al-Jidāl is interpreted in two ways:
1. al-Jidāl is used in the sense of hostility / struggle, as in the following verses:
They dispute about Allah {that is, they show hostility / struggle against the Prophet concerning Allah}. But His might is severe. (al-Raʿd 13:13)
{Ibrāhīm} disputed with Us concerning the people of Lūṭ {that is, he became an adversary to Us and entered into a struggle}. (Hūd 11:74)
They disputed in order to refute the truth with falsehood {that is, they became adversaries / struggled}. (al-Muʾmin 40:5)
Among the people is he who disputes about Allah without any knowledge {that is, he becomes an adversary / struggles}. (al-Ḥajj 22:3)
2. al-Jidāl is used in the sense of debating / arguing, as in the following verses:
There is to be no jidāl (debate / argument) during ḥajj. (al-Baqara 2:197)
"O Nūḥ! You have certainly argued with us {that is, you have debated / argued}, and you have prolonged the debate / argument," they said. (Hūd 11:32)
No one disputes about the verses (āyāt) of Allah except the disbelievers {that is, no one debates / argues}. (al-Muʾmin 40:4)