Another argument for the traditional interpretation is that here, Jesus (PBUH) is being reassured that he would be saved from his enemies. He is informed that all the conspiracies of the enemies will fail, and Allah will keep him safe in every way. How can a disconcerting news of the end of life be given at this moment of reassurance? In the case of death, the whole purpose of consolation and reassurance is lost. Maulana Idris Kandhlawi, explaining this argument, writes:
The majority of the Companions and their Successors as well as the generality of the righteous elders say that in this verse, tawaffā does not mean death. Rather, here its significant and literal meaning, i.e., to take something completely, is intended. The reason is the news of tawaffā is being given to Jesus—who at that time was fully besieged and cornered by the enemies—in order to reassure and console him. He is told: O Jesus, do not be afraid of the onslaught by the siege of enemies. I will snatch you completely, both soul and body, from these villains. Your existence among them was an expression of My great blessing for them. Their conduct has proved that they are not worthy of keeping this blessing. Their ingratitude and disrespect deserve that this blessing be completely taken back from them…
In short, in the verse the word tawaffā means to take completely. The meaning of death is not intended, nor is it appropriate for this context, because when bloodthirsty and lethal enemies are all around, giving news of death at that time for consolation and comfort is not appropriate. The enemies’ aim is to take life. At that time, it is appropriate to say that you should not worry, we will extract you completely and intact from your enemies’ siege so that even your shadow cannot be reached by the enemies. So, if in the verse tawaffā is meant as death, then it would not be a consolation for Jesus but for the Jews, and the meaning would be: O Jews, do not worry and do not think of killing the Messiah, I myself will give him death. And I myself will fulfill your desire and wish; you will not have any hardship. This is not a consolation for Jesus, but for the Jews. (Maāriful Qur’an 1/629-630)