Was Islam Spread by the Sword?

Written by: Mehran Darg

✿ Historical Evidence and Clarifications​

Numerous historical events and references refute the notion that Islam was spread by the sword. This is a misconception propagated by certain historians. D. S. Margoliouth’s claim is strongly countered by D. L. O’Leary in his book Islam at the Crossroads, where he rejects the idea that Islam's spread was due to forced conversions.

Renowned writer Saadat Hasan Manto also dismissed this notion, emphasizing that ideologies and beliefs cannot be imposed at gunpoint. He asserted that such individuals fail to understand that the journey of thought and ideology is independent of coercion.

❀ The Example of Spain​

During the eight centuries of Muslim rule in Spain, Christians were never forced to convert to Islam. Even when Christians launched battles against Muslims, the latter never imposed their faith upon others by force.

❀ The Arabian Peninsula​

Muslims have lived in the Arab Emirates for over 1,400 years. Yet, to this day, a large number of Christians continue to reside there across generations without ever being compelled to embrace Islam.

❀ The Indian Subcontinent​

Despite nearly a millennium of Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent, the Hindu majority still remains. Had Islam truly spread through the sword, the majority population would have been Muslim today — which clearly is not the case. This disproves the myth of forced conversions.

❀ Indonesia: A Peaceful Conversion​

Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country, did not embrace Islam through military conquest or war. Rather, it was the message and teachings of Islam that attracted people and led them to convert willingly.

❀ The East African Coast​

Islam spread rapidly along the East African coast as well. However, there were no major Islamic military campaigns or wars in this region that would indicate conversions by force.

❀ The Modern Era: A Growing Faith​

Between 1934 and 1984, Islam experienced a growth rate of 235%, while Christianity grew by 47%. Notably, no major Islamic wars were fought during this period. This raises a significant question: how could Islam spread so rapidly without the use of force?

❀ The Rise of Islam in Europe​

Today, Islam is the fastest-growing religion in Europe, despite the complete absence of Islamic military activity. This growth underscores the fact that Islam’s message continues to spread through peaceful and persuasive means.

❀ A Statement by Joseph Adam Pearson​

Joseph Adam Pearson once said:
"Those who fear that Islam will conquer the world through nuclear weapons do not realize that the 'Islamic bomb' was already dropped the day Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born. That was the day true transformation began in the world."

✿ Conclusion​

Islam was not spread by the sword. Rather, it was the teachings, character, and moral system of Islam that drew people from around the world to its fold. Historical facts and modern-day observations affirm that Islam’s expansion has occurred through peaceful invitation (da’wah) and moral influence — not through war or coercion.