Islam spread by the sword - truth or propaganda myth?

The Allegation: “Islam Spread by the Sword”—Truth or Propaganda?

---

A common complaint in the vast literature of history and religion is: “Islam spread by the sword, that is, by force and coercion.” This statement is not only made by ordinary atheists or Islamophobes, but also by many Western historians, media analysts, and even some well-known Muslim figures. This allegation attempts to portray Islam as a repressive, terrorist ideology, as if it were founded not on the basis of reason, heart, or humanity—but only on the basis of fear and bloodshed.

But did Islam really spread by the sword? To answer this question, we must go to the Quran, authentic hadiths, reliable historical documents, and practical knowledge and wisdom.

First, let’s see—what does the Quran say?

Allah Almighty clearly states in the Quran:

“There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, truth and falsehood have become clear.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:256)

This verse is not just mentioned once, but Allah Almighty has repeatedly declared in various places in the Quran that people have free will. In another place in the Quran it is said:

“You have not been sent to compel them, but only to advise.”

(Surah Ghasiyah, 88:21-22)

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) never forced anyone to convert to Islam. He endured extreme persecution and adversity in Mecca for 13 years and only called upon people to believe in monotheism. Even during his reign in Medina, he did not force Jews or followers of other religions to convert to Islam. According to the constitution of Medina, the followers of every religion had complete freedom to practice their own religion.

Then the question arises – why were there so many wars? Why did the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions participate in countless Ghazwahs and Jihads?

The answer is that these wars were not for the spread of Islam, but for self-defense, to respond to oppression, and to establish peace. History shows that when the Muslims were expelled from Mecca, they did not fight. But when the Quraysh forced war on them, they were allowed to defend themselves. The Quran states:

> “Permission to fight is given to those who fight, because they have been wronged…”

(Surah Hajj, 22:39)

Furthermore, most of the battles of the Prophet (peace be upon him) were defensive—Badr, Uhud, and the Trench were all defensive. Even during the conquest of Mecca, when he had complete power, he did not force anyone to accept Islam. Rather, he said: “Today there is no retaliation against you, you are free.”

So how did Islam spread so quickly in history?

Islam won the hearts of people mainly through the character of Muslims, business honesty, social justice, and the spread of science and education. The most powerful means in the history of spreading Islam was da'wah—peaceful preaching, morality, and example. For example, Islam spread to regions such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Africa without any war. In these places, Muslim businessmen, Sufi saints, and spiritual leaders attracted people to Islam.

While European imperialism imposed Christianity with the force of guns and sticks, Islam, on the contrary, knocked on the door of people's thoughts and hearts.

Those who say that Islam spread through the sword are hiding the true picture of history. If Islam was a religion of forced conversion, then how did Jews, Christians, Yazidis, and Zoroastrians survive in the Middle East for hundreds of years today? Conversion was not mandatory in any caliphate—Umayyad, Abbasid, or Ottoman. Rather, non-Muslims lived in peace by paying the Jizya (security tax).

Here is a real example—Baghdad was the intellectual capital of the world during the era of Caliph Harun-al-Rashid. Islamic civilization took an amazing form by translating Greek, Persian, and Indian knowledge. Muslim, Christian, and Jewish scientists worked together in that civilization. Would this have been possible if Islam had spread through the sword?

A notable hadith is also relevant here:

> “None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”

(Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)

This hadith explains the nature of the call of Islam based on peace, mutual respect, and human dignity. Such generosity is not found in the religion of coercion.

So those who say that Islam spread through the sword are basically confusing the victories and political power of Muslim history with the religious call. Not all expansion is for the purpose of spreading religion. The Muslim Caliphate once had a large political reach, but conversion was a purely personal and voluntary matter.

In conclusion, Islam has never imposed religion by force, but has attracted people with the light of truth, justice and morality. Islam is a rational, humane and complete way of life - which is spread not by fear, but by love.