مَن كَانَ يَظُنُّ أَن لَّن يَنصُرَهُ ٱللَّهُ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْءَاخِرَةِ فَلْيَمْدُدْ بِسَبَبٍ إِلَى ٱلسَّمَآءِ ثُمَّ لْيَقْطَعْ فَلْيَنظُرْ هَلْ يُذْهِبَنَّ كَيْدُهُۥ مَا يَغِيظُ
Commentary:
This verse is generally misunderstood and misinterpreted. We have tried to make the meaning clear by supplying the words "the Prophet" within brackets and the expressions "the Divine help" and "if he can" and the pronoun "him" in italics. The verse seems to hold out a challenge to disbelievers to do their worst against the Holy Prophet; and then see if they can stop Divine help which he is constantly receiving and will continue to receive from on high. It is decreed in the heavens that Islam will make steady and uninterrupted progress and that no one can alter the Divine decree; and that only death will save disbelievers from the humiliating and painful sight of seeing Islam making rapid progress. If the word سـمـاء be interpreted as "roof" or "ceiling" the verse would signify, "if the opponents of the Holy Prophetare enraged at the success of his mission, then let them hang themselves by fixing a rope to the ceiling and cutting it off. But even then Divine assistance will not stop coming." This meaning is supported by 3:120 where disbelievers are reproved and reprimanded in the words, "Die in your rage, surely Allah knows full well what is in your hearts."
The verse seems to hold out a challenge to disbelievers to do their worst against the Holy Prophet and then see if they can stop Divine help which he is constantly receiving and will continue to receive from On High. It is decreed in the heavens that Islam shall make steady and uninterrupted progress and that no one can alter the Divine decree; and that only death will save disbelievers from the humiliating and painful sight of seeing Islam making rapid progress. If the word Sama’ be interpreted as "roof" or "ceiling" (Lane), the verse would signify, 'If the opponents of the Holy Prophet are enraged at the success of his mission, then let them hang themselves by fixing a rope to the ceiling and cutting it off, even then Divine assistance will not stop coming.' This meaning is supported by 3:120 where disbelievers are reproved and reprimanded in the words, Perish in your rage. Surely, Allah has full knowledge of what is hidden in your breasts.