Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 Then when the magicians came, they said unto Fir'awn: will there surely be a big hire for us if we are the winners? 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they threw down their ropes and their staves and exclaimed, “By the honour of Firaun, indeed victory is ours!” 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, 46 They said, “We have accepted faith in the Lord Of The Creation.” 47 “The Lord of Moosa and Haroon.” 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said, “No harm (in it), we will return to our Lord.” 50 "Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!" 51