According to search-discovered classical Islamic jurisprudence, the Quranic verses sanctioning combat (qital) are strictly contextualized to apply only during active hostilities against belligerent forces ('muharibin'). Classical authorities like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Taymiyyah explain that the foundational principle is defensive, as stated in Quran 2:190: 'Fight... against those who fight against you, but do not transgress.' This principle governs the interpretation of all related verses. The synthesis of the 8 key verses on this topic reveals that lethal force is directed at those who break treaties (9:12), initiate aggression (2:191), or create 'fitnah'—defined by scholars as severe persecution that denies religious freedom. Crucially, commands like the 'Verse of the Sword' (9:5) are understood by exegetes like Al-Tabari as specific to their historical context of treacherous combatants, and are superseded by the overarching command to cease hostilities if the enemy inclines to peace (4:91, 8:61). This legal framework distinguishes between lawful combat against aggressors and the prohibition of harming non-combatants, establishing a clear code of conduct for when hostilities are in progress.