Mike started. “Nabeel, I have a question for you. I have heard it said that Islam was spread by the sword, but you’re saying Muhammad engaged in only defensive battles. Can you tell me why your position is more accurate?” This question was common enough, so I quickly responded, “The Quran teaches la-iqraha fi-deen.”77 Imams often recited the Arabic for an extra air of authority, so I did the same. “This verse is translated ‘there is no compulsion in religion,’ and Muhammad followed the Quran so closely he was practically a living version of it. It would make no sense to say that Muhammad
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