۞ From the earth We have created you and We will return you to it, and from it We shall bring you forth a second time. 55 So We showed Pharaoh all Our signs, but he cried lies, and refused. 56 And said: "Have you come to us, O Moses, to drive us out of our land with your witchery? 57 So we too will produce before you magic like it, therefore make between us and you an appointment, which we should not break, (neither) we nor you, (in) a central place. 58 Moses said, "Let the contest take place on the Day of Feast so that all the people can come together during the brightness of the day." 59 After this the Pharaoh withdrew and settled his stratagem, then came back. 60 (At the time of the encounter) Moses said to them: "Woe to you! Do not invent falsehoods against Allah lest He destroy you with a scourge. Surely those who invent lies shall come to grief." 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 "So devise your plot, and then assemble in line. And whoever overcomes this day will be indeed successful." 64 They said: either thou cast down, or we shall be the first to cast down. 65 Moses said, "You throw first." When they did, their ropes and staffs through their magic seemed to be moving. 66 So Musa conceived in his mind a fear. 67 We said to him: "Fear not. You will certainly be victorious. 68 "And throw that which is in your right hand! It will swallow up that which they have made. That which they have made is only a magician's trick, and the magician will never be successful, no matter whatever amount (of skill) he may attain." 69 Thereafter the sorcerers threw themselves down, prostrating, saying: 'We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses' 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 The magicians answered: "By Him Who has created us, we shall never prefer you to the Truth after manifest Signs have come to us. So decree whatever you will. Your decree will pertain, at the most, to the present life of the world. 72 We believe in our Lord so that He forgives us our sins and the sorcery you have forced us to practice. Allah is Better, and Everlasting' 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 But he who comes to Him as a believer, having done good deeds, shall be exalted to the highest ranks, 75 gardens of perpetual bliss, through which running waters flow, therein to abide: for that shall be the recompense of all who attain to purity. 76