O Prophet, struggle against the disbelievers and the hypocrites.

The apparent meaning necessitates fighting the hypocrites, yet they do not manifest disbelief, and we judge by outward appearances, as is established in the tradition. For this reason, Ibn Abbas, al-Suddi, and Mujahid interpreted the struggle against the former as being with the sword, and against the latter as being with the tongue, through means such as admonition and compelling them with proofs. This is based on the understanding that jihad (struggle) is the exertion of effort in repelling what is not approved, which is broader than merely fighting. If it is understood in its literal sense, the meaning is apparent; otherwise, it is to be understood in the general sense of the metaphorical.

It is narrated from al-Hasan and Qatadah that the struggle against the hypocrites is by establishing the prescribed punishments (hudud) upon them. This has been questioned on the grounds that establishing these is mandatory for others as well, so it is not exclusive to them. In al-Ahkam, it is indicated that this is rebutted by the fact that the causes for these punishments in the time of the Prophet (may Allah grant him peace and blessings) stemmed mostly from them. As for the claim that the word "hypocrite" has the meaning of "transgressor" (fasiq) according to al-Hasan, it is not sound.

It is narrated—and the burden of proof rests on the narrator—that the recitation of the People of the House (may Allah be pleased with them) is: "Struggle against the disbelievers with the hypocrites." However, it is apparent that this is not established, nor is it narrated by anyone other than the Shia, and they are the house of falsehood.

"And be harsh with them"—that is, with both groups in both categories of struggle, and show them no gentleness. According to 'Ata', this verse abrogated everything regarding pardon and forgiveness.

"And their refuge is Hell"—an initiating statement to clarify the ultimate state of their affair following the clarification of their immediate state. Abu al-Baqa' mentioned three aspects regarding the "and" (waw): The first is that it is the waw of state (hal), the meaning being: do that while they are deserving of Hell, and that state is their state of disbelief and hypocrisy. The second is that it was brought to draw attention to an implied intended verb, meaning: "And know that their refuge is Hell." The third is that the speech is interpreted according to its meaning, which is that both the punishment of this world through struggle and harshness, and the punishment of the Hereafter by making Hell their refuge, have been gathered for them.

"And wretched is the destination." This is a concluding clause (tadhyil) for what precedes it, and the specifically censured subject is omitted, meaning: wretched is their destination.