Did the Master of Yass speak after his death or before it?

There is disagreement regarding the identity of the man said to be Habib al-Najjar, who believed in the messengers and called his people (to faith), whereupon they killed him while he was saying, "My Lord, guide my people." Ibn Abbas mentioned that he advised his people, both alive and dead. Al-Qurtubi stated that the apparent meaning of the verse is that he was told after his death, "Enter Paradise," which is supported by Qatadah's saying that he is alive and provided for therein. It was also said that he uttered that (statement) before his death, or when he entered Paradise and witnessed its delights.