[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moosa said to them, “Cast whatever you intend to cast.” 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 “The Lord of Moosa and Haroon.” 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 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51