204. Here the term fitnah is used in a different sense from the one in which
it was used above see( verse 191). It is evident from the context that fitnah
refers here to the state of affairs wherein the object of obedience is someone
other than God. Hence the purpose of a believer's fighting is that this fitnah
should cease and obedience should be consecrated to God alone.
An investigation of the usages of the word din (which occurs in this verse)
reveals that the core of its meaning is obedience. In its technical usage, the
word refers to that system of life which arises as a result of a person recognizing
someone as his Lord and Sovereign and committing himself to following his commands
and ordinances. This explanation of the word din makes it quite clear that when
some human beings establish their godhead and absolute dominance over others,
this state of affairs is one of fitnah. Islam seeks to put an end to this and
replace it by a state of affairs in which people live in obedience to the laws
of God alone.