Harvard Historian James Hankin : Islam initially was spread by force

Was Islam spread by the sword, or mostly voluntary conversion?

Islam initially was spread by force, says @JamesWHankins1. But over time, higher taxes, inability to hold office, and inequality under the law made it increasingly difficult not to convert.

“So it’s a combination of… pic.twitter.com/z2cuHLlMes

— Conversations with Coleman (@ConvoswColeman) March 10, 2026