The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 "And bring up to thee all (our) sorcerers well-versed." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 When the magicians came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs saying, "By the honor of the Pharaoh we shall certainly become the winners". 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 Said Pharaoh, 'You have believed him before I gave you leave. Why, he is the chief of you, the same that taught you sorcery; now you shall know! I shall assuredly cut off alternately your hands and feet, then I shall crucify you all together.' 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51