The chiefs of Pharaoh's people said, "This is most surely a skillful magician, 109 who wants to drive you out of your land! " [Said Pharaoh:] "What, then, do you advise?" 110 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 111 to summon every skilful magician to your presence.' 112 And the magicians came to Pharaoh. They said, "Indeed for us is a reward if we are the predominant." 113 He said, 'Yes, indeed; and you shall be among the near-stationed.' 114 So they said: "O Moses, you may cast your spell first, or we shall cast ours." 115 He answered: "You throw [first]." And when they threw down [their staffs,] they cast a spell upon the people's eyes, and struck them with awe, and produced mighty sorcery. 116 Then We directed Moses: 'Now you throw your rod.' And lo! it swallowed up all their false devices. 117 ۞ whereupon the truth was established, and vain was proved all that they had been doing. 118 Pharaoh and his men were defeated and put to shame, 119 And the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 120 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the universe, 121 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 122 But Pharaoh said: "You have come to accept belief in Him without my permission! This surely is a plot you have hatched to expel the people from the land. You will soon come to know. 123 "Surely, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, then I will crucify you all." 124 They replied: 'We shall surely return to our Lord. 125 You only take revenge on us because we believed in the Lord when we saw His miracles. Lord, grant us patience and let us die Muslims (submitted to God)." 126