Islam Spreading by Sword and Misconceptions: By Fahad

A brief explanation of Quraanic verses, which are often mistaken as instructions to persecute Non-Muslims. And there are some verses which show the real Islam and its ideology features verses from the Qur’an that vehemently insist on religious tolerance and the idea of "no compulsion in religion."

Anti-Islamic people often use the following verses to justify the stereotype that Islam is a religion of violence and intolerance, which was spread by the sword. The explanations here were aided by Abdullah Yusuf Ali's commentary on the Holy Qur’an.

“Remember thy lord has inspired the angels with the message. Give firmness to the believers and instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers. Smite them above their necks and smite the fingertips of them.” Surah 8: 12

Surah 9:5:"When the sacred months have passed, kill the idolaters wherever you find them."
Surah 47:4: When you encounter the unbelievers, Strike off their heads. Until you have made a wide slaughter among them tie up the remaining captives."

Surah 47 was revealed during the first year of Hijra when the Muslims were under *threat of extinction* by invasion from Makkah.

Surah 9 is interesting. Non-Muslims almost invariably quote verse 5 but leave out verse 4 and 6. Why? Because verse 4 says, "But the treaties are not dissolved with those Pagans with whom you have entered into alliance and who have you subsequently failed you in aught, nor aided anyone against you. So fulfill your engagements with them to the end of their term: for God loves the righteous."

And verse 6 says, "If one among the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him so that he may hear the Word of God; and then escort him to where he can be secure."

So basically what has been done above is:

1. The background to each surah was shown. One cannot take a verse revealed for a battle and insist it is if for the daily affairs of Muslims.

2. It was shown how Non-Muslims who wish to attack Islam; conveniently leave out verses before and after their quoted verse. Above, I have shown only one of the many examples.

These lists of verses from the Holy Qur’an show that Islam at its core and at its source is a religion of peace. Terrorists who persecute innocent people because of their faith are not welcome - their use of Islam as a scapegoat, does not make Islam what they portray it to be.

2:256 –Allah says: “There is no compulsion in religion, for the right way is clearly from the wrong way. Whoever therefore rejects the forces of evil and believes in God, he has taken hold of a support most unfailing, which shall never give way, for God, is all Hearing and All Knowing.”

17:53, 54- Allah Says: “And tell my servants that they should speak in a most kindly manner (unto those who do not share their beliefs). Verily, Satan is always ready to stir up discord between men; for verily; Satan is mans foe.... Hence, We have not sent you (Unto men O Prophet) with power to determine their Faith”

The teachings of the Prophet on how you and I should treat our Non-Muslim friends and neighbors on a day to day basis as well as how to government should treat a Non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state.

"He who believes in God and the Last Day should honor his guest, should not harm his neighbor, should speak well or keep quiet." (Bukhari, Muslim)

"Whoever hurts a Non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state hurts me, and he who hurts me annoys God." (Bukhari)

"He who hurts a Non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state, I am his adversary, and I shall be his adversary on the Day of a Judgment." (Bukhari)

"Beware on the Day of Judgment; I shall myself be complainant against him who wrongs a Non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state or lays on him a responsibility greater than he can bear or deprives him of anything that belongs to him." (Al-Mawardi)

"Anyone who kills a Non-Muslim who had become our ally will not smell the fragrance of Paradise." (Bukhari)

Islam itself started with the message of peace with Muhammad (PBUH), under oppression earlier Muslims had to leave their homes, their wealth and their family. The Prophet (PBUH) himself preferred peace of Wars, the example of 10 year truce between early Muslims and the Non Believers was the best of examples. Islam spread by words not with sword in those ten years; Muslims prospered until they became a huge nation and with time also became a threat for the non believers. Non believers felt the insecurity of the growing peaceful nation and were the first to break the truce, leaving no choice for Muslims but to fight.

Therefore Islam as the religion was never spread by sword, but the Islamic Empire was definitely spread by sword. Islamic Empire spreading with force was forced upon Muslims due to oppression against Islam and its people. There was no freedom of expression, no freedom to conduct trade, and no freedom to practice their religion. So as a last resort in every Era Muslims up against not only the non believers but fellow Muslims who deviated from real Islam and caused corruption.

Islam is the religion of Justice, Peace and Equality, the basis on which a nation can flourish in prosperity and peace. The need for the best governance was required when corruption and oppression increased. Not leaving any choice for Muslims but to take up arms to lead a peaceful life.