Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said: Give him and his brother respite and send heralds into the cities 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 Then when the magicians came, they said unto Fir'awn: will there surely be a big hire for us if we are the winners? 41 He said: Aye, and ye will then surely be of those brought near (to me). 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Lord 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: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51