According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the principle articulated in Quran 42:42 establishes a cornerstone of Islamic justice: blame and accountability lie solely with the aggressor. The verse, 'The cause is only against the ones who wrong the people and tyrannize upon the earth without right,' is interpreted by authorities like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi as a definitive legal and ethical maxim. The Arabic term 'as-Sabil' (the cause/the way) is understood to mean the grounds for retribution or censure. Therefore, this verse clarifies that while the oppressed have a right to defend themselves (as mentioned in 42:39), the moral and legal culpability remains entirely with those who initiate oppression (Zulm). This Quranic principle fundamentally rejects victim-blaming and places the full weight of responsibility on the transgressor, for whom a 'painful punishment' is promised.