Allah (Subhana Wa Ta'ala) or die is a better way of phrasing that. And it's debatable. Warfare played it's part in the spread of Islam, as did both overland/ maritime trade and Da'wa (missionary work). This doesnt make Islam remarkably different from most religions, political philosophies and ideals on earth, with the exception of pacifism.
The first land to be occupied by the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and the Sahaba (his companions) was Yathrib, which is now known as Madina. And he was brought in to mediate a violent feud between warring parties, none of whom were Muslim. The large majority of these inhabitants of Yathrib converted to Islam eventually and none were forced to do so.
This wasn't the case elsewhere. But then again, this is why I stated Islam is neither a religion of peace of war. It's a way of life, with all things inherent in life found in it.