The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 Who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. Now what do you advise?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be 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: Aye, and ye will then surely be of those brought near (to me). 42 Moosa said to them, “Cast whatever you intend to cast.” 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, 47 “The Lord of Moosa and Haroon.” 48 Said (the Pharaoh): "You have come to believe in him before I gave you leave. He is surely your chief, who taught you magic. You will soon come to know: I will have your hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, and have every one of you crucified." 49 They said: No harm; surely to our Lord we go back; 50 "Verily! We really hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, as we are the first of the believers [in Musa (Moses) and in the Monotheism which he has brought from Allah]." 51