"Seek knowledge, even unto China" - Prophet Muhammad

As-salamu alaykum, chapos!

After consulting with the cyber Ulama we have decided to create an open thread where curious posters can take a break from the great posting jihad and ask questions on the nature of Islam or the Muslim experience. So long as they are asked in good faith, from a position of truly wanting to learn, these questions will be answered without judgement.

As for Muslims, all of us are free to answer any of the questions, even ones that have already been answered. This is an open thread, and the input of different Islamic perspectives is valuable to getting a big picture.

To all those reading this, remember: No one person is an authority on Islam. This is why it traditionally the din never had its own clergy. Always have this in mind when researching on Islam.

Alright, now GET TO ASKING!

  • EldritchMayo [he/him,comrade/them]
    ·
    4 years ago

    I don’t think it’s weird, personally. I am a fan of dune with a close Muslim friend who I was lucky enough to have this conversation with. The use of “Jihad” in dune was important as every aspect of the fremen was inspired by the bedouins of Northern Africa, and so much of the language is Arabic. When the book was written, the jihads of the time were like the Islamic overthrow of the shah, etc. Only recently have they adopted this new context. Personally, we think that the use of the word is important to the development of the world due to the basing of the characters of the fremen on Bedouin tribes, and their struggle is reminiscent of the original use of the word. But it is obvious why they would replace it now due to the modern connotation with radical terrorism.

    I wouldn’t be able to answer your other questions, although I will say my friend has used it jokingly despite being a Muslim. But, I am not really qualified to talk about that.