Surah 3:20
"If they dispute with you, say: ‘I have submitted to God, and (so have) those who follow me.’ And say to those who have been given the Book, and to the common people: ‘Have you submitted?’ If they submit, they have been (rightly) guided, but if they turn away – only (dependent) on you is the delivery (of the message). God sees (His) servants."
Religious Compulsion versus Fighting to Establish Islam
Supporting Verses
Surah 109:6 → "To you your religion and to me my religion.’"
Surah 13:40 → "Whether We let you see part of what We promise them, or We take you, only (dependent) on you is the delivery (of the message). (Dependent) on Us is the reckoning."
Surah 2:256 → "(There is) no compulsion in religion. The right (course) has become clearly distinguished from error. Whoever disbelieves in al-Ṭāghūt, and believes in God, has grasped the firmest handle, (which) does not break. God is hearing, knowing."
Surah 88:21 → "So remind (them)! You are only a reminder."
Surah 88:22 → "You are not a record-keeper over them"
Opposing Verses
Surah 8:12 → "When your Lord inspired the angels: ‘I am with you, so make firm those who believe. I shall cast dread into the hearts of those who disbelieve. So strike above (their) necks, and strike (off) all their fingers!’"
Surah 8:38 → "Say to those who disbelieve (that) if they stop, whatever is already past will be forgiven them, but if they return, the customary way of those of old has already passed away."
Surah 8:39 → "Fight them until (there) is no persecution and the religion – all of it – (belongs) to God. If they stop – surely God sees what they do."
Surah 9:29 → "Fight those who do not believe in God or the Last Day, and do not forbid what God and His messenger have forbidden, and do not practice the religion of truth – from among those who have been given the Book – until they pay tribute out of hand, and they are disgraced."
Surah 9:5 → "Then, when the sacred months have passed, kill the idolaters wherever you find them, and seize them, and besiege them, and sit (in wait) for them at every place of ambush. If they turn (in repentance), and observe the prayer and give the alms, let them go their way. Surely God is forgiving, compassionate."
Does the Quran mandate religious tolerance or fighting to establish the faith? Several verses state that there is no compulsion in religion and that the messenger's sole duty is to convey the message. Conversely, other verses command fighting against those who do not believe until persecution ceases, tribute is paid, and religion belongs entirely to God.