The Early Spread of Islam

Some attribute the early and rapid spread of Islam to forced conversions by the sword. While it is accurate that the Muslim empire initially spread primarily through battles and conquests (a common phenomenon for that time), the religion of Islam itself was never forced upon those who found themselves living under Muslim rule. Islam teaches no compulsion in religion (Qur'an 2:256 and 10:99). For more on this read “The Spread of Islam in the World” by Thomas Arnold. Additionally, non-Muslims were afforded the right to worship as they pleased as long as a tax, called jizyah, was paid. Also, during the Dark Ages, Jews, Christians and others were given protection by Muslims from religious persecutions taking place in Europe.