Should Muslims Convert the World?
Muslims' duty is not to convert the world to Islam; rather it is limited to witnessing the truth of Islam. This is best done by living Islam in word, deed, and behavior. Once Muslims have thus witnessed the truth of Islam, they have fulfilled their mandate. Allah says, [And thus We have made you a medium (just) nation that you may be the bearers of witness to the people and (that) the Messenger [Muhammad] may be a bearer of witness to you] (Al-Baqarah 2:143).
Muslims are not allowed to go beyond the above to coerce people to embrace Islam. To do so is clearly contrary to the Qur'anic imperative that states, [There is no compulsion in religion; truly the right way has become clearly distinct from error; therefore, whoever disbelieves in satan and believes in Allah, he indeed has laid hold on the firmest handle, which shall not break off, and Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing] (Al-Baqarah 2:256).
Furthermore, we are also told time and again that people are free to choose to believe or disbelieve, and that each one is ultimately responsible for the choice he or she has made. It further adds that it is up to Allah to guide people. The Qur'an goes on to state clearly, [Yet no faith will the greater part of mankind have, however ardently You [Muhammad] does desire it] (Yusuf 12:103).
Muslims are, therefore, to confine themselves to serve as witnesses of truth by observing the methodology as enunciated by the Qur'an,
[Call (all mankind) unto your Lord's way with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and argue with them in the most kindly manner: for, behold, your Lord knows best as to who stray from His path, and best knows He as to who are the right-guided] (An-Nahl 16:125).
excerted from http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1212666021062&pagename=...
You are right, there are many similarities between the faiths and this is because it is the same message. One God, be good and do good. And all of us are supposed to spread the message by giving the right example, the same way as a parent should give the good example to his/her children. If they see the good example, the kids will automatically follow it. The same goes for religion. But the best part of the religion is that not only is it the best example but it gives you peace and contentment.
Aisha-Taweela
Ok ok I will make a comment lol - but I cannot do so from the view point of Islam as I was brought up a Roman Catholic christian. The Catholic church teaches virtually exactly the same idea in terms of conversion. It is a matter of free human will and choice. The church also teaches that the best form of "aposolate" as they call it - or conversion - is through deed or example, action no words or they might say being Christ's witness in the world. Certainly forced conversion is no conversion.
This being said I would have thought that Islam would teach that it is a muslim's duty to spread the faith - certainly committed Catholics are expected to share their faith with those they meet. But like Islam Christianity teaches the best form of sharing is through being a personal witness.
I actually find many many philosophical similarities between the faiths. It is indeed interesting.
why no other comments?
He cannot force any1 to accept the Islam...
Muslim can only deliver messages of Islam and follow the footstep of messenger Mohammad Mustafa (peace be upon him).
No one has the power to covert a person from whatever religion to islam.
Muslims job is to pass the message not only verbaly but characteristicaly as well
It is allah whom he chooses gives hidaya.