Allah/God accept of him his good works, forgive him of his mistakes and make him a means to bring peace across divides, as a final gift to us all (ameen.) I will end this with a beautiful quote of his I just stumbled upon: "“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.” “And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.” - Michael Joseph Jackson. Rest in Peace.



Motown 25 Live 1983