The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 Then, when the sorcerers came to Pharaoh, they said: 'Shall we receive a wage if we win' 41 'Yes, indeed' he answered, 'and you shall become among those who are near stationed' 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you cast' 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 [Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said: "You have believed in him before I give you leave. Surely, he indeed is your chief, who has taught you magic! So verily, you shall come to know. Verily, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all." 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51