Answer
Salam (Peace),
Thank you for this question and for contacting Ask About Islam.
I agree with you that many people wonder about this point and discuss it. The Quran is very clear on this issue. It says what means:
{Behold! Allah said, O Jesus! I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the falsehoods] of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow you superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: then shall you all return unto Me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein you dispute} (Quran 3:55).
{That they said [in boast]: “We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah”, but they killed him not, nor crucified him. Only a likeness of that was shown to them. And those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no certain knowledge. But only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not:- No! Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.} (Quran 4:157-158)
The critical word is “bal” in verse 157 which translates to “but” in “but they killed him not”. Arabic rules of grammar require opposites to be compared when “bal” is used.
So, putting these two verses together, since Allah clearly says {But they killed him not}, it means they didn’t kill him. Therefore, he must be alive. So, {I will raise you to Me} implies “I will raise you to Me alive.”
The passage in verses 4:157-158 only emphasizes that many people talk about what they do not know. Muslims believe that all knowledge is with Allah. He knows and Man knows not. What Allah tells us is the truth.
Your question only reiterates that Man is contentious and will argue on many things, even those things that he doesn’t know. Yet, here the issue is, I believe, very clear.
God Willing, this helps answer your question.
Salam and please keep in touch.
Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:
https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/understanding-islam/6-facts-about-jesus-non-muslims-might-not-know/