Persecution of non-believers seems to be prescribed to pressure them to convert.
Surah 9:29. Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya (special tax) with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.
Sahih Muslim Book 1, Number 0032:
Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah:
Allah’s Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: I have been commanded that I should fight against people till they declare that there is no god but Allah, and when they profess it that there is no god but Allah, their blood and riches are guaranteed protection on my behalf except where it is justified by law, and their affairs rest with Allah, and then he (the Prophet) recited (this verse of the Qur’an): ‘Thou art not over them a warden: 56(1xxxviii.22).
In some Islamic countries, a Muslim who converted to another religion was to be executed for apostasy. Even in countries where the apostate is not executed, there are usually penalties such as imprisonment, etc.
Conversation pointer: What should be the right way to interpret such these verses, especially since Islam also teaches no compulsion in religion?
Surah 2:256. Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.
In Christianity, there is no compulsion in religion.
2Ti 2:24 As the Lord’s servant, you must not quarrel. You must be kind toward all, a good and patient teacher, 25 who is gentle as you correct your opponents, for it may be that God will give them the opportunity to repent and come to know the truth. (Good News Bible)
Conversation pointer: Why are you a Muslim?
Most Muslims will tell you that they are Muslims because they have been born into a Muslim family. Many have not even thought through their religion or even studied other religions to prove to themselves that Islam is indeed the true way.
Encourage your Muslim friend to search the truth for himself. The Quran says that truth stands clear from error. (Surah 2:256)
Freedom in religion
Does the Quran really teach that a woman have to convert to Islam if she wants to marry a Muslim man? If not, why is the practice different?
After a woman converts to Islam, what is she wants to convert back? What are the consequences?