Was Islam spread by the sword?

Jihad is of two types: offensive jihad (jihad of seeking) and defensive jihad (jihad of repelling). Offensive jihad played a role in spreading Islam and removing obstacles for people to learn about the religion. Orientalists claimed that Islam spread by the sword, and Thomas Arnold wrote "The Preaching of Islam" to refute this, which led some Muslims to deny that Islam spread by the sword and to limit jihad to defensive jihad. However, Muslim scholars affirm that the strength of religion lies in both the Qur'an and the sword, and that Allah established the religion of Islam through argument and proof, as well as the sword and the spear.

The Qur'an and Sunnah affirm the role of the sword in spreading Islam: 1. Jihad repels corruption and protects places of worship: "And if Allah had not repelled some people by others, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned would have been demolished." and "And if Allah had not repelled some people by others, the earth would have been corrupted." 2. Allah commanded the preparation of strength to deter enemies: "And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy." The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "I have been made victorious by awe, a distance of a month's journey." 3. The Prophet, peace be upon him, invited people to Islam accompanied by strength, and commanded his commanders to do so. He commanded Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, before battle, to invite people to Islam, and if they refused, then the jizya (tribute) or battle. Similarly, his advice to the commanders of armies was to first invite the polytheists to Islam, then the jizya, otherwise, battle. 4. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "I have been sent before the Hour with the sword until Allah alone is worshipped."

The use of the sword is not a defect but an advantage, because it compels people to that which benefits them, as many people may be overcome by foolishness. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "You are the best nation produced for mankind. You bring them in chains around their necks until they enter Islam." This does not mean coercion in religion, but rather removing obstacles to the truth and subjecting humanity to the rule of Allah.

Islam spread by argument and clear exposition for those who responded, and by force for those who resisted, while emphasizing that "There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion." Whoever rejects Islam is left to their religion under the terms of the jizya contract. The history of Muslims testifies to their tolerance towards the People of the Book (dhimmis) and their non-compulsion to change their religion, whereas history witnessed Christians coercing and killing Muslims.