(Striving in the Cause of Allah)
66. Islam never advocated compulsion. If the Holy Quran, the books of Hadith and historical records are carefully examined and as far as possible, studied and listened to attentively, one is bound to reach the positive conclusion that the allegation that Islam permitted the use of sword for the spread of religion is shameless and utterly unfounded. This in fact, is the view held by only those who have not studied the Holy Quran or the Traditions or other reliable sources of Islamic history without prejudice. Not only this but some have even gone to the extent of fabricating lies and levying unfounded charges without inhibition. I know that the time is approaching fast when those who are hungry and thirsty for Truth will see through their deception. Can a religion be described as a religion of compulsion when its Holy Book, the Quran, has categorically prohibited the use of force for the spread of faith? So says the Holy Quran:
'There is no compulsion in religion.' (Ch.2:256)
Can we accuse that great Prophet of using force against others, who, for thirteen years, day and night, exhorted all his Companions in Mecca not to return evil for evil but forbear and forgive? When however, the mischief of the enemy exceeded all limits and when all the various peoples around him made determined efforts to exterminate Islam, God's attribute that He always defends His beloved ones so demanded:
'Let those who raised the sword perish by the sword.'
Otherwise in no way has the Holy Quran permitted compulsion in religion. If compulsion in any way had been employed in winning converts and the Companions of our Holy Prophet had been the fruit of compulsion, it would have been impossible for them to have demonstrated: at the time of trials, such steadfastness and sincerity as only true believers can display. The loyalty and faithfulness of the Companions of our Master, the Holy Prophet (peace be on him) is a fact so well known as need no comment from us. It is no secret that among them are examples of loyalty and steadfastness the parallel of which is difficult to find in the annals of other nations; this body of the faithful did not waver in their loyalty and steadfastness even under brandishing swords. On the contrary, in the company of their Great and Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, they displayed such steadfastness which no man can demonstrate unless his heart and his bosom are lit up with the light of faith. Hence compulsion had no role to play in Islam.
(Masih Hindustan Mein: Roohani Khaza'in, Vol. 15, pp. 11-12)
67. None of the true Muslims who ever lived maintained that force should be employed in the spread of Islam. On the other hand, Islam has always flourished on the strength of its inherent qualities of excellence. Those who having the distinction of being called Muslims, yet believe that Islam should be spread with force, do not seem to have any awareness of the inherent beauties of Islam.
(Tiryaqul Qulub: Roohani Khaza'in Vol. 15, footnote, p 167)