يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ جَاهِدِ…  (Oh Prophet, fight…): The Arabic noun of the verb (fight) means the exertion of effort. Allah (swt) orders the Prophet (saws) to strive against the disbelievers, the hypocrites, and those who followed them among the leaders of disbelief and corruption in al-Medina at that time. It is a command to stand firm against them in the battles they wage against him (saws).

…الْكُفَّارَ وَالْمُنَافِقِينَ..  (…the disbelievers and the hypocrites): The hypocrite is not an easy enemy because he deceives, and cannot be trusted. Yet, the existence of hypocrisy itself is an indication of the powerfulness of the guidance sent by Allah (swt). This is because the hypocrite shows hypocrisy because he recognizes his weakness in front of the strong. After the migration to al-Medina, the believers attained considerable strong faith, whereas the hypocrites had a counterfeit and fraudulent faith. When the Prophet (saws) was commanded to fight against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, it meant using clear evidence, persuasion, and argumentation, because rational individuals would be convinced by logic. If someone attempted assault, it would be met with a similar response. If the effort to persuade failed, then Allah (swt) says:

…وَاغْلُظْ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ وَمَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ ۖ…  (And be harsh upon them. And their refuge is Hell.): He (saws) is told to be harsh on them when he informs them of the fate that awaits them. Every disbeliever is a worshiper of worldly life, fearing its loss. Thus, the warning for them is intensified. They are warned of the punishment that awaits them. Punishment protects societies from the spread of crimes within them. Every society must have regulations of punishments and laws to deter criminals, and this is a natural matter.