4.76 – Those who believe fight in the way of God
This astonishing assertion raises at least two important questions. The first is what the Quran actually means by “those who believe.” The second is whether it is possible – in the heat of battle – to distinguish between those who fight “in the way of Allah” and “the allies of Satan.”
This verse also commands the reader or listener to fight using the Arabic verb qātala. The preceding verse suggests that the reason for the fighting is to defend vulnerable women, children, and feeble men.