'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day. 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 so that we may follow the magicians, if they be the winners." 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs saying, "By the honor of the Pharaoh we shall certainly become the winners". 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51