Islam is now the fastest growing religion in the world but, one of the great misconceptions about Islam is that it was spread by the sword which is of course not true at all
First I would like to get some testimonials from some great non-Muslim historians that reply to the misconception that Islam was spread by the sword, the noted historian De Lacy O’Leary in the book "Islam at the cross road" (Page 8) says:
"History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated."
Also the famous historian, Thomas Carlyle, in his book "Heroes and Hero worship", refers to this misconception about the spread of Islam and says:
"The sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one man’s head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believes it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can."
Even in the Qur'an, God forbids Muslims to force people to convert. God clearly says :
"Let there be no compulsion in religion:
Truth stands out clear from error"
[Al-Qur’an 2:256]
Also not only God forbids us to force people to convert but he also shows us the perfect way to introduce Islam to people, God says :
"Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord
with wisdom and beautiful preaching;
and argue with them in ways that are
best and most gracious."
[Al-Qur’an 16:125]
First I would like to get some testimonials from some great non-Muslim historians that reply to the misconception that Islam was spread by the sword, the noted historian De Lacy O’Leary in the book "Islam at the cross road" (Page 8) says:
"History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated."
Also the famous historian, Thomas Carlyle, in his book "Heroes and Hero worship", refers to this misconception about the spread of Islam and says:
"The sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one man’s head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believes it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can."
Even in the Qur'an, God forbids Muslims to force people to convert. God clearly says :
"Let there be no compulsion in religion:
Truth stands out clear from error"
[Al-Qur’an 2:256]
Also not only God forbids us to force people to convert but he also shows us the perfect way to introduce Islam to people, God says :
"Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord
with wisdom and beautiful preaching;
and argue with them in ways that are
best and most gracious."
[Al-Qur’an 16:125]
One last thing to say is that Islam is the only religion that respects the freedom of belief, In the Quraán God simply says :
Say (O Muhammad: "O non-blievers(in Islam) I worship not that which you worship, Nor will you worship that which I worship. And I shall not worship that which you are worshipping. Nor will you worship that which I worship. To you be your religion, and to me my religion (Islam)." [last chapter in the Quraán]
I hope by now you are fully convinced that Islam was not spread by sword but If you are still not 100% convinced, here is what you could do, simply search on the internet on how Islam entered India, Malaysia, Indonesia and all the East Coast of Africa.
And of course if you have any questions or comments please feel free to share them and I will try my best to answer back :)
I hope by now you are fully convinced that Islam was not spread by sword but If you are still not 100% convinced, here is what you could do, simply search on the internet on how Islam entered India, Malaysia, Indonesia and all the East Coast of Africa.
And of course if you have any questions or comments please feel free to share them and I will try my best to answer back :)
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