Based on this lietral meaning, the spread of Islam has always been based on peaceful voluntary indoctrination of non Muslims. Which means that Islam has never been forced or thurst upon non Muslims, rather it has been the peaceful message of Islam that has always attracted non Muslims to Islam even till date. Some critics of Islam claim that Islam spread by sweord, but if this assumption was correct, the whole of Spain and India would have converted to Islam despite Muslims rule of Spain and India for more than five to six centuries.
The peaceful theme of Islam has been possible for Allah has ordained the Muslims to be tolerant towards other religions and never thurst upon the Islamic ideology on them. Yet, many non Muslims label Islam as intolerant to their religion or faith, which stems from the fact that they have never tried to understand Islam and have generally rleied on the false impage of Islam being propagated in the social and print media since long.
To be true and rational, if one tries to really understand Islam, one would find that slam does not propagate intolerance. On the contrary, Islam promotes justice, compassion, and peaceful coexistence—even with those who hold different beliefs. However, it also sets boundaries for moral and social order, which is sometimes misunderstood as intolerance.
Let’s explore this issue clearly, with direct refeences from the Qur’an and Hadith:
1. Islam Promotes Freedom of Belief
- It has been Divinely said in Qur’an (Surah 2 Al Baqarah verse 256) "There is no compulsion in religion. The truth has become clear from falsehood..."
- This verse explicitly forbids forcing anyone to accept Islam. True faith, according to Islam, must come from conviction—not coercion.
- This verse was practically demonstrated in Spain and India where Muslims were the rulers over large non Muslim populace, yet at the end of their rule over these countries, the ratio of Muslim and non Muslim almost remained undisturbed and during the Muslim rule, none of the places of worship of non Muslims were burnt or closed to them. On the contrary, there explixxt examples of genocide of Muslims in India, Africa and even Spain by non Muslim majority.
- This verse in fact vindicate the misconception of Islam being intoelrant to others as has been otherwise so projected.
2. Peaceful Coexistence with Non-Muslims
- As for tolerance and accept others' faith, it is said in Qur’an (60:8); "Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes — from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly."
- This verse commands Muslims to treat non-hostile non-Muslims with kindness and justice, proving that hostility is not based on faith, but on actions like aggression or oppression.
- However, if non Muslims turn hostile to a Muslim community, Muslims have been direccted to safegaurd them and their ideology.
3. Prophetic Example of Tolerance: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ showed great tolerance toward people of other faiths.
- Example: Treaty with Christians of Najran: The Prophet ﷺ signed a treaty with the Christian delegation from Najran, guaranteeing their religious freedom, protection of their churches, and rights to self-governance.
- Hadith – Sahih al-Bukhari: The Prophet ﷺ stood up in respect for a Jewish funeral passing by. When asked why, he replied: "Was he not a human soul?" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1312, Muslim 961)
- This shows respect for the dignity of every human being, regardless of religion.
- It may be noted that despite many incidents of Qur'an burning, none of the Muslims burnt Bible or any other religious scriptures in retaliation. Had Muslims too had resorted to burning others' religious books, the world would have never been in peace.
4. Jihad Misconceptions
The word Jihad is more often than not is used in literature, media and even films to show the "hostile and intolerant" nature of Islam and Muslims. Whereas Islam permits fighting only in self-defense or against oppression, not for forcing religion.
- It is said in Qur’an (22:39); "Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged..."
- This verse was revealed when Muslims were persecuted and driven out of Makkah, showing that jihad was a response to injustice, not religious intolerance.
- It, therefore, does not mean that Muslims are always equipped with a sword to cut throats of non Muslims on their own. In fact Jihad is declared by the head of the sate and individuals are debarred from waging any holy war with non Musils.
- The acts of ISIS is entirely tangent to teachings of Islam as their act of killing non Muslims do not fall under the umbrella of Jihad.
5. Condemnation of Extremism
- Islamic teachings actively warn against religious fanaticism and excessive harshness, which are often the roots of intolerance.
- Hadith – Sunan Abi Dawood: The Prophet ﷺ said: "Beware of extremism in religion, for those before you were destroyed due to extremism." Abu Dawood 4606)
6. Diversity is Part of God's Plan
- Qur’an (49:13): "O mankind! We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another..."
- This verse shows that diversity in humanity is by design, and should lead to understanding, not hatred.
Let all non Muslims read Qur'an and Islamic history to carroyout a personal study of character of Muslims, their tolerance towards other religions even when they had the opportunity to commit forceful conversions and killing of non Muslims.
Some inncidents of so called terrorism by Muslims should not project the overall character of Muslims. And by the way, more non Muslims have committed acts of terrorism by not killing Muslims but also their own creed. Many such incidents can be studied before labelling Islam as an intolerant religion.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to "force" preach, convert, or criticize any belief system. The views shared are deeply personal and are meant to inspire dialogue, understanding, and reflection. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for those navigating sensitive religious experiences. Always seek knowledge with an open heart and mind.
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