Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 who seeks to expel you from your land by his sorcery. What is your counsel' 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 “To bring to you every expert great magician.” 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 And when the wizards came they said unto Pharaoh: Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners? 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and suddenly it swallowed up what they had falsely invented. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Universe 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 [Pharaoh] said, "You believed Moses before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic, but you are going to know. I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you all." 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 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