Did Islam spread by the sword, contrary to Christianity? And did Islam abolish all religions that preceded it, leaving only pagan religions, and annihilate those who believed in them?

We thank the questioner and advise him to fear Allah and to be thorough in what he reads. The questioner's idea of Islam is incorrect. The religion of Islam is the religion of Allah, with which He sent all prophets, from Adam to Muhammad, peace be upon him, to affirm the Oneness of Allah and to preserve the essentials. They differed in subsidiary matters to suit their times. When humanity reached maturity, the messages were concluded with Muhammad, peace be upon him, who came as a renovator, completer, and abrogator of previous laws.

Therefore, the propagation of the religion was necessary to establish the proof, so whoever wills may believe and whoever wills may disbelieve. From this perspective, the Prophet, peace be upon him, sent letters to kings inviting them to a common word, and the Companions carried the religion to the peoples of the earth to bring them out of the worship of creation into the worship of Allah. Whoever responded to them, had what was for him and what was against him. Whoever made peace with them, they left alone. Whoever stood in their way, they fought.

Islam spread because it is the religion of innate disposition (fitra), and because of the trustworthiness and excellent application of those who carried it, so people entered it in droves, and not by the sword as enemies claim. It is not true that Islam abolished everything that preceded it except for pagan religions. The People of the Book are closer to Muslims than others, and Islam distinguished them with rulings unlike others.