(9) “O Prophet, strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be stern with them. Their abode is Hell—what a wretched destination!”

[Allah] Most High commands His Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, to strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and to deal sternly with them in doing so. This includes striving against them by establishing the proof [against them and calling them] with good counsel (1), refuting the various forms of misguidance they follow, and striving with arms and combat against anyone who refuses to answer Allah’s call and submit to His rule. Such a person is to be fought and dealt with sternly. As for the first level, it is to be undertaken in the best manner.

Thus, the disbelievers and hypocrites will suffer punishment in this world through Allah empowering His Messenger and His party [over them and] enabling them to strive against and fight them. In the Hereafter, they will suffer the punishment of the Fire—what a wretched destination, to which every wretched loser will come!