(Pharaoh) said to the Chiefs around him: "This is indeed a sorcerer well-versed: 34 Who desires to turn you out of your land with his magic; what is it then that you advise? 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said Firaun, “You accepted faith in him before I permitted you! He is indeed your leader who taught you magic; so now you will come to know; I swear, I will certainly cut off your hands and your feet from alternate sides, and crucify all of you.” 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51