[1] Islam’s Fundamental Message Is Peace
The term "Islam" originates from the Arabic root "S-L-M", which conveys meanings of peace, submission, and security. At its core, Islam calls for submission to the will of Allah and encourages a life grounded in justice, kindness, and harmony. The Qur'an highlights the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a source of mercy:
This verse emphasizes that the Prophet’s mission was founded on compassion, not on force or violence.And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds-(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:107)
[2] Early Islamic Da'wah: Through Character and Compassion
During the early years of Islam, the Prophet ﷺ and his followers endured intense persecution in Makkah. For over a decade, Islam was spread solely through peaceful preaching, dialogue, and personal example — not a single military confrontation occurred during this phase.
Even after the migration to Madinah, the Prophet continued inviting people to Islam through wisdom, patience, and ethical conduct. Many embraced Islam not due to force, but because they were inspired by the Prophet’s truthfulness, humility, forgiveness, and justice.
[3] Warfare in Islam: Defensive, Not Aggressive
When wars did occur during the Prophet’s time, they were primarily defensive in nature. The Muslims were often targeted, expelled, or threatened by enemies such as the Quraysh and other tribes. Battles like Badr, Uhud, and the Battle of the Trench were fought to protect the Muslim community, not to force people into Islam.
Moreover, Islam strictly prohibits coercion in matters of faith:
This verse sets a clear principle: faith must be embraced freely, not imposed by force.There is no compulsion in religion. The right path has become distinct from the wrong-(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256)
[4] The Conquest of Makkah: A Lesson in Mercy
A striking example of Islam’s merciful expansion is the Conquest of Makkah. Despite enduring years of hostility from the Quraysh, the Prophet ﷺ entered the city peacefully and without bloodshed. Though he had the authority to seek retribution, he instead proclaimed a general amnesty ,“Go, for you are free.”
This act of forgiveness and mercy deeply moved the people of Makkah, leading many to embrace Islam willingly — not out of fear, but out of admiration for the Prophet’s noble character.
[5] Islam’s Expansion Beyond Arabia
In later years, Islam spread to regions like Persia, Egypt, North Africa, and South Asia, and while military encounters occurred, the spread of the faith itself was overwhelmingly driven by:
(a) Merchants and trade routes
(b) Sufi scholars and teachers who preached love and spiritual purification
(c) Just governance that attracted non-Muslims to the ethical and legal systems of Islam
(d) In places like Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population today, Islam spread without any military intervention.
[6] Legacy of Justice and Tolerance
Wherever Muslim rule extended, non-Muslims were often granted freedom of worship, protection, and equal rights under the law, through covenants and treaties. For example, the Treaty of Najran with Christians and the protection of Jews in Madinah are historical examples of Islamic tolerance.
Although Islam, like other major religions, encountered political challenges and military conflicts throughout its history, its genuine spread was not through the sword. Instead, it was driven by the power of its message, the exemplary character of its followers, and the compassion of its Prophet ﷺ.
Islam invites people to faith through reason, compassion, and sincerity, and firmly upholds that guidance can only come from Allah — not by force, but by hearts turning willingly toward the truth.