“By Allah, I will not have intercourse with you for one hundred and twenty-one days.” This period exceeds four months by one day, so he has made ilaʾ.

His statement, “or until Jesus descends,” means that he says, “By Allah, I will not have intercourse with you until Jesus, son of Mary, descends from heaven.” Does this period exceed four months? Allah knows best, but that is generally the case. It is like people saying, “By Allah, I will not speak to so-and-so until the Hour is established.” This is regarded as perpetual abstention.

We have previously mentioned, concerning the descent of Jesus, peace be upon him, that he will truly descend to the earth, and that he is alive now, for Allah Most High says:

“Rather, Allah raised him up to Himself.” [al-Nisa 4:158]

As for His saying:

“O Jesus, indeed I will take you.” [Al 'Imran 3:55]

its meaning is: I will cause you to sleep, as Allah Most High says:

“He is the One Who takes your souls by night, knowing what you have committed during the day.” [al-An'am 6:60]

It has also been said that the meaning of “I will take you” is: I will take hold of you, just as one may say, “I have collected my debt,” meaning, “I have received it”; it does not mean the taking of sleep. This is the correct view, because Jesus, son of Mary, peace be upon him, will descend at the end of time, as the hadiths have stated and have been authentically reported from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. (1)

His statement, “or until the Dajjal emerges”: Dajjal is an intensive form derived from dajal, meaning lying and deception. This Dajjal will appear at the end of time, before the descent of Jesus, peace be upon him. When he first emerges, he will claim prophethood, then claim lordship; then Allah, exalted is He, will grant him the means