Which Quranic verse is often cited to establish the principle of no compulsion in religion, limiting aggressive warfare?

1. 2:190 (Fight in the way of Allah…)
2. 2:256 (There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion…)
3. 9:5 (Then kill the polytheists wherever you find them…)
4. 8:60 (And prepare against them whatever you are able of power…)

Quran 2:256 explicitly states “There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion.” This verse establishes a fundamental principle of Islamic law that prohibits forced conversion. It is a key text cited by scholars to limit the scope of warfare to defensive purposes only. This principle negates the idea of aggressive war for spreading Islam.