Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that I had heard that every prophet is given the choice between staying in this world or the Hereafter before his death. Then I also heard it from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) himself, during his final illness, when his voice had become heavy. He was reciting the verse (with those upon whom Allah has bestowed favor, etc.) (i.e., with those people upon whom Allah has bestowed His blessings). I became certain that he too had been given the choice.