۞ From the earth We have created you and We will return you to it, and from it We shall bring you forth a second time. 55 And indeed We showed him [Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] all Our Signs and Evidences, but he denied and refused. 56 He said: 'Moses, have you come to drive us from our land with your sorcery? 57 We shall also answer you by magic. Let us make an appointment for a contest among us and let each of us be present at a certain time in the appointed place". 58 Moses said: "The appointment to meet you is on the Day of the Feast and let all people come together before noon." 59 After this the Pharaoh withdrew and settled his stratagem, then came back. 60 and Moses said to them: 'Alas! Do not forge a lie against Allah lest He destroys you with a punishment. Indeed, whosoever forges has failed' 61 Then they debated with one another what they must do, and they kept their talk secret. 62 They said: verily these two are magicians, intending to drive you forth from your land by their magic and to do away with your superior way. 63 So resolve upon your plan and then come [forward] in line. And he has succeeded today who overcomes." 64 They said, "O Moses, either you throw or we will be the first to throw." 65 He answered: "Nay, you throw [first]." And lo! by virtue of their sorcery, their [magic] ropes and staffs seemed to him to be moving rapidly: 66 So Moses' heart was filled with fear. 67 We said: "Fear not! for thou hast indeed the upper hand: 68 And cast down what is in your right hand; it shall devour what they have wrought; they have wrought only the plan of a magician, and the magician shall not be successful wheresoever he may come from. 69 So the magicians fell down in prostration. They said, "We have believed in the Lord of Aaron and Moses." 70 The Pharaoh said, "Since you believed in him without my permission, then Moses certainly must be your chief who has taught you magic. I shall cut your hands and feet on alternate sides and crucify you on the trunk of the palm-tree. You shall certainly find which among us can afflict a more severe and lasting punishment". 71 Their reply was: 'We will not prefer you over the clear signs that have come to us, nor over Him who has created us. So decide upon whatever you decide, you can only decide upon things in this present life. 72 We believe in our Lord so that He forgives us our sins and the sorcery you have forced us to practice. Allah is Better, and Everlasting' 73 Whosoever comes unto his Lord a sinner, for him awaits Gehenna wherein he shall neither die nor live. 74 But whoever comes before Him a believer having done good deeds, will be raised to higher stations -- 75 The gardens of perpetuity, beneath which rivers flow, to abide therein; and this is the reward of him who has purified himself. 76