What is the interpretation of the Hadith: "There will be instances and instances [of discord], so whoever wishes to divide the affair of this nation while it is united; strike him with the sword, whoever he may be"?

This is information from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to his Ummah about the tribulations that will occur after him. He advises keenness on unity of word and ranks, and blocks the way for anything that tears apart the fabric of the Ummah. "Al-Hanat" refers to tribulations and new occurrences. Whoever seeks discord is to be prevented, and his evil repelled, even if it is through fighting and killing, because the interest of the community and unity of word are greater than the sanctity of the blood of one who desires discord, even if he is a Muslim. Al-Nawawi says: "One is commanded to fight whoever rebels against the Imam or intends to divide the word of the Muslims. If he does not desist, he is fought. If his evil cannot be repelled except by killing him, then his killing is considered null and void." Thus, the Prophet’s saying, peace and blessings be upon him: "then strike him with the sword" or "then kill him," means: if it cannot be repelled except by that.