Michael Jackson's private funeral to be held on Tuesday, body may be interred in $25,000 gold plated coffin

According to family sources, Jackson, who died of a heart attack on June 25, aged 50, is expected to be buried in a $25,000 (£15,000) 14-karat gold plated coffin similar to that used to inter the soul singer James Brown. His burial attire is being designed by the Los Angeles-based duo Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, who had been working on the costumes for the singer's This Is It tour in London. The information, however, could not be confirmed.

Meanwhile, some people are speculating whether Michael Jackson would be given a funeral according to Muslim rituals. Last November, Michael Jackson had reportedly converted to Islam, embracing the new name Mikaeel, in a ceremony with an imam in Los Angeles. If Jackson has indeed converted to Islam, it would mean that he would need to be buried as soon as possible.

Earlier reports suggested that Jackson's family was opting for traditional Islamic burial rituals for the late pop legend. However, there have been doubts over the conversion and Jackson, who was raised as a Jehovah's Witness, never spoke publicly about it.

"It is the determination of the family to be careful and deliberate on how they plan his celebration of life, because we're talking about a historic figure that really changed pop culture around the world," family representative and prominent New York politician Al Sharpton said.

"This is not something you do carelessly and spontaneously. We must remember they are still grieving and in their grief, determined to uphold his legacy."