The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 "His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" 35 They said: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 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 said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you cast' 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Moses threw his rod, when, behold, it straightway swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake! 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Haroun. 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 'There is no harm' they replied, 'for surely to our Lord we are turning. 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51