Dr. Safiyyah Ally addresses the common misconception that Islam was spread by force, particularly "the sword". She explains that while military conquests were part of early Islamic expansion, as was normal and accepted at the time, forced conversions were rare. Instead, Dr. Ally emphasizes that Islam's spread was largely peaceful, facilitated by trade, cultural exchange, and marriage, with non-Muslims often being allowed to practice their own religions. She also highlights that many people were