What is the interpretation of verses 24-25 of Surat At-Tawbah, and what is the ruling on loving fathers, wealth, and other things more than Allah, His Messenger, and striving in His cause? Is that considered apostasy, and does “jihad” refer only to fighting?

Verse 24 of Surat At-Tawbah summarizes that the love for fathers, sons, relatives, wealth, dwellings, and trade, if it surpasses the love of Allah, His Messenger, and striving in His cause, then that is a cause for divine punishment, and that Allah does not guide the rebellious (fasiqeen). This is a commentary on the prohibition of allying with disbelievers.

As for Verse 25 of Surat At-Tawbah, it reminds of Allah's victory for the believers in many instances, even during the Battle of Hunayn when their large numbers impressed them, yet availed them nothing, and the earth, for all its vastness, became constrained for them, then they turned their backs in retreat. It then describes how Allah granted them victory thereafter.