Said Firaun to the court members around him, “He is indeed an expert magician.” 34 "He wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery, then what is it your counsel, and what do you command?" 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 and the people were told, "Will you also gather together, 39 (They said): "We may haply follow the magicians if they are victorious." 40 Then, when the sorcerers came, they said to Pharaoh, 'Shall we indeed have a wage, if we should be the victors?' 41 He said: "Yes, you will then become those near-stationed to me." 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you cast' 43 Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners. 44 Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it devoured what they falsified. 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all 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: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 "Verily! We really hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, as we are the first of the believers [in Musa (Moses) and in the Monotheism which he has brought from Allah]." 51