'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. So, what do you bid?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs saying, "By the honor of the Pharaoh we shall certainly become the winners". 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 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! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers." 51