Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 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 gathered on the appointed day 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 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 said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 Fir'awn said: ye believed in him ere I gave you leave. Verily he is your chief who hath taught you magic, so ye shall surely come to know. Surely I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and surely I shall crucify you all. 49 They said: no harm! verily unto our Lord we are to return. 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51