Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 And it was said to the people: Will you gather together? 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers [who were on Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) religion of disbelief] if they are the winners." 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Musa said to them: Cast what you are going to cast. 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Musa (Moses) threw his stick, and behold, it swallowed up all the falsehoods which they showed! 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him, before I have given you permission? He is surely your master who has taught you magic. But you shall see. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you all." 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51