[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 to bring thee every cunning sorcerer. 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51