۞ And when Moses had fulfilled his term and was wandering with his family [in the desert,] he perceived a fire on the slope of Mount Sinai; [and so] he said to his family: "Wait here. Behold, I perceive a fire [far away]; perhaps I may bring you from there some tiding, or [at least] a burning brand from the fire, so that you might warm yourselves. 29 But when he came close to it, a call was sounded from the right-side bank of the valley, out of the tree [burning] on blessed ground: "O Moses! Verily, I am God, the Sustainer of all the worlds!" 30 Throw down your staff." When Moses saw his staff moving on the ground like a living being he fled with no desire to step forward. He was told, "Moses, step forward. Do not be afraid; you will be safe and secure. 31 Put your hand into your bosom, and it will come out shining without any blemish; and draw your hand close to your body to still your fear. Those are the two clear Signs from your Lord for Pharaoh and his chiefs, for truly they are a disobedient people." 32 He said, "My Lord, indeed, I killed from among them someone, and I fear they will kill me. 33 And my brother Aaron - he is far better in speech than I am. Send him, therefore, as a helper, so that he might [more eloquently] bear witness to my speaking the truth: for I fear indeed that they will give me the lie." 34 He said: We will strengthen your arm with your brother, and We will give you both an authority, so that they shall not reach you; (go) with Our signs; you two and those who follow you shall be uppermost. 35 But when Moses came to them with Our Clear Signs, they said: "This is nothing but a magic that has been contrived. We never heard anything like it from our ancestors of yore." 36 Moses said: "My Lord knows best who it is that comes with guidance from Him and whose end will be best in the Hereafter: certain it is that the wrong-doers will not prosper." 37 Whereupon Pharaoh said: "O you nobles! I did not know that you could have any deity other than myself. Well, then, O Haman, kindle me a fire for [baking bricks of] clay, and then build me a lofty tower, that haply I may have a look at the god of Moses; although, behold, I am convinced that he is of those who [always] tell lies!" 38 The Pharaoh and his army were puffed-up with pride in the land for no true cause. They thought that they would never return to Us. 39 So We took him and his soldiers and threw them into the sea. So see how was the end of the wrongdoers. 40 We had made them leaders, but they called people to the Fire; and on the Day of Judgement they will not be helped. 41 We have made a curse to pursue them in this world, and on the Day of Judgement they shall be among the despised. 42