To a degree. When Islam first came around and the empire was created, conquered people were given a choice to convert or pay tax. but his hasn't been the case recently, most converts are now freely choosing.
2009-11-14 18:57:08 UTC
For the most part yes, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim_conquests for a history of Islamic conquests by the sword.
Don T
2009-11-14 19:11:31 UTC
The Qur'an states in Sura 9:5, "Fight and slay the idolaters wherever you find them you find them, and seize them and besiege them, and lie in wait for them."
Sura 5:33, The punishment of those who wage war war against God and His Apostle and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution or crucifixion or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides or exile from the land.
Jews and Christians are "People of the Book" (Sura 5:5; Sura 5:19) but that does not mean that Muhammad always had the highest regard for them; in Sura 5:41 Jews are called people "who will listen to any lie" and Christians are enemies (Sura 5:14) and Muslims were not to have Christians and Jews as friends (Sura 5:51)
I have read the Qu'ran a couple times and research Isam for five years.
2009-11-14 19:00:43 UTC
In many cases. Religious leaders motivate the spread of religious beliefs, but they never stand on the front lines.
2009-11-14 19:43:11 UTC
Islam needs a false prophet to be a religion ROMAN CATHOLISM created by the creator itself I hope islamics people repent
2009-11-14 19:03:41 UTC
not at all. islam was one of the very first religions (that is still around today anyway) and practiced an almost buddha like preaching.
its only the modern take on this religion that has twisted it to suit twisted individuals ( a lot of whom are probably not religious, they just see any easily exploitable group)
most muslims are very peaceful (i think the koran states if you kill an innocent you will burn forever, or something like that) and have done for thousands of years.
I might just add I am atheist, and dont believe in one or many gods, I do however like the practicalities and ideals a lot of religions offer.
John P
2009-11-14 18:57:03 UTC
Heck yes. It was spread across the middle east, Europe, and North Africa by armies that came in, took over, and converted people by force.
?
2009-11-14 19:00:37 UTC
Yes, in many circumstances this was the case in it's earlier infestation but Christianity did the same in the Old World as well as the New .
2009-11-14 18:57:25 UTC
Yes just like Christianity
2009-11-14 18:56:59 UTC
As long as religion gives people hope for a better future than the one existing now and a better coexistence among fellow humans, I don't care what they believe.
2009-11-14 18:57:18 UTC
nice play on swords there.
Answer: yes.
L.F.
2009-11-14 18:58:40 UTC
It sure seems like it, doesn't it? I believe they promote violence in their religious beliefs ;if you ever saw how they are trained. Little 2-3 yr. old boys holding guns in their hands.