Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 He would drive you out of your land through his magic; what then is it ye command? 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day. 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers [who were on Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) religion of disbelief] if they are the winners." 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they cast their ropes and rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall be victorious." 44 Thereafter, Moses threw down his rod and behold, it went about swallowing up all the false devices they had contrived. 45 The magicians fell down in adoration 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 [Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] said: "You have believed in him before I give you leave. Surely, he indeed is your chief, who has taught you magic! So verily, you shall come to know. Verily, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all." 49 They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. 50 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51