۞ From the earth We created you, and into it We will return you, and from it We will extract you another time. 55 And We showed Pharaoh all Our Signs, but he did reject and refuse. 56 He said: "Have you come to us to drive us out of our land by your sorcery? 57 So We shall surely bring unto thee a magic the like thereof; so Make between us and thee an appointment which neither we nor thou shall fail in some open space. 58 Said (Moses): "Let your meeting be on the day of the Feast, and let people assemble in broad daylight." 59 So Pharaoh withdrew: He concerted his plan, and then came (back). 60 Said Moses to them: "Woe unto you! Do not invent lies against God, lest He afflict you with most grievous suffering: for He who contrives [such] a lie is already undone!" 61 So they debated among themselves as to what to do; but they kept their counsel secret, 62 They said: Lo! these are two wizards who would drive you out from your country by their magic, and destroy your best traditions; 63 Bring together your devices and come forward in ranks; the winner will, certainly, have great happiness". 64 They said to Moses: 'Will you throw down or shall we be the first? 65 Moses replied: 'No, you throw first' And by their sorcery it seemed to him that their ropes and staffs were sliding. 66 Moses became fearful within himself. 67 But We said to him: 'Do not be afraid; you shall surely be the uppermost. 68 Throw down what is in your right hand and it will swallow up all that they have performed; theirs is only a magical performance. Magicians can find no happiness in whatever they do." 69 Then the magicians were cast down prostrate; they said: we believe in the Lord of Musa and Harun. 70 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But I shall most certainly cut off your hands and feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and I shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers on trunks of palm-trees: and [I shall do this] so that you might come to know for certain as to which of us [two] can inflict a more severe chastisement, and [which] is the more abiding!" 71 They (the magicians) said, "We would never prefer you to the miracles that we have seen or to our Creator. Do what you want. This life is only for a short time. 72 We believe in our Lord, that He may pardon us our offences, and the sorcery thou hast constrained us to practise; God is better, and more abiding.' 73 Gehenna (Hell) awaits whosoever comes before his Lord as a sinner, there he shall neither die nor live. 74 And whosoever cometh unto Him as a believer, and he hath done righteous works - then these! for them are ranks high. 75 The gardens of perpetuity, beneath which rivers flow, to abide therein; and this is the reward of him who has purified himself. 76