A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
The meaning of "There is no compulsion in religion."
Allah the Exalted says: "There is no compulsion in religion; truth has become distinct from falsehood."
The intended meaning is that when a non-Muslim land is opened [to Islamic governance],
its people are given the choice between embracing Islam,
or remaining in their state of disbelief while paying the jizya,
in exchange for living in safety under the protection of the Muslim state,
and in contrast to the zakat that is obligatory upon the Muslims.
Thus, there is no contradiction between this verse and the legitimacy of offensive jihad,
which was a primary reason for the spread of Islam.
A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.