Early Islam granted religious freedom to monotheists but not pagan idolaters

Evidence

Followers of both religions are to be left free either to stay in their religious traditions or to embrace Islam; there shall be no compulsion for them. — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 255 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Muslim attitudes toward Judaism and Christianity have always been ambivalent. The Koran affirmed that the Torah and Gospels were divinely inspired scriptures that had been revealed by God through his prophets. While pagans were to be forced to convert, Jews and Christians, as People of the Book (ahl al-kitâb), were assured the right to worship. — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 245 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

This freedom of religion was not granted toward pagan idolaters. Apart from the brief episode of the satanic verses, Muslim doctrine on idolatry is clear: it is evil. Idols must be eliminated, and Muslim troops often destroyed them and their temples. Arab tribes who converted to Islam were asked to destroy their own idols as proof of their clear break with the past. — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 244 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Idolatry, not monotheism, drew Islam’s earliest forced-conversion zeal — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 244; The Koran guaranteed worship rights to Jews and Christians but not pagans — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 245; Early Islamic scripture mandated toleration of Jews and Christians’ religious choice. — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 255

Broader Connections

• The Koran guaranteed worship rights to Jews and Christians but not pagans #corroborates (1.00) — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 245
• Early Islamic scripture mandated toleration of Jews and Christians’ religious choice. #corroborates (1.00) — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 255
• Idolatry, not monotheism, drew Islam’s earliest forced-conversion zeal #complicates (0.85) — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 244