۞ We created you from the earth and will revert you back to it; and raise you up from it a second time. 55 AND, INDEED, We made Pharaoh aware of all Our messages - but he gave them the lie and refused [to heed them]. 56 And said: "Have you come to us, O Moses, to drive us out of our land with your witchery? 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 day of the encounter will be the day of the festival, and let the people assemble when the sun has risen high." 59 Pharaoh went back and concerted all his stratagem and returned for the encounter. 60 Musa said unto them: woe unto you! fabricate not against Allah a lie, lest he extirpate you with a torment, and surely He who fabricateth, loseth. 61 So they disputed over their affair among themselves and concealed their private conversation. 62 They said, “Undoubtedly these two are magicians for sure, who wish to expel you from your land by the strength of their magic, and destroy your exemplary religion!” 63 So arrange your plan, and come in battle line. Whoso is uppermost this day will be indeed successful. 64 They said: O Musa! will you cast, or shall we be the first who cast down? 65 He said: Nay, do ye throw! Then lo! their cords and their staves, by their magic, appeared to him as though they ran. 66 and in his heart Moses became apprehensive, 67 Allah said, "Fear not. Indeed, it is you who are superior. 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 Eventually the magicians were impelled to fall down prostrate and said: "We believe in the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 70 [Pharaoh] said, "You believed him before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you on the trunks of palm trees, and you will surely know which of us is more severe in [giving] punishment and more enduring." 71 They said: we shall by no means prefer thee to that which hath come to us of the evidences, and Him Who hath created us; so decree thou whatsoever thou shalt decree; thou canst only decree in respect of the life of this world. 72 We believe in our Lord that He may forgive us our sins and also forgive us the practice of magic to which you had compelled us. Allah is the Best and He alone will abide." 73 The truth is that Hell awaits him who comes to his Lord laden with sin; he shall neither die in it nor live. 74 One who comes into the presence of his Lord with faith and righteous deeds 75 Gardens of Eden underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide for ever. That is the reward of him who groweth. 76