According to the Quran, “There is no compulsion in religion” (2:256), thus, no one can be forced to become a Muslim. While it is true that in many places where Muslim armies went to liberate people or the land, they did carry the sword as that was the weapon used at that time. However, Islam did not spread by the sword because in many places where there are Muslims now, in the Far East like Indonesia, in China, and many parts of Africa, there are no records of any Muslim armies going there. To say that Islam was spread by the sword would be to say that Christianity was spread by guns, F-16’s and atomic bombs, etc., which is not true. Christianity spread by the missionary works of Christians. Ten-percent of all Arabs are Christians. The “Sword of Islam” could not convert all the non-Muslim minorities in Muslim countries. In India, where Muslims ruled for 700 years, they are still a minority. In the U.S.A., Islam is the fastest growing religion and has 6 million followers without any sword around.


Comment ???

Allah has made this land for those who obey HIM (i.e. the followers of ISLAM) and hence anyone who lives on it with abiding to the ISLAM is free to live, earn and travel. Whereas who is the denier, should be banished (to be fought with) and if he/she agrees to what you demand from him/her (Jazia) then leave him/her.

Sword was major factor in spreading islam. Muslims fought battles to win the territory and heart of the People. Iran, Iraq, North Africa, Subcontinent, Central Asia and Spain were conquered through sword

In addition to this, when Islam was introduced in Central Asia, Anatolia and Europe, the residents were much impressed by the generosity, politeness and kindness of the Muslims. Therefore, they started to embrace Islam quickly.
Swords were basically used as a penetrating tool into other countries only. Islam spread all over the world due to its own qualities and morale.

In the reign of Umayyad caliphate, expedition under the command of hazrat Qutaiba bin Muslim was sent to Central Asia. Later, they moved toward Kashgar,China and send a message to the king; either to embrass islam or be a friend and pay jizya. Hence he accepted the second choice and since that time, china has been a very good friend of Muslims.

China isn't friend of Muslim it's a friend of Pakistan owing to it's strategic interests

Exactly...

China has its benefits.... massive ones... and blind Pakistan seeks it as friendship....

If we look at the histroy Muslims never fought for the sake of occupying land, they fought just for eliminating the threat that was imposed for them and the religion. In many cases non-muslims tried to fight with strong army against the Muslims but they were failed and then Muslims of that time didn't had other option to fight against such culprits who will again posses threat for them. Allah (SWT) has ordered that don't fight with others until and unless they don't posses threat to their presence.

__________________
~~ Khan ~~
Birds born in cage, thinks flying is an illness.

Almost all Muslims leaders fought to capture the territory, wealth or for pomp and glory except Prophet PBUH and Rightly Guided Caliphs( first 4 caliphs).

History of Muslims is replete with nefarious acts of vandalism, lust and power. Even M. Bin Qasim was sent to teach a lesson to Raja of Sindh, who captured slave girls, destined to satisfy the carinal desires of So called Caliph.

I can't understand why Muslims deny this fact that ISLAM was spread by Sword
Even if you read book of Islamic History & Culture book, you will find a number of inhuman acts by Muslims,for example, check the following sentences:

"Mr A sent a letter to B to embrace Islam and "B" tore letter away.Then Mr A sent him msg to be ready for war just because he refused to accept Islam"

& so many other facts that speak volumes for atrocities of Muslims

The reality is that our ancestors, Muslims, came to sub-continent and put 3 conditions and the locals were asked to select any one:
1.Pay Jizya
2.Embrace Islam
3.Be ready for death

The locals(Non-Muslims) had to select any one from three options,,the rich paid Jizya and poor non-Muslims accepted Islam just to save their lives

And today those cruels are portrayed as heroes,,what shame for us
Is not this contradictory with principles
"1 Insaan ka Qatal puri insanyat k qatal k barabar h"
"Muslman wo h jis ki zaban aur hath s Dusre Insaan ko Takleef na pohnche"

Right...

But the sword factor is a minor one. We have several examples of embracing Islam without sword being used. So it can be concluded here Islam is not spread by Sword. Islam is spread by its virtues, truthfulness with a little help from Sword.