Said Firaun to the court members around him, “He is indeed an expert magician.” 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 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 came forth (for the encounter) they said to Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we triumph?" 41 "Yes," he replied. "You 'will be among the honoured." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." 44 Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it devoured what they falsified. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 They said: We believe in the Lord of the worlds: 47 "The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. 50 We are eager that Our Lord should forgive us our offenses, for we are the first of the believers' 51