(76) Then He said: “Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, while those who disbelieve fight in the cause of the false deity. So fight the allies of Satan. Surely Satan’s schemes are ever weak.”

Here Allah informs us that the believers fight in His cause, while “those who disbelieve fight in the cause of the false deity,” namely Satan. This contains several lessons:

One is that a servant’s jihad in the cause of Allah, his sincerity, and his faithful adherence are commensurate with his faith. Jihad in the cause of Allah is therefore one of the effects, requirements, and necessary consequences of faith, just as fighting in the cause of the false deity is one of the branches and consequences of disbelief.

Another is that one who fights in the cause of Allah ought to display such patience and fortitude as others cannot equal. If Satan’s allies patiently persevere and fight while following falsehood, then the people of truth have even greater reason to do so. Allah says regarding this meaning: “If you are suffering, they too are suffering as you are; but you hope to receive from Allah what they can never hope for”—to the end of the verse.

Another is that one who fights in the cause of Allah relies upon firm support: the truth and reliance upon Allah. One who possesses strength and firm support is expected to show a degree of patience, steadfastness, and vigor that is not expected of someone who fights in defense of falsehood, which has neither substance nor a praiseworthy end. Allah therefore says: “So fight the allies of Satan. Surely Satan’s schemes are ever weak.”

A scheme is the use of covert means to harm an enemy. However far Satan’s scheming may go, it remains utterly weak: it cannot withstand even the slightest measure of truth, nor Allah’s plan in support of His believing servants.