"Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: Whoever rejects Evil and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things." (Surah 2, Verse 256) 
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The holy Qur'an reminds us that there must not be compulsion in religion. It states that the truth stands out clear from error, and that those who reject error and believe in God are the saved ones.
This means that Muslims are not allowed to force people to convert to Islam. Muslims should only seek to make the truth clear to others, and talk to them about Islam, then let them decide for themselves. In fact, most people who study Islam without having made a decision to hate it first, come to love its message and convert to Islam after learning about its values and principles.
Another verse that also states this principle is the following:
"If one amongst the Pagans asks thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge." (Surah 9, Verse 6).
This beautiful verse instructs Muslims to grant asylum to non-believers, and make them safe, and allow them to hear the word of God. Then they are to be escorted to whatever place they will be safe and secure. This is because these non-believers simply have no knowledge of Islam, and no knowledge of the message from God. Once they are given asylum, they will get a chance to be in close contact with Muslims and hence may enter the circle of Islam after understanding it.
There are many other verses in the Quran that deals with the nature of spreading God's message. One of such verse is:
"If it had been thy Lord's Will, they would all have believed, all who are on earth! Will tyou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe!" (10:99)
These verses and many others show how much emphasis Islam places on the free will of people, both Muslims or non-Muslims.
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