The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 to bring thee every cunning sorcerer. 37 So the magicians were assembled at a stated time and place on an appointed day. 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you 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 Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 And down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 Pharaoh said: "You accepted the word of Moses even before I granted you the leave to do so. Surely he is your chief who has taught you magic. Soon shall you come to know. I shall cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and shall crucify all of you." 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 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