۞ Thereof (the earth) We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you out once again. 55 AND, INDEED, We made Pharaoh aware of all Our messages - but he gave them the lie and refused [to heed them]. 56 He said: "Hast thou come to drive us out of our land with thy magic, O Moses? 57 We shall certainly meet you with like magic. So make an appointment when we and you could meet on common ground, which neither we nor you should fail to keep." 58 (Musa) said: Your appointment is the day of the Festival and let the people be gathered together in the early forenoon. 59 After this the Pharaoh withdrew and settled his stratagem, then came back. 60 Moses said to them, "Woe to you! Do not invent lies against God, lest He destroy you by some calamity: whoever invents lies is bound to fail." 61 So they debated among themselves as to what to do; but they kept their counsel secret, 62 They said: Lo! these are two wizards who would drive you out from your country by their magic, and destroy your best traditions; 63 So gather your guile; then come in battle-line. Whoever today gains the upper hand shall surely prosper. 64 They said, "O Moses, either you throw or we will be the first to throw." 65 Moses replied: "No, let it be you to throw first." Then suddenly it appeared to Moses, owing to their magic, as if their ropes and staffs were running. 66 And he sensed within himself apprehension, did Moses. 67 Allah said, "Fear not. Indeed, it is you who are superior. 68 Throw down that [staff] which is in your right hand -- it shall swallow up what they have wrought, for what they have wrought is only a magician's trick. A magician shall never thrive, come whence he may. 69 Eventually the magicians were impelled to fall down prostrate and said: "We believe in the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 70 Pharaoh said: "What! Did you believe in Him even before I permitted you to do so? Surely, he must be your chief who taught you magic. Now I will certainly cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and will crucify you on the trunks of palm-trees, and then you will come to know which of us can inflict sterner and more lasting torment." 71 They said: we shall by no means prefer thee to that which hath come to us of the evidences, and Him Who hath created us; so decree thou whatsoever thou shalt decree; thou canst only decree in respect of the life of this world. 72 We believe in our Lord, that He may pardon us our offences, and the sorcery thou hast constrained us to practise; God is better, and more abiding.' 73 Surely for him who comes before his Lord a sinner shall be Hell, where he will neither die nor live. 74 And whoso comes unto Him a believer having done deeds of righteousness, those -- for them await the most sublime degrees; 75 The gardens of perpetuity, beneath which rivers flow, to abide therein; and this is the reward of him who has purified himself. 76