Question:

For further benefit, what is your view on the statement of those who say that Islam was spread by the sword, and we would like a logical response to them?

Answer:

This statement, in an absolute and unqualified sense, is false. Islam was spread through the call (Da’wah) to Allah, the Glorified and Exalted, and it was supported by the sword.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, propagated it through preaching in Makkah for thirteen years, and then in Madinah before he was commanded to fight. The Companions and Muslims spread throughout the earth and called people to Allah, and whoever refused, they fought him in jihad, because the sword is an enforcement tool. Allah Almighty said: “…And We brought forth iron wherein is mighty power (in matters of war), as well as many benefits for mankind…“ [Al-Hadid: 25], and He said: “And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and polytheism: i.e. worshipping others besides Allah) and the religion (worship) will all be for Allah Alone [in the whole of the world].” [Al-Anfal: 39].

Whoever refused, they fought him for his own benefit and salvation—just as someone who owes a right to another human being must be compelled to fulfill that right, even through imprisonment or beating, and is not considered wronged. So how can anyone denounce or find it strange to compel someone who owes a right to Allah to fulfill His right? And how much more so when it is the greatest and most obligatory of rights, which is the Tawhid (Oneness) of Allah, the Glorified, and abandoning the association of partners with Him?

Out of Allah the Almighty’s mercy, He legislated jihad against the polytheists and fighting them until they worship Allah alone and abandon the worship of anything besides Him. In that lies their happiness and salvation in this world and the Hereafter, and Allah is the Grantor of success.