Does Islam Force Those Who Are Not from the People of the Book to Convert?

Answered by Ustadh Farid Dingle

Question

Does Islam force non-Muslims who are not from the People of the Book to convert to Islam?

Answer

Thank you for your really important question.

Islam is a religion that seeks the good for everyone and shuns bloodshed and brutality. Although there are different opinions on the issue, historically speaking it is clear that non-Muslims who were not People of the Book were not forced to convert, as was the case of Hindus under Mogul Rule in India.

Fuller answer

Islam does not command Muslims to kill people just because they are not Muslims. The reason why jihad is legislated is because of military transgression and threat on the part of the non-Muslim country. (Al-Fiqh al-Islami wa Adillatuhu, Dr. Wahba Zuhayli)

For this reason, non-Muslims, whether Jew, Christian or any other religion, are not forced to convert to Islam, as there is no political difference when dealing with the People of the Book and other religions in the eyes of many relied upon traditional ulema. (Hattab, Mawahib al Jalil; Al Fiqh al Islami wa Adillatuhu, Dr. Wahba Zuhayli)

When the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) used to dispatch an army, he used to say, ‘When you meet your pagan enemy, then call them to three things. Whichever of them they concede to, accept it from them and do not harm them. Invite them to Islam … If they decline, then ask them to pay the tribute (jizya). If they concede to it, accept that from them and do not harm them.’ (Muslim and others) This hadith clearly states a pagan enemy, and that forced conversion is not the only option.

Historically speaking, forced conversions were very seldomly practised. Some Muslim rulers in specific historical periods even discouraged  conversion. (The Venture of Islam, Hodgson)

The Pagan Arabs

As for the Arabs of Arabia during the life of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him), the majority of ulema do not consider the possibility of peace an option, and that it was literally Islam or the sword.

A deeper look into the early sources shows that there is significant disagreement on the issue, and that it is plausible that they were dealt with as any other military threat. (Al-Fiqh al-Islami wa Adillatuhu, Dr. Wahba Zuhayli; Tasfir al-Tabari)

As we have mentioned, there is a sound hadith that indicates that the options given to them are the same as the Jews and the Christians, and that it was not an issue of Islam or the sword. (Sharh Muslim, Nawawi; Hattab, Mawahib al Jalil; Al-Fiqh al-Islami wa Adillatuhu, Dr. Wahba Zuhayli)

Conclusion

Both history and the opinions of many traditional ulema attest to the fact that non-Muslims, be they Jews, Christians or other, are not forced to convert to Islam.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years, he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language.