What is the real meaning of "jihad"? I know that a lot of Christians take it to mean "holy war", but apparently the meaning is a bit more complex than that. Is that true?
Edit: Also, where in the Quran does it mention djinn and other creatures from Islamic legend like what's seen in Arabian Nights? I had thought djinn were only an Arabian Nights thing but apparently they're mentioned in the Quran too?
A Jihad is a simply a struggle. A good example of a Jihad is the fasr during Ramadan, or contributing labor to build a mosque. The only time it could ever be an armed struggle would be in self defense.
I'll let you guys in on a secret, if the Salafists are yelling about something, it's probably a horrible idea they either made up, or were lied to about from a very young age, that someone else made up.
As far as Djinn go, sura 72 mentions them a lot. Today, they are known as the unseen ones and are treated in much the same way as demons in christianity, except in salafism, where they believe djinn can possess a body. (Remember what I said about them being like Mormons?)
How fast does your flying carpet go, and do you need a special licence?
Faster than a camel, but not faster than a horse. It does smell better than both though.
@Major Asshole growing a beard is considered in some circles to be mustahab (not obligatory, but a good idea) I'd actually say a majority of Muslim men I know are actually clean shaven, it all depends on the culture you come from. I myself, am Turkish in descent, and it just isn't part of my culture.