Question:
Is Islam a religion spread by the sword?
During a dialogue with an atheist, two Hadiths from Sahih Bukhari were presented as evidence to claim that Islam was spread by force. A brother sought clarification to address this claim and provide accurate understanding.
Hadith 4356 – Narration of Jarir bin Abdullah (RA):
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked me, “Will you relieve me of Dhul-Khalasa?” referring to a temple in Yemen known as “Kaaba of Yemen.” Jarir set out with 150 horsemen from the Ahmas tribe, who were renowned horsemen. The Prophet prayed for Jarir’s success, saying, “O Allah, make him steadfast, and guide him rightly.” Jarir destroyed the temple, burned it, and reported back to the Prophet that it was obliterated. The Prophet prayed for blessings upon the Ahmas tribe and their horses five times.
Hadith 4357 – Another Narration of Jarir bin Abdullah (RA):
Jarir said “Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said to me, “Won’t you relieve me from Dhul-Khalasa?” I replied, “Yes, (I will relieve you).” So I proceeded along with one-hundred and fifty cavalry from Ahmas tribe who were skillful in riding horses. I used not to sit firm over horses, so I informed the Prophet (ﷺ) of that, and he stroke my chest with his hand till I saw the marks of his hand over my chest and he said, O Allah! Make him firm and one who guides others and is guided (on the right path).’ Since then I have never fallen from a horse. Dhul-l–Khulasa was a house in Yemen belonging to the tribe of Khatham and Bajaila, and in it there were idols which were worshipped, and it was called Al-Ka`ba.” Jarir went there, burnt it with fire and dismantled it. When Jarir reached Yemen, there was a man who used to foretell and give good omens by casting arrows of divination. Someone said to him. “The messenger of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) is present here and if he should get hold of you, he would chop off your neck.” One day while he was using them (i.e. arrows of divination), Jarir stopped there and said to him, “Break them (i.e. the arrows) and testify that None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, or else I will chop off your neck.” So the man broke those arrows and testified that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah. Then Jarir sent a man called Abu Artata from the tribe of Ahmas to the Prophet to convey the good news (of destroying Dhu-l-Khalasa). So when the messenger reached the Prophet, he said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! By Him Who sent you with the Truth, I did not leave it till it was like a scabby camel.” Then the Prophet (ﷺ) blessed the horses of Ahmas and their men five times.
Before addressing the questions raised by the atheist friend regarding the above-mentioned Hadiths, it is essential to first understand the position of Islam on forced conversion in general. Since the friend and others who may hold similar misconceptions lack the means to study this subject in detail, providing them with a clear explanation can help them rectify their misunderstandings.
“There is no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error. Whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks.”
Islam emphatically states that there is no compulsion in religion, and the core principle of Islam is to invite people to the faith through clear and convincing evidence alone. This verse (referring to the Qur’an) explicitly and unambiguously highlights this foundational principle of Islam.
The Qur’an explicitly forbids compelling anyone to accept Islam or to join the faith through coercion. After such a definitive declaration from the Qur’an, it is unreasonable to assume that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would have compelled anyone to convert to Islam against their will.
“If your Lord had willed, all the people on earth would have believed. Will you compel people to become believers?” (10:99)
If someone does not believe, it is because it happens according to the will of God. This verse clearly and emphatically proclaims that you should not compel or force anyone.
“If any idolater seeks your protection, grant them protection so they may hear the word of Allah. Then escort them to a place of safety.”
This indicates Islam’s emphasis on protection and dialogue, even for non-believers. (9:6)
Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “O you disbelievers!
I do not worship what you worship,
nor do you worship what I worship.
I will never worship what you worship,
nor will you ever worship what I worship.
You have your way, and I have my Way.” (Quran Chapter-109)
The proclamation “Your way is yours, and my way is mine” makes it unequivocally clear that Islam does not spread through force or compulsion, particularly at the point of a sword.
If individuals from other faiths seek refuge with Muslims, it is viewed as an opportunity to explain what Islam truly represents. This is a moment to communicate the essence of Islam in a peaceful and sincere manner.
However, the obligation ends with conveying the message. The verse also emphasizes that after explaining Islam, it is mandatory to ensure the safety and security of those seeking refuge. There is no expectation or demand for them to accept Islam. This highlights the respect Islam accords to personal freedom and safety.
The Qur’an states that any righteous act must stem from genuine intention to be accepted. If someone accepts Islam reluctantly or without internal conviction, it holds no value or benefit for them. This underscores the futility of forced conversions, as faith and sincerity cannot be compelled.
“Allah accepts only from those who fear Him sincerely”: Qur’an 5:27.
عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ قَالَتْ تُوُفِّيَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَدِرْعُهُ مَرْهُونَةٌ عِنْدَ يَهُودِيٍّ بِثَلاَثِينَ. {يَعْنِي صَاعًا مِنْ شَعِيرٍ
The Prophet (ﷺ) died while his armor was mortgaged to a Jew for thirty Sa’s of barley. Sahih al-Bukhari 4467
The Hadith from narrates that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) purchased food from a Jewish merchant on credit and mortgaged his iron armor. Despite being a ruler, he transacted with the Jewish minority, showing that Jews lived peacefully under Islamic rule and even had better economic opportunities. If Islam were spread by force, how could Jews thrive economically and socially in the capital of an Islamic state?
Another Hadith from narrates that when a Jewish funeral procession passed by, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stood in respect. When companions informed him it was a Jewish funeral, he replied, “If you see a funeral, stand up.” (Buhari-1311)
Hundreds of such incidents confirm that Islam was not spread by force. Despite this, critics often point to isolated events like the demolition of the idol temple in Dhul-Khalasa.
The Prophet (PBUH) sent forces to demolish this temple. However, this was not done to oppress or impose Islam on others
It is forbidden in Islam to destroy the places of worship of other religions
˹They are˺ those who have been expelled from their homes for no reason other than proclaiming: “Our Lord is Allah.” Had Allah not repelled ˹the aggression of˺ some people by means of others, destruction would have surely claimed monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which Allah’s Name is often mentioned. Allah will certainly help those who stand up for Him. Allah is truly All-Powerful, Almighty. (Qur’an 22:40).
Despite many temples existing in the Arabian Peninsula, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not send anyone to demolish them all. The focus on Dhul-Khalasa indicates a significant reason, which lies within the details of the event itself.
This temple posed a significant challenge because its worshippers claimed it was akin to the Ka‘bah, Islam’s holiest site. They promoted prohibited practices under the guise of Islamic rituals, creating confusion and inciting division.
Each religion has its sacred symbols, and it is the responsibility of its followers to respect and uphold them. However, when the sacred symbols of one faith are mocked or imitated inappropriately by another group, it leads to discord and provocation. No one would tolerate such actions.
Muslims have always revered the Ka‘bah as their holiest site. This is well-known both historically and in the modern era. If non-Muslims build a structure resembling the Ka‘bah and claim it to be the same, while practicing prohibited rituals inside, this creates deliberate mischief and confusion.
Recent Example: A Western country (name unspecified) attempted to replicate the Ka‘bah, which led to global Muslim protests, forcing the project to be abandoned.
Similarly, the people of Dhul-Khalasa built a temple, named it “Ka‘bah,” and engaged in practices contrary to Islamic principles. This act deeply concerned the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as it directly undermined the sanctity of the actual Ka‘bah.
Specific Reason for Action Against Dhul-Khalasa is The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sent a military force to address this issue, as the actions of the Dhul-Khalasa community were a direct attack on Islam’s sacred symbol. Their temple was explicitly named “Ka‘bah,” as mentioned in the reports. This misrepresentation was the root cause for action.
If someone were to build a mosque-like structure, call it a mosque, and perform idol worship inside, even a non-Muslim government would likely remove such a structure. This is precisely what the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did in this case.
As previously discussed, Islam does not force non-Muslims to accept the faith. However, isolated instances during warfare are often misunderstood or misrepresented.
In warfare, particularly when adversaries actively sought to annihilate Islam, there were instances where defeated enemies accepted Islam. This was not coercion but rather a means to ensure peace and safeguard the defeated from further harm.
Example: In a modern war, if a defeated army declares allegiance to the victor, it signifies surrender and acceptance of authority, not necessarily a change of belief.
Providing the defeated with an opportunity to embrace Islam was a humane alternative to mass executions, which were common practices of rulers in that era. Allowing prisoners to live after declaring allegiance was a far better solution than slaughtering them.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) only acted against Dhul-Khalasa because it was a deliberate misrepresentation of Islam’s holiest symbol and an act of provocation against Muslims. The objective was not forced conversion but to prevent confusion and restore the sanctity of the Ka‘bah. Once the enemies were defeated, the Prophet (PBUH) allowed them to live by accepting Islam as a gesture of reconciliation and peace.
Outside of specific war scenarios, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never forced anyone to accept Islam. This principle holds true universally and is supported by countless historical examples.
If a country at war with India is defeated and agrees to adopt Indian governance, this is akin to how defeated tribes in the Prophet’s time were treated. This is not coercion but an acknowledgment of authority after conflict.
If an atheist friend refuses to understand this context, draw comparisons with historical atrocities committed by atheist leaders and rulers during wars. Highlight their brutality and contrast it with the Prophet’s humane approach to his enemies, even in the most challenging circumstances. This will provide a clearer perspective on the ethical framework of Islam during conflicts.