Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 Moosa said to them, “Cast whatever you intend to cast.” 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 “We hope that our Lord will forgive us our mistakes, as we are the first to believe.” 51