Question: Some enemies of the religion claim that Islam was spread by the sword. What is your response to that? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Islam was spread by proof and evidence, in the case of those who listened to the message and responded to it. And it was spread by strength and the sword …
Islam Fundamentals
Imaam Maalik said,"The Sunnah is like the Ark of Noah. Whoever embarks upon it reaches salvation and whoever refuses is drowned." Quoted by Shaykh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmoo'-ul-fataawaa (4/57)
Islam Fundamentals 