Were the people told to believe in islam after getting proof or just by faith?
Personally I think there are many reasons for people accepting faith. Everyone has their own reasons for accepting or rejecting faith from a very simple one to very complicated ones.
In the end, it is for the individual to accept or reject as is often quoted that "there is no compulsion in religion".
So, which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Your question can be limiting as you have asked a question in a "either/or' format and it could be neither. So if we were to draw from what 'guide' we can get from the Quran, I would say that we have to use our 'reasoning' skills. We will have to study, ask questions and evaluate.
We must be convinced of the message and that the message is a a guide for us to navigate our life for the hereafter. Without being convinced, how can we perform our 'duties/obligations' with sincerity (if we even do it at all)?
I have heard many who converted on faith alone and some needing proof. I have also known someone who said to me that he thinks Islam has the qualities and that he believes in the message but that he just loves his bacon for breakfast too much to become a muslim! Whaaaaaaat?!!!
I guess the answer is "each to his/her own". "Lakum dii nukum waliiyadeen"
Peace :shade: