(Firon) said to the chiefs around him: Most surely this is a skillful magician, 34 “He wishes to expel you out of your land by his magic; so what is your advice?” 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 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 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 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 cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning to our Lord. 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51